Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an 'Estimate' and a 'Quote'?
Estimates are ballpark figures based on your criteria. They don’t require the builder to go away and calculate every material and fitting and will often be only 1 – 3 pages long, and often free.
A quote for your new home involves taking your plans and completing professional estimating, contacting subcontractors and suppliers for quotes and creating a lengthy and detailed job schedule. Quotes can often be 25 – 50 pages, or even more. You should be charged for a full quote, as the builder is often putting in excess of 40 hours into ensure the quote is complete and accurate.
Remember that step 1 is to work with a builder and ask for an initial estimate to see if your project can be built within your budget.
Once I sign the contracts, will the price change?
Due to the current climate the building industry it has been necessary for TDH to pass on any price increases on. It is unsustainable for any builder not to pass on rising costs during a build. Rest assured that any decrease in price or credits left over will be given back as well as it works both ways with a rise and fall contract. Selections can also affect pricing – any selection that is upgraded during finalisation may incur an extra cost. We will always communicate any increase to you for approval.
Can I access the site during construction?
We welcome you to come on site, provided that you book in a site visit with a team member from Toby Drew Homes to accompany you. While we want you to be involved in every step of the build, Toby and the team will always ensure that strict safety policies around tradespeople, supplies and visitors are always adhered to on site throughout the entire course of construction.
What if I want to make some changes to my home once construction commences?
Here at Toby Drew Homes we understand the need for flexibility during the construction phase to ensure that you are satisfied with the build of your new dream home. We welcome you to make changes at any stage, providing the structural integrity of the home is not sacrificed and the time frame is still able to be met. Ensuring that you are happy with everything before a contract is signed to avoid changing your mind can help in preventing any serious delays to the project, or added costs. We care about your satisfaction and vision for your new home and allow regular site visits to ensure you are involved in the process. The team will work with you to accommodate any requests whilst still making the quality of your home and the timing of the construction process a priority.
How long will it take to design and build my new home?
Toby and his team ensure a streamlined approach is taken designing, planning and constructing your new home. Toby will discuss a construction schedule and include a nominated construction period within your Building Contract. Each home is individually assessed, as every home is unique. Once the start date is determined (which is dependant upon how quickly the building application progresses through council) then we will be able to advise of a rough completion date. This could change throughout the job do to material, contractor or weather delays. You will be made aware of this and can track your schedule consistently throughout the entire process using our online portal - Buildertrend.
As a guide construction typically is taking anywhere between 26-40 weeks depending on your home’s variables. Variations can initiate an extension of time attached with them, when building your new home our team will make certain you are aware of any delays associated with these.
Why can there be such a big variation in different Builders quotes?
It is very important for you to be aware of what has been included, and not included in a builders quote. For instance, it is worth checking if the costs involved with all application, approval and certification fees have been considered, as well as site costs and landscaping. There are many cost variables as well as if builders are quoting for lower, mid or high range fittings, fixtures and appliances. It is always best to be clear about what you want and expect in your home – and have this included in your quote, then there will be less guess work!