How a build works
Four stages, each leading into the next. Join at any one, or have us for the whole project.
The four stages
Join at any stage- 01
Before you buy
"Can I actually do what I want with this site?"
RiskCommitting to a site, design or budget before you know what it will actually let you build, and what that will really cost.
- Zoning and planning controls
- Title, easements and covenants
- Flood, bushfire and heritage
- Slope, soil and site access
- Water, sewer, power and stormwater
- Approval path: DA or CDC
- Likely costs and timeframe
- 02
Choose the right builder
"Am I choosing the right builder and signing a fair, clear agreement?"
RiskSigning the quote that looks cheapest, when it's missing tens of thousands of dollars of work.
- Evaluation criteria agreed with you
- Tender package so builders price the same scope
- Quotes compared line by line
- Builder licence, insurance and history checked
- Preferred builder on value for money
- Contract clauses and departures negotiated
- 03
During construction
"Is the project progressing as agreed?"
RiskPaying for work that isn't finished, accepting variations without question, and defects getting covered up.
- Inspection before each progress payment
- Work checked against plans and contract
- Variations checked: genuine and fairly priced?
- Allowances tracked against the budget
- Programme and delays monitored
- Defects photographed and raised early
- Your point of contact with the builder
- 04
Completion
"Has everything been completed and handed over properly?"
RiskPaying in full with defects still open, and losing your leverage to get them fixed.
- Practical completion inspection
- Defects list sent to the builder
- Final claim checked before you pay
- Occupation certificate obtained
- Warranties, manuals and certificates collected
- Follow-up before the defects period ends
We also manage the design and approvals
When we run the whole project, we start before the builder: briefing the designer, coordinating engineers and getting council approval.
- Design brief and budget
- Designer or architect managed
- Engineers coordinated
- Plans checked against council controls
- DA or CDC prepared and lodged
- Council requests and conditions handled
Development Planning & Coordination →Talk to us about the whole project →
Already underway, or going wrong?
You can bring us in at any stage. If your build has stalled or you're in a dispute, we'll start with where things stand today.
Tell us what's happening →