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uilding a home is an exciting journey, one that is filled with anticipation and planning. From selecting the right design to watching your property take shape, each stage of construction is an important step toward creating your dream space. At Builders Brisbane, we are committed to delivering quality construction in a timely manner. Here’s a detailed guide to the typical build times for the various types of structures we offer:
Granny Flats: Typically 3-4 Months: If you are looking for a small and quick housing solution, granny flats are a great option. They have a compact design and can be built in a short span of time. We take care of every step of the process, from planning to execution, to ensure that your tiny home is ready in 3-4 months.
Loswet Homes: Typically 5 Months: Lowset homes, or single-storey homes, are more complex to build than granny flats. They usually take about 5 months to finish, but this may vary depending on the size of the floor plan. Lowset homes are suitable for families who need more space and comfort.
Double-Storey Homes: Typically 7 Months:
Building a double-storey home requires more time than a single-storey one. These homes are large and luxurious, and they usually take about 7 months to complete. Some of the factors that increase the time frame are the use of steel beams, different types of cladding, multi-level roofs, and scaffolding that needs to be set up and removed.
Duplexes: Typically 7 Months: Duplexes are a type of housing that have two units attached by a common wall. They usually take about 7 months to construct and can offer some advantages over single-family homes. For example, duplexes can make efficient use of land and provide a source of rental income for the owners.
Extending Build Duration: Landscaping and Other Considerations
While we strive to meet the timelines mentioned above, there are factors that may extend the build duration by up to a month. Here's a look at some common considerations:
Landscaping: The aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces is vital. Custom landscaping can add weeks to the construction process, depending on the complexity of the design.
Weather Conditions: Unpredictable weather can lead to delays. Rain, strong winds, or extreme temperatures might hinder the progress of construction. Living in Queensland, we have some amazing weather during the winter and large amounts of rain in Summer. Keep in mind the seasons when talking time frames.
Permit and Inspection Delays: There are various factors that can affect the duration of a construction project. One of them is the legal and regulatory aspect, which involves obtaining the necessary permits and passing the required inspections. These processes can sometimes cause delays or interruptions in the work, depending on the availability and efficiency of the authorities. At times, it is important to plan ahead and anticipate any potential issues that might arise from this aspect.
Customisation:If you choose to add or modify certain aspects of the construction, it might extend the timeline depending on the complexity of the changes.
At Builders Brisbane, based in Ormeau, South East Queensland, we take pride in our craftsmanship and commitment to timelines. We understand that your home is more than just a building; it's a personal space that reflects your taste and lifestyle. That’s why we work closely with you to ensure that every detail is attended to, even if it means spending a little extra time to get it just right.Should you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us. We are here to help you build the home of your dreams, or an amazing investment to catapult you to a brighter financial future.
Can I have my own trades work on the project whilst construction is happening? (Landscaping etc.)
When it comes to building a new home or investment property, many clients wonder if they can bring in their own tradespeople to work on specific aspects of the project. While the idea might seem appealing, there are several important reasons why this isn't feasible during the construction phase. Let's delve into the details.
Ownership of the Site According to the HIA Contract
Once a contract is entered into with a builder, the builder assumes ownership of the site according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA) Contract. This means that the builder has full control over who is allowed on the site and who can perform work there. The builder is also responsible for the safety and quality of the work being done, which leads us to the next point.
Verification of Insurance and Trusted Trades
A builder has a network of trusted tradespeople who have been vetted for quality, reliability, and proper insurance coverage. When a builder takes on a project, they need to ensure that everyone working on the site meets these criteria. Allowing a client's tradespeople to work on the site would require the builder to verify their qualifications and insurance, which can be a complex and time-consuming process. Moreover, the builder may not have the same level of trust and familiarity with the client's chosen tradespeople, which could compromise the quality of the work.
Liability and Accountability
If something were to go wrong on the site—be it damage, loss, or theft—the builder would find themselves in a precarious situation if the client's tradespeople were involved. In such cases, it could become a matter of the builder's word against the other trade, with the builder having little to no leverage. This could lead to legal complications and delays, which are in no one's best interest.
Post-Handover Flexibility
While clients can't use their own trades during the construction phase, they are more than welcome to do so after the project has been handed over. At this point, the site ownership reverts back to the client, giving them the freedom to make any additional modifications or improvements using tradespeople of their choosing.
Financial Implications with Banks
Banks and other financial institutions may be hesitant to lend money or release stage payments for a project if they know a portion of the work will be completed by the owner's tradespeople. This is because the bank has no way of verifying the quality and timeliness of the work, which could put their investment at risk.
Additionally, banks often release funds based on the completion of specific stages of the project. If a client wishes to take on a task themselves—such as flooring—that was originally included in the building contract, it can create complications. For instance, the bank may not release the next stage payment until the flooring is complete, which cannot happen until after handover if the client is doing it themselves. This can create a funding bottleneck, making it difficult for the builder to proceed with other aspects of the project and potentially causing delays. The situation becomes particularly problematic if the client decides to remove a task like flooring from the original building contract to do it themselves. In such cases, the bank may be unwilling to adjust the stage payment schedule, leading to a financial deadlock that can be challenging to resolve. By sticking with the builder's original contract and trusted trades, you can avoid these financial pitfalls and ensure a smoother, more streamlined construction process.
Conclusion
While the idea of using your own tradespeople during the construction of your new home or investment property may seem appealing, the complexities surrounding site ownership, insurance, liability, and financing make it a risky proposition. Rest assured that when you work with a reputable builder, you're benefiting from a network of trusted, insured tradespeople who are committed to delivering a high-quality project. And remember, once the keys are handed over, you're free to make any additional changes with tradespeople you trust.
We hope this clears up any questions you may have had. If you're looking to build in South East Queensland, feel free to reach out to us at Builders Brisbane for more information.
About
Sean Wilson
As a third-generation designer and builder, I have building in my blood. I've been designing and building my whole life. Specialising in management and company building, we have built an amazing team in Builders Brisbane to bring your dreams into reality!
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