FAQs
Building your new home is an exciting and important endeavour, and we want the process to be as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions that might help you.
I don't have any designs or plans in mind. What do I do?
We specialise in custom home building, so we encourage you to be involved in the design of your new home – it is such a rewarding experience! We are able to work in partnership with you and organise an initial meeting with our designer to establish your new home requirements. Using the information discussed, the designer will commence drawing and provide the concept plan for your new home. Throughout the design process, Toby provides support with feedback and suggestions on your plan from a professional and practical builder’s perspective. You will find more details under OUR PROCESS.
Are there any costs involved before we start building?
This will depend on the stage you are at with your drawings and design.
If you do not have any drawings available we have options available to get you through the concept design stage all the way through to Council submission in a seamless and efficient way.
There will be costs along the way before contracts are signed, but they are all costs that would have been incurred and therefore included in the contract price. Instead you are paying these costs along the way, getting something back in return and not paying for it again at contract stage.
Do you offer assistance with design and colour consultancy?
All clients receive the option of our professional design and colour consultant to assist in all design aspects and colour selections for your new home.
This service is available before you proceed to construction drawings and also when completing your selections after contracts have been signed. Please refer to OUR PROCESS for more information.
Once I sign contracts, will the price change?
Your tender price will only change if an allowance has been made for an item in the contract and you go over that allowance. Also, any selection item that you upgrade when finalising your selections may incur an extra cost. You will always be notified of an increase and we will never proceed with any changes that incur extra costs without your electronic approval via our On-line project management system.
How long will my home take to build?
Each home is viewed individually and the construction period will be defined in the Building Contract and you can follow your individual construction schedule online. Know exactly what is being done on your home and when. Generally speaking, an averaged sized single story home (up to say 30 sq) will have a minimum construction period of 26 weeks and a double storey home (up to 36 sq) 32 weeks. Each home is viewed individually and a construction period is nominated in the building contract. We organise our construction schedules in a streamlined way that allows us to complete your home to the desired standard you would expect and the quality that we are renowned for.
Can I use some of my own trades/suppliers during the course of construction?
There will always be flexibility given to each client to engage one or two tradespersons or suppliers of your choice. As long as we are made aware before construction commences and that each tradesperson is fully licensed and insured and adheres to the Highwater Homes Safety Policy, we are more than happy for you to use some of your own trades/suppliers.
Who do I communicate with during the construction of my home?
You will communicate directly with Toby and your Site Manager for all on site construction requirements. You will also meet with certain trades and suppliers before construction commences to determine selections and design layouts such as preliminary plans for your kitchen and electrical. You will also meet with some trades on site to determine final designs and layouts, before that work commences.
You will liaise with Elizabeth, for all office, administration tasks and general enquiries. You will have full access to your job information and also communicate through our on-line project management system throughout the entire building process. No missed emails or messages – they are all kept together in the one place.
How do I keep track of the progress of my home?
We use cutting edge technology that keeps you up to date with your construction schedule every step of the way. Our on-line project management system allows you access to all of your job information including your very own calendar which will inform you of what is happening each day of construction. You will also have regular contact with Toby and your Project Manager to ensure you are receiving the best possible service.
My home has begun, but I want to make some changes?
We have regular site meetings to ensure that your home is being built exactly the way you imagined. At any stage, you are welcome to make changes if time permits and the changes don’t affect the structural integrity of your home. We understand the need for flexibility during the construction phase to ensure the home of your dreams is being built.
Can I have access to the site during construction?
You are welcome to come on site as long as you are accompanied by a representative from Highwater Homes. We adhere to a strict safety policy with all of our tradespeople, suppliers and visitors to site. It is imperative to maintain this policy throughout the course of construction.