The deposit is typically 5% of the contract price. Should you decide not to proceed after paying the deposit, any services completed up to that point (such as soil testing or initial designs) will be deducted from the deposit amount.
Frequently asked questions
Deposit and Pricing
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What is the deposit amount, and will any portion be kept if we don’t proceed?
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When will we know the final price of our build?
You will receive the final price after we finalise the plans and detailed specifications and complete any necessary site reports. This ensures no unexpected costs arise during construction.
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Can we get an initial price estimate before paying a deposit?
Yes, we can provide a preliminary estimate based on a standard design. For a more accurate quote that considers land and customisation, a deposit is usually required to cover assessments.
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If we pay for soil tests or property reports, will we own these documents if we decide not to proceed?
Yes, any reports or documents paid for will be provided to you, regardless of whether you choose to proceed with the build.
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What does the contract include in terms of a progress and payment schedule?
Our contracts include a clear schedule of progress payments that align with construction milestones. This is fully discussed before signing to ensure transparency and ease for you.
Land and Site Preparations
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Do I need an engineer-designed foundation for my block?
This depends on the soil classification and land slope. Our initial soil and contour tests will determine what type of engineered foundation/slab is required.
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Are termite protection measures required on this site?
Yes, in Queensland, termite protection is required for all new homes. We use chemical barriers and treated framing as standard practices to prevent termite issues.
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Does the property need a specialised stormwater or septic system?
In areas without direct sewer or stormwater connections, an engineer-designed system may be necessary. We’ll identify these needs in the site assessment phase.
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Will retaining walls or additional fill removal be necessary?
If your block has significant slope, we may need retaining walls or additional site levelling. We will assess and discuss any such needs upfront.
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Are there any distant utility connections that could add to costs?
If your land requires extended connections for water, electricity, or sewage, these may incur additional costs. We’ll identify and estimate these in our site preparation analysis.
Design and Planning
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How many designs do you offer in your range?
We offer a broad range of designs, with over 270 unique plans in our Queensland range. Each design can be customised to meet your lifestyle needs.
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Can we make customisations to a standard plan, and what would this cost?
Yes, customisation is available for most of our plans. Costs depend on the extent of the changes, which we’ll confirm after discussing your preferences.
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Can we provide our own design for you to build?
Absolutely. We can work with an external design or assist in tailoring it to align with Queensland building standards.
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Will you assess our block before purchase to confirm suitability for our chosen design?
Yes, we offer a pre-purchase consultation to ensure the land suits your preferred design. This service provides peace of mind before you commit.
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What’s included in the total floor area calculation?
Our quoted floor area includes all internal spaces, garages, and covered alfresco areas. We’re happy to clarify this in detail for any specific design.
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Do you offer a comprehensive design consultation service?
Yes, our design consultation covers plan layout, interior finishes, colour selection, and more. We aim to guide you through each choice to create your ideal home.
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Will professional designers help us achieve our ideal plan?
Yes, you will have access to experienced designers who use modern visual tools to bring your ideas to life.
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Are you able to check for block specific requirements or restrictions?
Yes, we’ll confirm any council requirements, covenants, or restrictions during the initial consultation to ensure compliance.
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Can you provide a concept plan with a quote before we pay a deposit?
A high-level concept plan can be provided with an estimate. For a detailed quote, a small deposit is typically required.
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What energy rating is expected for our home, and how will natural light and energy efficiency be optimised?
Our homes are designed to achieve a minimum 7-star energy rating in Queensland. We optimise each plan for natural light, ventilation, and energy efficiency. Orientation on your block will impact this rating as will addition or deletion of standard windows.
Standard Inclusions
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Are your quotes fully inclusive?
Yes, our quotes are designed to be comprehensive, covering most standard inclusions without surprise costs.
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What items are not included in the standard package?
Some landscaping, driveways, and specialty finishes may not be included but can be added as optional upgrades.
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What soil classifications are accounted for in foundation and slab design?
Our standard inclusions cover up to a Class H1 soil classification, which is suitable for most residential sites.
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Will colour selections be managed locally?
Yes, we work with local colour consultants who can help you select finishes suited to Queensland’s environment.
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What heating, cooling and floor coverings are included?
Our standard inclusions cover ceiling fans, air conditioning in the main living area, and flooring options for all main areas.
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Is there a soil test allowance within standard inclusions?
Yes, a soil test allowance is included in our standard quote to provide foundational information for design and construction.
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Does the quote include drainage and service costs, or are these listed as provisional sums?
We aim to include drainage and essential service connections in our quote; however, non-standard connections may incur provisional sums, which we clarify upfront.
Builder Credibility
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Are you affiliated with industry bodies like HIA or MBA?
Yes, we are proud members of the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and the Master Builders Association (MBA).
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Can we view any homes currently under construction or recently completed?
Yes, we can arrange tours of homes at various stages of completion to showcase our quality and craftsmanship.
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Do you have written testimonials from past clients?
Yes, we have many client testimonials and reviews available, which highlight our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
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Is the build time guaranteed and are there any exceptions?
Our build contracts include an estimated timeline, with delays only for uncontrollable factors like extreme weather.
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Are you financially stable, and what measures ensure the quality of construction?
We have a strong financial standing, and we uphold high quality through experienced project managers, frequent site checks, and using trusted suppliers.
Site Management and Communication
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What Health and Safety processes are in place on site?
We follow Queensland’s strict health and safety regulations and regularly conduct site audits to ensure compliance.
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Who are the contractors, and will we have a dedicated coordinator overseeing construction?
We work with a trusted network of local contractors, and you will have a dedicated site manager to coordinate and update you on progress.
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Can we communicate directly with the builder responsible for our home?
Yes, your project manager and New Home Consultant will be available for direct communication to answer any questions throughout the build.
Guarantees and Insurance
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What warranty insurance covers this build, and does it include deposit loss, non-completion, and defect coverage?
We secure Home Warranty Insurance for every build, covering deposit loss, non-completion, and major defects. You can read more about our Warranty here.
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Do you carry public liability and construction insurance?
Yes, we maintain public liability insurance and construction insurance to safeguard each project.
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What is the maintenance period after completion?
We offer a standard 12-month maintenance period to address any minor issues that may arise after move-in. You can read more about our Warranty here.
Technical Specifications
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Is concrete pumping included?
Yes, we include concrete pumping for all slab pours.
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What insulation is provided for walls and ceilings?
Our homes come with high-quality wall and ceiling insulation designed to Queensland’s standards.
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Will we have a three-coat paint finish, and what brand will be used?
Yes, we use a three-coat paint system with quality paints like Dulux.
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Are roof sarking and COLORBOND® downpipes included?
Yes, roof sarking is included.
We offer painted PVC downpipes as standard in our builds. COLORBOND® is available as an upgrade.
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Does our design come with quality toilets, basins, and obscure glass in bathrooms?
Yes, high-quality fixtures, and privacy glass are included as standard.
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Is an energy-efficient solar hot water system with dual panels included?
We include an energy-efficient heat pump hot water system for optimal cost savings.
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Are the kitchen rangehood and other utilities ducted to the exterior?
Yes, all kitchen exhausts are ducted as are all bathrooms and en-suite bathrooms.