A few truths about the building process

Before you build
Building work these days is not cheap, so if you’re looking for cheap, we are probably not the right fit. Our goal is to provide value to those who seek the same.
Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) is needed for any residential project over the value of $20,000.00.
The majority of building works need council approval before work can commence, this can be done with: in the way of a DA or a CDC.

DA, A Development Application is a formal request for consent to carry out proposed development, such as change of use of land, subdivision of land, and carrying out building, landscaping, and other work.
CDC, Complying Development Certificate is a fast-track approval process for straightforward residential, commercial and industrial development. If the application meets specific criteria, it can be determined by a council or accredited certifier.

Architects
Most professional architects are worth the investment, they are very good at designing individual client requirements, personalised scope of works, a schedule of finishes and detailed specifications. This is what we as professional builders need to allow us to provide accurate pricing in advance which minimises changes and surprises.
Architects are neither builders nor estimators. They can only give you a guide using historical prices for their designs ONLY if the project is recent and very similar. Trust your professional builder to provide accurate pricing with backup data and alternative selections if available.
Timing to consider
You will generally need to consult an Engineer, this should be done very early on in consultation with your builder and architect, but do not do your final drawings until you have approval.

Councils take a long time to approve works
(this varies between councils) so plan accordingly and expect this.
Sydney Water may hold up your approval as well if there are assets belonging to them near your proposed building works.
You will need to get a Dial Before You Dig certificate.
Expenses to consider
You will need to pay a Long Service Leave Levy
If you do not have good accurate drawings and documentation to build the project at the start of your building process, it will cost you additional money and everyone more time after a project is underway. This is why the investment in a good architect with detailed plans is so important. Remember the 7 “P’s” of life?
Housekeeping
When work starts, it will be messy, dusty and noisy so please expect this as normal while we work, but it will be cleaned.
Neighbours may come out and express their concerns or complain. We manage this for you by providing them with a copy of our “Pardon our Dust” letter with our job site supervisors contact information.
Your garden immediately around the affected area will not survive. If there is a special tree/plant that needs extra love, we need to know before we start.
There are generally unforeseen problems or latent conditions with alterations and additions that would not have been allowed for!

Most building products are made from natural resources and are susceptible to movements and minor defects.
Rain and wind do affect the project completion date so we will do our best to communicate any delays.
All the little extra bits of work you request to be done during the project, add up to a lot of money at the end of the project. We need to be organised at our site meetings to be efficient and cost-effective for you. It is our goal to minimise changes and minimise hidden costs.
Building work does take up a lot of your time, with meetings, site inspections and selection of Prime Cost Items. We can agree on a meeting schedule convenient for you where you have the proper amount of time to help the team.
Everyone on our team has responsibilities, deadlines and selection deadlines are the most key. If these are delayed it will certainly delay the completion date in most cases and cost more.
If a product is cheap, it’s cheap for a reason! We have tried to accommodate clients with low budgets and it never works so it makes no sense to allow it, it is a disservice to everyone.
For alterations and additions, you generally will need to move out for a period of time. It will greatly speed up the process and save us all time and money.
DCB will always be available for you and make the building process a pleasurable experience so that you will invite us to the party at the end! That will be the greatest compliment to us!