FAQs

The timeline for building a house in Victoria can vary based on several factors, but for straightforward designs without complications, the construction of a single-storey home typically takes around 6 months, while a double-storey home might take approximately 9 months. These estimates assume a smooth process with minimal disruptions and are dependent on the complexity of your chosen design.

It’s important to note that these timeframes are estimates and can be influenced by various external factors. Weather conditions play a significant role; adverse weather can delay construction activities, especially during critical phases like laying the foundation or exterior finishing. Additionally, the build process can be affected by unforeseen delays such as supply chain issues or necessary modifications to the design or materials.

At Ellari Homes, we strive to manage all aspects of the construction process efficiently, ensuring that we adhere to projected timelines as closely as possible. We maintain open communication with our clients, providing updates and managing expectations throughout the building journey. This approach helps mitigate the impact of any potential delays and ensures that your home-building experience is as seamless and stress-free as possible, leading to timely completion and the high-quality finish you expect.

Yes, customising your home design to align with your specific needs and preferences is a common service offered by most builders. At Ellari Homes, we work closely with you and our experienced draftsperson to modify plans to suit your individual needs and the specific characteristics of your block. This collaborative approach ensures that your home design perfectly fits your vision and the site’s unique aspects.

While customisation allows you to personalise various aspects of your new home, it’s important to understand that making changes to the design can have implications in terms of both cost and construction timelines. Customisation might involve additional costs, and changes made after the final plans have been approved can significantly increase these costs. Furthermore, late changes can extend the overall build time and potentially introduce risks of errors during construction.

For the most efficient and smooth building process, we strongly recommend finalising all customisations and selections before the plans are officially finalised. This proactive approach ensures that the construction phase proceeds without unnecessary delays and complications, keeping your project on track and within budget. At Ellari Homes, we guide you through this process, ensuring that all decisions are made in a timely manner and are well-informed, so your home perfectly reflects your vision while maintaining structural and design integrity.

Choosing the right builder is a critical decision in the home-building process, as it affects not only the quality and timeliness of your build but also your overall satisfaction with the finished home. To ensure you select a builder who best fits your needs, start by researching and comparing different builders. Consider their experience in the industry and look at their past projects to gauge their expertise and capability in constructing the type of home you desire.

Reputation is another key factor. Read customer reviews and possibly seek out testimonials or feedback from past clients. This can provide insights into the builder’s reliability, quality of work, and their ability to adhere to timelines. A builder with positive feedback regarding their professionalism and the quality of their finished homes is likely a safer choice.

It’s also crucial to evaluate their communication style and commitment to transparency and honesty. During initial discussions, observe whether they provide clear, detailed responses to your questions and whether they are proactive in discussing potential challenges and how they might handle them. A builder who communicates openly and frequently is more likely to keep you informed throughout the building process and respond effectively to any concerns that arise.

Furthermore, ensure that the builder has a strong understanding of your specific needs and a willingness to accommodate your budget and preferences. During your evaluation, discuss how they have handled custom requests or specific design challenges in the past. This will give you a better idea of how they will manage your project’s unique requirements.

Lastly, consider their licensing and insurance status to ensure they are legally compliant and covered for any unforeseen circumstances. A licensed and insured builder not only meets the regulatory requirements but also provides you with peace of mind knowing that you are dealing with a professional who is prepared to stand behind their work.

At Ellari Homes, we pride ourselves on our honesty, transparency, and exceptional communication. We understand the importance of trust and reliability in building not just homes but lasting relationships with our clients. Let us show you how our commitment to excellence can make your dream home a reality.

In Victoria, a building surveyor plays a critical role in the construction process just like a police officer. They ensure that building projects comply with the Australian Building Standards and regulations. Building surveyors are responsible for reviewing and approving building plans before construction begins, issuing the necessary building permits that confirm these plans meet the required legal and safety standards.

During the construction process, a building surveyor conducts several mandatory inspections at key stages of the build. These inspections are essential to ensure ongoing compliance with the building codes. The primary aim of these inspections is to verify that the construction adheres to the approved plans and meets the structural requirements set forth by the building regulations.

While building surveyors ensure that the structural aspects of the construction comply with the law, it’s important to note that they do not assess the quality of workmanship beyond its compliance with the standards. The responsibility for the quality of finishes and workmanship rests with the builder. Therefore, while building surveyors can be thought of as the “policemen” of the construction industry, ensuring legal compliance, homeowners should look to their builders for guarantees regarding the quality of the finished product.

Building surveyors also play a pivotal role in the final stages of construction. They issue the final occupancy permit, which is required before the building can be legally occupied. This permit is only granted once the surveyor is satisfied that the building is safe for occupation, fully compliant with the building code, and all relevant certificates have been received by them.

By fulfilling these responsibilities, building surveyors help ensure that buildings are safe, compliant, and built to a standard that meets regulatory requirements. They are integral to maintaining the integrity of the construction industry and ensuring that new buildings are constructed to a standard that protects the interests and safety of the public.

To ensure your new home is energy-efficient, start by ensuring your home design and materials comply with the National Construction Code (NCC), which sets the standards for energy efficiency in building designs and materials in Australia. Your builder will need to obtain an energy report that meets these standards to be granted a building permit by the building surveyor.

Moreover, consider incorporating sustainable design features from the beginning. The most important thing with Energy rating is the position and layout of your home are paramount; for example, optimising natural light and heat can significantly reduce energy usage. Including features such as solar panels, high-quality insulation, double-glazed windows, eaves, and energy-efficient fittings and appliances can further enhance the energy efficiency of your home.

These steps not only help in reducing your carbon footprint but also in achieving long-term savings on energy costs. Your builder can guide you through selecting the best energy-efficient options tailored to your home’s design and location.

Soil tests, or geotechnical surveys, are crucial evaluations that assess the composition and stability of the soil on your building site. In Victoria, Australia, your builder typically organises these tests through a qualified geotechnical engineer. This is a critical step in the building process as it influences the design of your home’s foundation, ensuring it is suited to handle the specific soil conditions of your land. The soil test also checks to see any neighbouring foundations on the boundary and rock below the ground as best as it can. 

Understanding the soil type is essential for designing a foundation that can prevent future structural issues such as cracking or subsidence, which can be costly to rectify. For example, reactive clay soils, which expand and contract with moisture changes, might require a more robust foundation design compared to more stable soil types.

The results of these tests not only inform the foundation design but also impact the construction cost and timeline. Certain soil conditions may necessitate more complex and thereby more costly foundation solutions, which could extend the build duration.

Conducting soil tests early in the planning phase is important for ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of your home. It also aids in obtaining the necessary building permits, as local councils often require proof of such assessments to ensure compliance with building regulations.

Yes, you are welcome to visit the construction site during the building of your new home, but it is crucial to arrange these visits in advance. This is important for safety reasons and insurance to ensure that your presence does not disrupt the ongoing construction activities and that you are not hurt. All construction sites are building sites. All site visits must be accompanied by the Site Supervisor who holds the necessary Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) documentation and requirements to conduct your visit safely.

Under no circumstances should anyone enter the construction site unaccompanied during the build. The Site Supervisor will ensure that all safety protocols are followed during your visit and will be able to answer any questions you might have about the progress of your home. This approach helps maintain a safe environment for everyone involved and ensures compliance with all relevant safety regulations.

A site survey is a crucial initial step in the building process as it provides comprehensive information about the physical characteristics of your land. This survey will detail the site’s topography, boundaries, existing structures if any, and any site-specific constraints such as easements or the slope of the land. Such detailed information is essential for planning and designing your home.

The data gathered during a site survey assists architects and builders in designing a home that maximises the potential of your property while adhering to local council regulations and zoning laws. For instance, understanding the slope of the land can influence the design of your home’s foundation and drainage solutions, which are vital for long-term structural integrity and preventing water damage.

Additionally, a site survey can identify any potential challenges that might need to be addressed before construction begins, such as the removal of trees or the relocation of utility lines. Addressing these issues early can help avoid delays during construction and ensure that the building process runs smoothly.

Conducting a thorough site survey is also important for ensuring that all construction on your property is legally compliant. This helps prevent future legal disputes over property boundaries or non-compliance with building regulations, safeguarding your investment in your new home.

Ensuring your builder has the right insurance coverage is essential for safeguarding your project against any unforeseen events during construction. Your builder should carry the following types of insurance:

• Public Liability Insurance: This insurance protects against claims of property damage or personal injury that third parties might suffer as a result of the construction activities. It covers legal costs and compensation claims, which can be critical if any accidents occur on site.
• Home Warranty Insurance: Additionally, it’s important that your builder takes out Home Warranty Insurance on your behalf. This insurance is a legal requirement in Victoria for residential building projects valued over $16,000. Home Warranty Insurance covers you for death or insolvency of a builder. 

These insurance policies ensure that both you and the workers on site are protected financially and legally throughout the building process. At Ellari Homes, we maintain all required insurances to ensure that every aspect of your building project is secure, providing peace of mind throughout the construction of your new home.

Establishing a clear communication plan from the outset is crucial for maintaining a good relationship with your builder. This plan should include regular updates and any scheduled meetings to discuss the progress of your home. It’s important to have a dedicated point of contact for any questions or concerns that may arise. While the person onsite, such as the Site Supervisor, may often be occupied with the day-to-day tasks of building your home, ensure you also have a contact outside of the construction site. This role is typically filled by a Building Coordinator or a Customer Liaison. 

This structure ensures that you are kept informed throughout the building process and that your concerns are addressed promptly, contributing to a smoother and more transparent build experience. At Ellari Homes, we prioritise clear and open communication, ensuring our clients are fully informed and comfortable at every stage of the building process.

The handover process marks the completion of your home’s construction and is a crucial final step before you officially take ownership. During this phase, your builder will walk you through your new home to demonstrate the features and operation of appliances. This is an opportunity for you to familiarise yourself with the various aspects of your new home and ensure everything is functioning as expected.

Handover also involves the builder providing all necessary documentation, such as warranty papers, manuals for installed equipment, and certificates of compliance and inspection. It’s essential during this time to identify any items that need addressing — this is part of what is known as the Practical Completion Inspection (PCI).

Practical Completion Inspection (PCI): This inspection is conducted when construction is substantially complete and ready to be handed over. It allows you and your builder to walk through the property and identify any outstanding defects or issues that do not meet Australian Building Standards. These issues need to be rectified by the builder before the final payment is made and you receive the keys to your home. The PCI ensures that any problems are fixed under the builder’s supervision, securing the quality and completeness of your new home.

Regular maintenance is crucial to preserving the condition and value of your new home. Key aspects of ongoing maintenance include routinely checking for any cracks or defects in the structure, maintaining all installed appliances to ensure they operate efficiently (abiding by rules set out in the instruction manuals provided), and keeping areas such as the roof and gutters clean and in good repair. This helps prevent long-term issues such as water damage or structural deterioration.

Additionally, attention should be paid to the foundation’s drainage around the house, as recommended by the CSIRO (information supplied by Ellari Homes). Proper drainage is vital to avoid water accumulation that can lead to foundation problems and affect the overall integrity of the building.

At Ellari Homes, we provide a comprehensive handover pack at the completion of your home. This pack includes detailed maintenance guidelines and schedules to help you care for your new home effectively. It covers everything from appliance care to seasonal checks for the roof and guttering, and advice on maintaining adequate drainage around your property.

Following these guidelines can help ensure that your home remains safe, comfortable, and well-maintained for years to come. Regular upkeep not only minimises the need for costly repairs but also contributes to a higher resell value should you decide to move in the future.