Frequently Asked Questions

The overall timeframe depends on the project’s size, complexity, approval pathway, consultant requirements, level of documentation, material selections and construction conditions.A custom home may involve separate periods for feasibility, design, approvals, detailed documentation, pricing, pre-construction planning and construction. Archbuild develops a more meaningful program after reviewing the specific project.

Pricing becomes more reliable as the design, drawings, specifications, engineering and selections become more complete.An early estimate can guide decisions, but a detailed construction price requires enough information to understand the quantities, materials, structural requirements, site conditions and intended level of finish.

The appropriate contract depends on the project, scope, documentation and agreed pricing model.Before signing, the contract should clearly identify the parties, scope of work, drawings and specifications, price basis, allowances, exclusions, payment arrangements, variations, time requirements and completion process.NSW residential building work above the applicable threshold must be covered by a written contract containing the required information.

A construction proposal should clearly describe:the work included;the drawings and specifications relied upon;materials and finishes;provisional sums and prime-cost allowances;exclusions and client responsibilities;pricing assumptions;likely construction period; andthe proposed contract structure.The level of detail available will depend on how developed the project documentation is at the time of pricing.

Progress payments are set out in the building contract and reflect the agreed pricing model.They may be linked to completed construction stages, costs incurred at agreed intervals, or a combination of both. For NSW residential contracts over $20,000, the contract must contain a progress-payment schedule, and payments should correspond with work completed. Cost-plus claims must be supported by appropriate records.

Requested changes should be considered carefully because they may affect the price, construction program, approvals, consultant documentation and work already completed.Variations are documented with a description of the change and its cost and time implications. Under NSW residential building requirements, variations are generally required to be recorded in writing and agreed by the client and builder before the varied work proceeds, except in limited urgent circumstances.

It is sensible for clients to maintain an appropriate financial contingency, particularly for renovations, complex sites and projects where some existing conditions cannot be fully confirmed before construction.A contingency is separate from the contract price and should not be treated as money that must be spent. Its purpose is to help the client manage legitimate unforeseen matters or optional changes without placing the overall project under unnecessary pressure.