What are standard inclusions?

Standard inclusions are fixtures and features that are included in the price of your new home. Any of these items can be upgraded to meet your lifestyle and budget. These upgrades can be chosen and ordered at your Design Studio appointment.

What is Recycled Water?

Recycled water is mostly used for watering the garden and flushing toilets. It may be available if you are building in an estate but you may need to arrange for it to be connected to your home.

What is a soil report?

A soil report is a report based on a series of soil samples taken from your block of land. By testing the soil in various locations it enables our engineers to classify your soil type and provide the appropriate footing system for your home.

What are Design Guidelines?

Design Guidelines are often set by the developer of an estate to ensure every home built within the estate has a consistent look and feel. Your design guidelines can affect your façade colour selections and material selection.

Why is maintaining my block so important?

When you maintain your block, it means when we have completed the administration stage we will be able to get to the construction phase much sooner. If you do not maintain your block, it could take few weeks for you to remove rubbish, cut grass and get your boundaries identified, all of which could delay the start of your build.

What is a community infrastructure levy?

Homeowners may be required to pay a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to support funding of the community facilities required for the residents of a defined area. This applies most commonly to new estates and is governed by the developer of the land and the council in which your block is situated. These community facilities include local preschools, maternal and child health centres, community halls/multipurpose buildings, and other recreation facilities. Check with your local council to see what CIL you will need to pay.

What is a feature survey?

A feature survey is a detailed report that reflects your boundaries, services, levels, structures and other important details.

An easement is a section of land registered on your property title which gives someone the right to use that land for a specific purpose (such as council access to sewage and storm water pipes.) We cannot build any permanent structures on an easement. Your final slab design may also be affected by any easements on your property or your neighbour’s property.

Essentially, a variation is a request to change an item in your contract that has been agreed to by us in writing. Your contract will specify in detail how variations are to be dealt with.

What is Report & Consent?

This means your home does not comply with council guidelines/regulations (RESCODE). If you believe you have a valid reason for not being able to comply, you may request dispensation by applying for ‘report and consent’. Your neighbours are also involved in this stage of the process. We can apply to the council on your behalf, or you may choose to do this yourself.

What is double glazing?

Double-glazing consists of two glass panels approximately 3-4mm thick with a 10mm gap between them. This is generally used for energy efficiency and noise reduction. This is a good option if you are building on a busy street, especially on the front windows.

What are obscure glazed windows?

Obscure glazed windows are opaque windows you cannot see through. For example, in cases where you have overlooking neighbours you can use this type window to maintain your privacy yet they still allow light into the home.

What is the difference between a ‘site scrape’, ‘excavation’ and ‘cut and fill’?

A ‘site scrape’ is to simply remove the very top layer of the block to make it clean. An ‘excavation’ is needed when the site is required to be at a certain level and usually consists of a cut and fill method. A ‘cut and fill’ refers to the process of cutting into the hillside or slope of your site. The material removed from area is then used to ‘fill’ the site to achieve the desired level.

Can I go on site during construction?

You are more than welcome to attend your site regularly; however, you will need to be accompanied by your site supervisor for safety reasons.

What is a re-establishment survey?

A licensed surveyor is engaged to undertake a re-establishment survey to identify the right boundaries of your land prior to commencement of construction.

What is Asset Protection?

Asset protection provides you with cover for any damage done to council assets by your demolition or construction. Each Council has different requirements in relation to obtaining an asset protection permit before commencing works.

Refers to the process of formally recording your registration of rights in land, or land ownership, for example when you purchase new land from a previous owner with the intention to build on it. You will not be able to commence your build until the land is titled.

What does my structural warranty cover?

We offer a 7-year structural guarantee that covers items such as concrete foundations, structural brickwork and structural timbers. It does not cover damage caused by storms or natural disasters.

What time does the colour selection appointment start?

Our appointments are scheduled Monday - Friday and they commence at 9.00am. The colour selection process can run anywhere from 3 - 6 hours depending on the size of your home and how prepared you are, so we need to ensure that enough time is allowed so that you don’t feel rushed with making your decision.

Where will the colour selection appointment be held?

All appointments are held at our Design Studio at our Head Office in either Ascot Vale if you are building in Victoria, or Ormeau if you are building in Queensland.

Can I make changes to my colours after my appointment?

Small changes may be approved depending on where you are in the process; however they may incur an Administration fee and delay your file progressing to the next stage. We recommend doing as much research as possible prior to your colour appointment to ensure that you are happy with your selection when the appointment has concluded.