FAQs

Charm, good looks, a winning smile... Only joking! When looking for a builder, it's definitely worth considering more than the bottom figure on the quote they present. You are going to be working with your builder for a long and likely quite stressful time, so you need to find someone you connect with and trust, someone who communicates clearly and doesn't mind explaining when you ask them lots of questions. Check out some of our guides and tips under the Resources section for more helpful advice.

Naturally there are many factors that affect the bottom line when it comes to building a new home - some more in your control than others: Material Choices: The quality of the materials you choose and the level of customisation required will impact not just your budget but the end result. This is a good thing to talk through early so you don’t have to make compromises down the line. Labor Costs: Naturally the more detail and customisation required, the greater the skilled labour cost to deliver. Design Changes: It’s very typical to want some design changes along the way once the build has begun and you start to see the way things will look in real life. However, it’s worth noting that alterations to the original plan during construction can add costs, so it’s good to get into as much detail up front as you can. Site Conditions: Where you are building will impact costs too. Factors such as poor soil quality or the need for additional grading can impact the budget.

Choosing fixtures and fittings is an exciting part of the process. However, it can feel very overwhelming as there are a lot of decisions to made. Some people choose to engage the help of an expert in interiors. Regardless of what you decide, you should consider: Style: Choose items that match the overall design and theme of your home. Functionality: Ensure fixtures and fittings meet your daily needs and lifestyle. Quality: Opt for durable and reliable brands. Budget: Aim to keep your selections within your budget! HarmonyBuild is always happy to help suggest options to balance quality as well as budget.

Building contracts typically include: Scope of Work: Detailed description of the work to be performed. Timeline: Estimated start and completion dates. Cost Breakdown: Detailed budget including materials, labour, and any other costs. Payment Schedule: Milestones for payments throughout the project. Warranties: Information on warranties for workmanship and materials. Terms and conditions: The finer details to keep all parties safe and equitable throughout.

Absolutely! Your project, your decision. However, obviously significant design changes will have a significant impact on many factors: timeline, costs, trade and materials, so it's best to plan as thoroughly as possibly before building starts. That said, it's very common to make changes along the way. Communication is the key. Share any desired changes as soon as possible so we can discuss the implications and options available. We will then present back a revised plan and any costs adjustments. Once revisions are approved and signed off, we will proceed with the agreed design changes. Simple!

A number of factors can impact the construction timeline, such as: Weather: While we always plan some contingency into timelines, a bout of severe bad weather can delay construction, especially during the foundation and framing stages. Permits and Inspections: Delays in obtaining permits such as large vehicle access or scheduling inspections with engineers and such can slow down progress. Material Availability: Any shortages or delays in the delivery of building materials can cause setbacks, so it pays to plan and order ahead of schedule to allow time for a contingency plan if needed. Design Changes: Any changes you request after construction has started can extend the timeline in a number of ways, for example waiting on the architect or draftsman to complete and share updates with the client for approval and then with the builder, ordering different materials, fixtures, fittings, coordinating the labour schedule around more significant changes that impact the order tasks are completed in and such.

Building a new home involves several key stages each in turn to ensure the project runs smoothly and results in a high-quality, durable home. Pre-construction: planning and design Site preparation Excavation and foundations Framing Roofing and exterior Plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) Insulation and drywall Interior finishes Exterior finishes and landscaping Final inspections and walk through Handover and move in! Visit our blog for a more detailed overview.

We believe in transparent communication. Throughout your project you can expect: Site Visits: Typically weekly site visits so you can see the progress firsthand. Meetings: Meetings as needed to discuss any design changes or concerns. Updates: If you cannot come regularly to site, we will send you an update via email, or better still simply give you a call.

Dominic Williams is the licensed builder at the heart of Harmony Build. Click on 'contact' at the top of this site to get in touch.

Harmony Build works with clients and architects on significant renovations, partial and total knockdown/rebuilds and new build residential construction. Typical project budgets are in the region of $1-5 million.

Rest assured, we leave nothing to chance. HarmonyBuild offers comprehensive warranties that include: Structural Warranty: Coverage for major structural defects (6 years). Workmanship Warranty: Coverage for construction defects in workmanship (2 years). Manufacturer Warranties: Coverage for specific materials and appliances as provided by manufacturers.

As a boutique builder, we focus on just a handful of projects at any time to deliver our clients the best service and attention to detail.

Yes, HarmonyBuild can work with you right through from initial conceptual designs and Council submissions to construction and final landscaping. We offer a fully comprehensive service from start to finish.

Please get in touch to check our availability. However, if you have a specific timeline in mind, it's a good idea to plan ahead. Scoping, tendering and preparing for project kick off typically takes several months: for you to feel confident you have the right partner, and for the builder to get everything lined up to run the project smoothly.

Yes. HarmonyBuild only employs professional apprentices vetted through the Master Builder's Association. Contact us if you would like to discuss opportunities further.

As a boutique company, we have limited positions available. However, feel free to share your details and we will get back to you if something comes up.