FAQS

Please take the time to read through our FAQs below.

If there is anything else you need to know, please feel free to contact us and we will respond as soon as we can.

Where do I start?

We would be pleased to meet with you for a free consultation on your project. This is best done at the project site, and can be arranged out of work hours if required. We understand it can be hard to get away from the office during weekdays.

What is the process from initial meeting to project handover?
  • Initial site meeting with Daniel to discuss ideas and budget control
  • If you haven’t already had plans drawn up, we can put you in touch with an architect / draftsperson we think would best suit your needs.
  • Preliminary cost consultation
  • Planning approval process
  • Meet with Daniel to finalise the scope of works, materials and finishes selection, fixed price quote prepared and contract of works signed.
  • Construction and project management
  • Completion and handover
What will our fixed price quote include?

Our quotation submission will include our scope of works with full specifications outlining exactly what will be included in your new home build or renovation, i.e how many light fittings, types of doors etc and any allowances for prime cost / provisional sum items. With a clearly laid out and detailed quote we eliminate any margin of error. The quote and specifications will form part of the contract.

Which contract will we be required to sign prior to any works commencing?
We use the NSW fair trading contracts. Please refer to the resources to review a copy of the contract and the Consumer Building Guide, however if you or your architect wish to use another contract we are happy to work with that.
What area do you work in?

Our offices are located in Sydney, NSW. Therefore majority of our work is in the Sydney Metropolitan area, however, our skills are easily transportable so should you wish to discuss a project outside this area please contact us.

Who organises council approvals?
We, together with your architect / draftsman can assist you in the planning approval process and take care of it on your behalf. Depending on the scope of works you may be required to obtain council approval in the form of a full DA (Development Application) or a CDC (Complying Development Certificate), which is often a much quicker and easier process.

Your architect or the council planning team will best be able to advise you on whether your project will require council approval or not.

What is the difference between a Development Application (DA), Complying Development Certificate (CDC)?
In a nutshell, a Complying Development is straightforward development that can be fast tracked for approval by a council or an accredited certifier if it meets the building standards in the state policy. CDC is much quicker to approve assuming all the correct documentation is lodged with the application but your site and proposed project must comply with the set codes such as boundary set backs, minimum lot sizes and street frontages. Should your development be outside the guidelines set out in the code, you will require Development Consent from Council for your work, requiring the lodgement of a Development Application.
What is a construction certificate (CC) and when do I need to obtain one?
After the Development Consent is issued, it will be necessary to obtain a Construction Certificate from Council or other private accredited certifier prior to commencement of work. During construction, the building work must also be inspected by the certifier to ensure that it meets national building standards.
What is an Occupation Certificate?
An Occupation Certificate certifies that the work has been completed in accordance with the plans, specifications, consent conditions and that the building is fit for occupation. An Occupation Certificate must be obtained by the applicant on completion of the building. We will assist you in obtaining this certificate at completion of the project
I already have plans or an architect I want to engage, can you work with that?
Yes, of course, independent architects love working with Select Construction to deliver their designs because we understand their vision like no other builder. We are proud that we can deliver quality houses in any size of style. We can work closely with you and your architect in the premlinary stages offering our cost consulting service.
How on earth am I going to choose all my colours and fittings, it is all so overwhelming and time consuming?
We understand that our clients have a busy and demanding lifestyle so we want to make the building process as stress free and streamlined as possible. We work closely with a number of interior designers who can assist you in choosing all your fixtures / fittings / colours. We schedule appointments for you to attend our suppliers and meet with specialised sales reps so you are getting nothing but the best and most up to date information on products.
Can I live in my house throughout the renovation process?
This is dependent on the type of build, we will discuss this with you during the planning phase to be sure that it would not hold up the build process and you and your family will not be too inconvenienced
Who will be my contact person throughout the construction phase?
Daniel will remain your main point of contact throughout the build, attending all client and architect meetings and scheduling trades etc to ensure the flow of works, however, you will get to know our entire team on a first name basis.
How long will it take to build my house?
The project timeframe will be discussed in meetings and all depends on the complexity of the build. Every house is different. A project timeline will form part of your contract.

Resources

We aim to make the building experience as simple and enjoyable as possible.
Below are some helpful links to assist and guide you through this process

Contracts

  • Master Builders Association – Residential Building VIEW
  • NSW Fair Trading Consumer Building Guide. DOWNLOAD

Subcontractors

Office Of Fair Trading

  • Home Building License Check. VIEW
  • Fair trading – info on where to start, home building and renovating. VIEW

Useful Apps