Question 1

What are standard inclusions?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What is Recycled Water?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What is a soil report?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What are Design Guidelines?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Why is maintaining my block so important?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What is a community infrastructure levy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What is a feature survey?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

What is an easement?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

What is a Variation?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

What is Report & Consent?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What is double glazing?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

What are obscure glazed windows?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Can I go on site during construction?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

What is a re-establishment survey?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

What is Asset Protection?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

What is land title?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

What does my structural warranty cover?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

What time does the colour selection appointment start?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 20

Where will the colour selection appointment be held?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 21

Can I make changes to my colours after my appointment?

Accepted Answer

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.

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