The first step to building a new home or renovating is seeking approval from your local council. You will want to apply for a DA Approval and a Construction Certificate before engaging with an architect, so you know exactly what can be included in the design plan.

Andrew has extensive industry knowledge, so if you’re ever in doubt about paperwork needed for projects - he'll advise what type of certificate required based on the size and complexity level of the construction project. Andrew can also assist in predicting the types of tradespeople that need to be involved in your project. This makes everything go smoother at each stage of your project, ensuring your vision is on track.

When you plan to engage with a construction company and other stakeholders to craft your custom built home, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Outlining a simple checklist will help you find the perfect land to build on, or simplify what you need in your next renovation or rebuild project. Start by noting a realistic budget, timeframe, lifestyle, design approach, as well as consulting with professionals for the right property for your build to be on.

Then, seek relevant approval from council for your build, renovation or excavation as this will help you determine the approved size and storeys you desire in the final design. After this stage, you will engage with an expert architect and builder that will effectively implement your design plans and any special finishes or fixtures you’d like (including green design, fixtures and finishes). At this stage, you also begin to consider other tradespeople you may need to finalise your dream home including landscapers and interior designs. Another final aspect of the custom home building process is your compliance services like insurance, permits, payments and inspections.

All Design Construction is purely your building team. We don’t have architects onboard, however we always work closely with your design team. Andrew has over 20 years of building industry knowledge, allowing him to effectively identify aspects of the design that may need to be reconsidered. Here, he can offer his expertise to give you the desired finish you envisioned, while maintaining structural integrity of your custom build, rebuild or renovation.

Andrew understands how daunting and overwhelming it can be during the planning and design stages of your project. From Andrew's experience, he has seen how a client's design can be drastically changed from the initial vision - leaving them feeling their custom build doesn’t reflect their dream home. Andrew can serve as your personal advocate when liaising with your architect, voicing any of your concerns or requests for change in the design.

When deciding if you should purchase off the plan or a custom built home, you need to consider the lifestyle you desire. When purchasing off the plan, you have very little room to customise and change the layout of your new home. This means you have to fit your life to the design as opposed to the home fitting your lifestyle. There is also the risk of inferior materials being used that won’t meet the standard of quality you’re looking for.

This is why with custom built homes, you can factor in every little detail in the layout, quality, design and feel all the way through to your smallest fixtures and finishes. With a custom built home, you can craft a lifestyle that works for you and boasts your personality. When you look at your core values and way of living, you can be inspired to make a home that you’re proud of and can serve as your personal escape from reality.

Custom built homes allow you to create a home tailored specifically for your needs and desires. When purchasing off the plan, there is very little room left over after designing the home to have all of the features and unique characteristics you want. This means you’re having to invest additional time and money into making that home precisely as you want.

However with custom built homes - everything has been considered carefully before the construction phase. The only limitations clients will encounter with custom built homes is their imagination! Allow your lifestyle to influence how the home will be designed, don't be constrained to a ‘cookie cutter’ home by large pre planned developments.