Frequently Asked Questions

  • Not at all. While we do complete larger custom renovations and luxury extensions, a large part of our work consists of practical family renovations and smaller projects.

    Many of our clients simply need:

    • An extra bedroom

    • A second bathroom or ensuite

    • A kitchen renovation

    • More living space

    • A laundry update

    • A small rear extension

    • Better use of their existing floorplan

    • Outdoor entertaing areas / Al-fresco

    No project is “too small” for us to discuss.

  • Yes. We regularly complete bathroom renovations, smaller home updates and practical extensions for growing families.

    Not every project needs to be a major transformation — sometimes a well-designed smaller renovation can make a huge difference to how a home functions and feels.

  • Absolutely. One of the most important parts of our process is designing a project that suits your budget and priorities.

    We work with clients on everything from modest family improvements through to larger custom renovations, and we’re always happy to discuss practical, cost-effective options.

  • Yes. Many of our projects are for families wanting a more functional home without the stress and cost of moving.

    This might include:

    • Adding a bedroom for a growing family

    • Creating a second living area

    • Renovating an outdated bathroom

    • Opening up existing spaces

    • Adding an ensuite or walk-in robe

    Often, relatively simple changes can completely transform the way a home works.

  • Not necessarily. Renovation costs vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the project.

    We work on a wide range of budgets and can often suggest smart design solutions that achieve excellent results without unnecessary expense.

  • We will organise a time to visit you at your house and discuss what you would like to achieve with the extension or renovation. This generally occurs within a week of you contacting us.

  • We are fully insured and all our experienced contractors are fully certified/qualified to ensure the highest standards are adhered to in all areas of work.

  • We appreciate that you may want to do some of the work yourself so with this in mind we are happy to discuss a variety of options for this.

  • Yes, we can definitely do this.

  • Generally speaking, if you spend less than $250,000 - $300,000, you will not. This will depend on the type of extension you do and the suburb you live in.

    It is essential that the extension be well designed and has the appropriate living spaces, bedrooms and bathrooms that the neighbourhood you live in requires.

    We are happy to give advice on this during the design stage.

    If you sell and move house you will definitely overcapitalise as the money you spend on advertising the property for sale, agent’s fees, stamp duty and moving expenses cannot be recouped. This generally costs about 8% of the value of the house you will buy.

    Approximate costs of selling are:

    • Advertising $600 - $4,000

    • Agents Commission 2.5% of the sale price

    • Stamp Duty varies but is approximately 5% of the purchase price.

    • Removalist costs vary depending on how much work you do yourself.

    • As a guide it will cost between $1,000 - $6,000

    • Finance costs

      • Costs for discharging any existing mortgage and getting a new mortgage

    • Other Costs

      • Costs of moving all your services such as gas, electricity, pay TV, telephone, etc.

      • Other miscellaneous costs could include new schools & uniforms, new school computers, etc.

  • No, there can be substantial differences in appearance, quality, materials, etc. We use quality materials and experienced tradesmen. We believe, like most things in life, you do “get what you pay for”. We strive in providing quality work for excellent value delivered in a timely manner.

  • Payments are made at stages set out in the Building Act and covered in the building contract.

    These stages generally are

    • Deposit - Payment on signing contract

    • Base Stage - When the slab or stumps are completed

    • Frame Stage - When the frame is completed

    • Lock-up Stage - When roof, windows and external walls are installed

    • Fixing Stage - When plaster, skirtings, architraves and doors are fitted

    • Completion - When the works are complete and the Building Surveyor issues a certificate of completion

  • Yes, although 90% of our work is designed by us, we are happy to work off other peoples plans.

  • No, we can design your extension or renovation after meeting with you and discussing your concepts, ideas and most importantly your budget.

  • In most cases you can continue to stay in your home while the renovation takes place. Our aim is for minimal disruption to you while the build is occurring.

    It is only on very rare occasions that you can’t live in your house during construction. We will ensure your services are always maintained and your house is left securely locked up.

  • Once the building permit is issued, we can begin a new project in as little as 2 weeks.

  • We are a local business working from our office in Mitcham or Mount Martha, Victoria. To see if we build in your area, just click on the “Recent Projects” page or contact us.

  • Once you agree to proceed, we need to organise drafting, soil tests, engineering, energy rating and building permits.

    In general, these items take 4-6 weeks.

    Construction would normally commence within 4 weeks of the building permit being approved. If you require works urgently, we can request the authorities process the application sooner.

    Most projects will be completed within 1 to 4 months depending on size and scopp of works

  • Yes, we can do as little or as much as you would like. Our trades are highly experienced and can design your extension, cost your build, complete all relevant documentation, liaise with authorities and manage the project from start to finish. Alternatively, we can construct the works to any stage required by you.

  • Yes, changes can be made at any stage. It is your house and we are happy to ensure you have the end product you want.

  • Our contracts ensure fixed prices for labour and materials, however variations to the contract documents requested by the owner can add to costs. We do not proceed with any variation unless agreed to by you.

    Our contracts also specify a construction period. If we go over this period, we will reduce our contract price for every week we are overdue.

  • Legislation requires that your house extension is built in compliance with the Building Regulation Act. If a dwelling or extension is in compliance, then a Certificate of Completion may be issued by a qualified Building Surveyor.

    This certificate can only be issued by a qualified professional, who, in most cases, carries out inspections during the set stages of construction and the finished build before the Certificate of Completion is issued.

  • The answer can depend on factors such as, are you putting a bathroom or a kitchen in your extension and if so what fixtures and fittings will you be installing? Or is the extension going to have a lot of structural work done?

  • If you already have your plans and permits we are happy to organise a free, competitive and no obligation quote for your build.

  • We use an industry standard HIA contract.

  • All our extensions and renovations are guaranteed for 6 years following the completion of the works under the Home Owners Warranty Guarantee and in over 30 years of business we have never had a claim, so you can rest assured we are professional and its’s why we receive most of of work from referrals.