10 Frequently Asked Questions
Wish you had a “builder mate” to talk with about your ideas? We get it – good building advice can be hard to come by! To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of questions and concerns we come across regularly.
Whatever your question, you can trust that our experienced team has the answers.
1 - Do I need council approval before building?
All new home builds will require council approval before they can start. Home extensions and additions will usually require council approval too. Internal renovations, like kitchens and bathrooms, typically won't need approval. If you're unsure, it’s best to check with your local council for advice. You can find more information on your local council website.
2 - is it more expensive to build on a sloping block?
Unfortunately, this is usually true. There are multiple reasons for the extra costs.
Greater excavation may be needed before work can commence. Transport can be trickier for workers and machinery. Greater structural engineering solutions (such as beams and pillars) are often required. Extra foundation work may be needed to level out the block. Retaining walls may also be essential to shore up the new structure.
But a sloping block also comes with great advantages! Depending on where you build, they can offer spectacular views that will be sought after if you decide to sell later on. Elevated homes also catch the breeze, offering better ventilation.
3 -How long does it take to build a house?
The start date for your build will depend on the builder’s workload and schedule, the council and planning approval processes and finance approval from your bank or lender. We'll discuss your desired time-frame with you and let you know when to expect work to commence.
The completion time-frame will depend on your project’s scope, location and complexity. In truth, it can range from three months to two years – a big difference! – but we’ll give you a head’s up about this in advance.
4 -Can I live in my house while it’s being renovated?
This will depend on the extent of the work. For some jobs, you may be allowed to live in your house while the work is underway. However, for your own safety, clients should always stay clear of the construction area. For larger jobs, you may need to organise temporary living arrangements until the workis completed.
5-If I knock that wall down, will my house collapse?!
In short, it depends on the wall. Some internal walls are what we call “load-bearing walls”. This means they're taking a large amount of weight from the ceiling, roof, upstairs’ rooms, etc. You can’t knock down a load-bearing wall without transferring the weight to another structural beam first.
A qualified builder can tell you whether your wall is load-bearing or not. They’ll assess the structure and decide how the wall can best be removed without compromising the house’s structural integrity. If your wall is not load-bearing, it can be knocked down much quicker and easier.
6 - Should I be at home while tradespeople are working on my house?
Clients are often unsure about the right etiquette when tradespeople are working on their house. Should they stay to oversee the work? Or is it okay to leave for work, do the groceries, or attend a social outing instead? Rest assured, your supervision isn't required to ensure a job is completed well. Our team are professionals, so you can trust them to produce quality work whether you are at home or not.
7 - Why are there cracks appearing in my existing walls?
Wall cracks more commonly appear in homes that have been built on piers. Cracks are oftencaused by ground movement: as the ground swells and shrinks (a natural occurrence caused by weather and temperature changes), your house will move slightly. You might notice that the cracks in your walls get larger and smaller depending on the time of year. The ground’s movement can also cause doors and windows to become misaligned, making them harder to close securely.
If you're worried about cracks in your walls, it's always best to get professional advice from a qualified builder.
8 -HElp, my bathroom is leaking!
Bathrooms can leak for several reasons. It's possible that your waterproofing has started to fail, due to age. Other culprits are cracked pipes or ground movement. If your house is built on piers, it’s possible that your house has experienced some ground movement (a natural occurrence caused by weather and temperature changes), and this can cause cracks to appear in your bathroom and break the waterproofing, causing water leaks.
If your bathroom is leaking, make sure you get a professional to assess the problem firsthand. Water can cause damage to walls, flooring, carpets and more. It canalso cause mould problems that could be detrimental to your family’s health.
9 -How much will my building project cost?
The cost to build, renovate or extend a home will vary widely. It really depends on the project scope, job complexity, location, materials and more. Your project will usually be quoted as either a “fixed price” or “cost plus” contract. You can choose the option that best suits you.
Fixed price:
Under this type of contract, the builder agrees to complete your project for a fixed sum. The contract also includes a list of estimated prime costs and provisional sums for your project.
Prime cost items include things like tapware, door handles, kitchens and other fixtures that are estimated by the builder but can change based on your selection of materials. Provisional sums are costs that cannot be determined until work is underway or completed. For example, excavation costs can change if rock is found under the ground.
Variations to your contract may also occur during your build. This may happen if you change your mind about the project scope, which would require the quote to be updated, or if your project requires unexpected work.
Cost plus:
Under this type of contract, the builder charges you for work weekly/fortnightly based on materials and labour, plus a builder’s margin. The margin is a percentage of the materials and labour. This type of contract is more common when your project includes lots of unknown factors and will allow you to pay for the work as it’s completed. You will receive an invoice for the materials purchased during each week/fortnight, and a summary of the working hours for that period.
10 - What do “prime costs” and “provisional sums” mean in my quote?
A “fixed price” contract typically includes a list of estimated prime costs and provisional sums.
Prime cost items include things like tapware, door handles, kitchens and other fixtures that are estimated by the builder but can change based on your selection of materials. Provisional sums are costs that cannot be determined until work is underway or completed. For example, excavation costs can change if rock is found under the ground.
Variations to your contract may also occur during your build. This may happen if you change your mind about the project scope, which would require the quote to be updated, or if your project requires unexpected work.
Got another question for us?
PLease note: The advice provided above is general in nature and may not apply to your
specific project. For more advice relevant to your build, please contact us.