faqs.
For those who haven’t worked with a builder before, the design and construction process can seem quite overwhelming. Stories of both triumphs and tragedies are in great supply and where to start or what to ask can be the first hurdle. Your project, however, with a clear understanding of your brief and careful selection of a local professional builder who specialises in your build type, can be an enjoyable process with an outcome that not only adds value to your home but adds comfort and improved quality of life for years to come.
Most questions asked by our clients in the first conversation naturally fall under three categories:
- Us, our company
- Design and Approvals
- Construction
Below we have answered the most frequently asked questions to help get you started and better understand our processes. If we don’t address all your immediate questions below, please give us a call. We’d be happy to chat.
hdmb.
Most asked questions about us, HDMB
On average, HDMB start five projects per year. Depending on the start date and the duration of each project generally two of these will be completed in the same calendar year. The remaining two or three which start later in the year will run over Christmas and into the new year. We schedule our projects so that we always have three in progress at any given time, no more, no less. This ensures consistent workflow and reflects a comfortable resource capacity.
As an example, we may commence a project in February, another in April and a third in July. Once the first project is complete, we will begin a new project.
HDMB usually remain booked 12 months in advance, however, on occasion projects marked for construction slots/start dates are swapped or postponed. In this instance we take the next project in order of readiness.
If you are interested in discussing upcoming construction slots, please reach out via our Contacts page.
Yes, absolutely. HDMB have a long list of completed projects. Most likely, some of these are just down the road from your home.
All our completed projects serve as great examples of our capacity and capability as specialist builders, so we love to showcase them. There are three options:
Projects in progress
We would be happy to schedule a walk through our current projects. Due to our construction slot program, we will always have three projects in progress, all at different stages. One in demolition and groundworks stage, one in framing, lock-up and rough-in stage, and another in final fix-out and finishing stage. We would be more than happy to escort you through any or all these current projects and explain the process and design parameters for each.
Completed projects as case studies
Once a project is complete, we do our best to leave our clients alone, to settle into their new homes and enjoy their space and their families. To be respectful, we tend not to schedule new client inspections of homes once the projects have been handed back to the owners.
In this case, we offer new clients a street view of the project, a detailed discussion on the process, existing home, project brief and the design process followed by viewing of plans and completion photographs and answering any questions on the build. On request we can schedule a call with our past clients so you can ask questions about their experience.
Site visits of completed projects
Clients of our completed projects often offer for us to take new potential clients through their homes post occupation. This offer is always appreciated but rarely exercised. Our preference is to leave our clients to their new homes without imposition.
On occasion, and only if a particular completed project showcases direct parallels with a proposed addition will we offer a site visit. In this case we would usually meet the owners and inspect the completed project together with a walk through and Q and A session.
Building companies come from all areas, in all sizes and structures, with varying experience, qualifications and resources. When selecting a builder for your extension or addition, ensure they are suitably resourced and qualified. They must have a proven track record and portfolio of projects like yours. They should live and work in your area and have multiple local references to verify their suitability for your project. A specialist builder has selected their niche and perfected it and is best suited to your project. Don’t risk your project on a general, ‘no job too big or too small’ or new home builder. Chances are they won’t have the experience or knowledge to deliver.
Design and Approvals.
most asked questions about our design process and council approvals
When it comes to designing a home that's tailor-made for your family, it's not just about aesthetics; it's about functionality, flow, and the way you interact with your surroundings. Thoughtful design considers the flow of movement, optimal room layouts, and the practical and specific use of space. It's about creating an environment that fosters comfort, enhances convenience, and adapts to your families’ evolving needs.
Given every project we design and build is custom, the affect of adding a first floor addition varies. Generally, adding a first floor allows you to move existing spaces up whilst creating bigger spaces below. Even considering the addition of stairs, ground floor living spaces are most often opened, increasing space, light and functionality.
Absolutely, HDMB specialise in designing and building custom additions to suit your lifestyle and family’s needs. Every project is unique.
Before you go, check out our blog article from August 2023, ‘Designing for your Lifestyle’ for some great tips and a deeper understanding of design considerations and how HDMB can help you achieve a beautiful, functional home designed specifically for you.
The answer to this question is YES. Unfortunately, extensions and additions will always require approval.
The first step in our design process is to run a few reports and complete a survey of your land. We can then assess whether your addition can be designed as Complying Development or if a DA will be required for approvals.
Construction.
Most asked questions about our construction process
Construction slots are awarded once your DA or CDC and Construction Certificate is approved/ issued. Only once we reach this stage can we accurately refine the project price, lock in a fixed price contract, and schedule the works.
Leading up to this point in time we will have a good idea of upcoming available build slots and which one you are aiming for, so officially locking this slot in will be a natural progression without surprises.
HDMB specialises in significant extensions and first floor additions. Generally, we demolish up to 60% of the existing structure, rebuild the new ground floor addition to the same or an increased footprint and in most cases add another 25m2 – 80m2 as a first floor.
Based on the above general project scope and size, our projects run from 8 – 12 months. There are of course exceptions to the above where a project may, based on scope, run under or over this time period.
Prior to contract signing, HDMB will provide you with a complete schedule, start to finish with all works and trades locked in. You will follow site progress on our cloud-based project portal in real time. Your completion date is as important as your start date and will be clearly marked on your contract from day one.
Absolutely. You are encouraged to visit. We love it when clients take a close interest in our work and the crafting of their new home.
Based on the type and value of work we perform your project will be considered ‘high risk construction’ in the eyes of the law, therefore HDMB take the responsibility of ‘Principal Contractor’. This means all workers must be competent, insured and inducted to site. All visitors (including owners) must always be escorted through site by the builder or site foreman. Unfortunately, under WHS legislation, no builders can allow unescorted visits to any of their sites within NSW.
We recommend fortnightly visits during demolition, groundworks, and framing. After lockup you may wish to lock in a regular weekly visit to keep abreast of progress and any decisions which may arise.
Of course, if you are unavailable or on holiday, we will take care of everything, and you will be regularly updated via your client portal.
Generally not, however, there are exceptions. The first thing to note is that exclusive access to the whole site keeps things straightforward for your builder. Insurances, uninterrupted access, isolation of utilities, security and compliance are all necessary for a smooth operation and efficient build. Part occupation of the building may increase the project costs.
In some rare cases owners can stay in the existing part of their homes. This only works if we can isolate electricity, water, gas, and sewer services from the building site. You would need to have a working bathroom, basic kitchen and access to your existing building always kept separate from the worksite. We would also need to ensure we can meet insurance and council compliance through a clear definition of the ‘construction zone’. In this case we would also assume that there are no renovation works to the existing building.
Have a question we haven’t answered?
Or send us a note from our contact page.