FAQs

We specialise in custom home building, so we encourage you to be involved in the design of your new home – it is such a rewarding experience! We are able to work in partnership with you and organise an initial meeting with our designer to establish your new home requirements. Using the information discussed, the designer will commence drawing and provide the concept plan for your new home. Throughout the design process, at Stannard Family Homes we provide support with feedback and suggestions on your plan from a professional and practical builder’s perspective. You will find more details under CUSTOM HOMES and STANDARD DESIGNS.

The family home will generally be the greatest investment you make in your lifetime. Not only is it a big financial commitment, it will also be an emotional commitment. As you plan your new home one of the first decisions you will make is to go with a smaller custom-home builder, or one of the big volume builders.

The main difference between the two is custom-home builders are generally small construction businesses who specialise in unique builds, with each home they build being a little different to the last. A custom-home builder can design and prepare plans based on your specific requirements and site, or build from plans provided by the client. They also have a higher standard of construction principles, giving a premium quality and finish. One of the benefits in choosing this type of builder is the flexibility and choice you have as you work collaboratively with your builder to design and select the fixtures and finishes you want.

Generally, when you work with a custom-home builder you work with the builder directly. He will assist you through all stages of the building project.

Volume builders operate by providing a range of standard designs they have in their library. They are generally not site specific, so don’t allow for layout flexibility. Usually, your choice of fixtures and fittings is limited and service is poor.

You will find more details under CUSTOM HOMES.

A construction site can be a potentially dangerous environment, and our home builders team take health and safety of all visitors to the site very seriously. We are happy to have you visit the construction site of your new home, but do insist that it is with the permission and accompaniment of a Stannard Family Homes representative.

Add at the end add this: View our complete process HERE.

We currently use the Housing Industry Association contracts.

Our homes are all custom builds. A square metre rate does not apply, due to the level of finish and design criteria. Every home is different which means the m2 price is different for each home being built.

All plans are drawn to the Client’s specific needs and desires, as no two people are the same. Each plan is as individual as you. Clients want their home to express who they are, so when they move into their new home, they have achieved an ‘expression of themselves’ and as a result evolved as one. Our designs are created to compliment every aspect of your land. By designing to suit your aspects you achieve excellent energy-saving thermal and acoustic qualities. This is of the utmost priority in today’s society. You will find more details under CUSTOM HOMES.

While it may seem logical to opt for the lowest quote, there are significant risks associated with this approach. The lowest quote doesn't always reflect the true cost of construction, and there are several factors to consider beyond price alone.

Many building companies provide 'free' estimates, not actual quotes. Estimates lack detailed considerations for factors like soil conditions, engineering, or current rates for materials and labor. This lack of detail allows for substitutions of lower-cost items and inadequate allowances, ultimately leading to unrealistic cost projections.

Estimates often exclude critical details and are subject to change. Anything not documented or specified may be substituted for a lower cost item. Inaccurate allowances may be brought into the contract later, leading to misunderstandings and unmet expectations during the construction process.

Builders who know their true break-even point and operational costs are essential for a successful construction project. Ignorance of these numbers can lead to financial mismanagement, desperate attempts for new work, and potential dissatisfaction for consumers as expectations may not be met.

Opting for a Design & Construct service when building a new home allows you to work with a professional building company from the early stages of designing your home. This proactive approach ensures a better understanding of your needs and expectations, leading to a more transparent and successful construction process.

Larger builders can be vulnerable due to committing to numerous fixed-price contracts and facing unexpected increases in material costs, like those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This can lead to significant financial losses, especially given their reliance on volume and thin profit margins. For instance, Porter Davis, one of Australia's largest builders, entered voluntary administration in March 2023, leaving many homes unfinished.

Mid-sized builders often offer a balance between reliability and flexibility. They are large enough to have established management systems but small enough to provide a more personalised approach. This can be particularly advantageous in custom homes, where attention to detail and client-tailored solutions are critical.

Online reviews and testimonials give insights into a builder's project management skills, client communication, and ability to deliver on promises. This real-world evidence can help you gauge whether a builder is reliable and capable of handling a custom home project effectively.

Pay attention to how professionally a builder manages their operations—from the presentation of their employees and the state of their office to the condition of their work sites and vehicles. These factors reflect their stability, operational efficiency, and commitment to quality, all of which are crucial for successful custom homes or knockdown rebuild projects.

Very large builders may face financial risks from fixed-price contracts and narrow profit margins, while very small builders might lack the resources to handle your project efficiently, potentially leading to delays and quality issues. A mid-sized builder often strikes a good balance, offering both reliability and a personalised approach, ideal for custom homes or knockdown rebuild projects.

Builders often use substantial discounts as marketing strategies to attract customers. However, such offers can be misleading and may result in hidden costs elsewhere or compromised quality in essential components of the build. The concept of "Builder Discount Could Cost You More" is based on the risk of encountering hidden expenses or lower-quality construction.

When a builder offers massive discounts, it's crucial to be cautious about the quality of materials and the construction process. Builders might compensate for the discount by cutting corners, which can lead to larger expenses down the line. Hence, the "Builder Discount Could Cost You More" if it sacrifices essential aspects of the build.

To determine if a builder's discount is hiding additional costs, carefully review the fine print and ask for a detailed breakdown of the construction process and costs. Investigate whether high-quality materials and proper site preparation are being maintained. A thorough evaluation can help ensure that the discount is not masking hidden expenses.

Yes, guarantees of unusually quick construction timelines can be a concern. Speedy timelines may mean that crucial steps, such as site preparation and proper curing times, are being rushed or skipped. Reliable builders will offer realistic timelines that include all necessary preparatory work, ensuring no corners are cut and quality is maintained.

A reliable and trustworthy builder will be transparent about costs, the construction process, and timelines. They focus on quality work rather than gimmicky promotions. By working with such a builder, you avoid scenarios where a "Builder Discount Could Cost You More," ensuring that your home is built to last with no hidden costs or shortcuts.

While it might seem logical to assume that lower interest rates would reduce the cost to build a custom home, the reality can be quite different. Reduced interest rates often lead to easier lending conditions, sparking a surge in demand for new homes. This increased demand typically pushes prices up rather than down. Hence, rather than seeing a reduction in costs, you might actually witness an increase due to heightened market activity and the rising costs of materials and labor.

Construction costs have consistently risen over time due to several factors, including inflation, increased demand for tradespeople, and the rising costs of materials. Once construction costs increase, they are unlikely to fall back down. This means the longer you wait to build a custom home, the more expensive it becomes due to these steady cost increases.

Delaying your project in anticipation of lower house prices is likely to backfire. The construction market is currently experiencing high inflation rates of over 7% annually, which affects both materials and labor costs. Therefore, waiting can result in significantly higher costs for building a custom home, as prices are projected to continue rising.

The main factors influencing the cost of building a custom home include the price of materials, labor costs, interest rates, and overall market demand. Currently, increased wages for tradespeople and the rising costs of materials are significant contributors to higher construction expenses. These factors are compounded by inflation, making it essential to act sooner rather than later to avoid higher costs.

If you’re considering building an $800,000 house today, delaying the project by a year could increase your costs by 5 to 10%. This means an additional $40,000 to $80,000 just for hesitating. With the continuous rise in material and labor costs, every week you delay will likely add to your overall expenses, making it more costly to build a custom home the longer you wait.

Trade shortages in the construction industry are primarily caused by two factors. First, a booming housing market has led to increased demand for skilled tradespeople, stretching their availability thin and driving up wages. Second, there has been a decline in the number of apprentices entering the trade, resulting in an aging workforce and fewer hands available for work. These factors contribute to why trade shortages could delay your building project.

Trade shortages can significantly impact construction timelines and costs by causing project delays and adding unexpected expenses. When skilled tradespeople are in high demand, it becomes challenging to secure their services promptly, leading to prolonged project timelines and increased labor costs. This is a primary reason why trade shortages could delay your building project.

A builder with strong connections within the trade community can mitigate the effects of trade shortages. Such builders can pull in favours, secure scarce resources, and ensure prompt service for critical work. Maintaining good relationships with trades through strong organisational skills and timely payments ensures tradespeople are willing to go the extra mile, helping to avoid delays.

Builders can use sophisticated construction management software to stay organised. This technology schedules tradespeople efficiently, ensures materials arrive on time, and keeps all parties informed. An organised builder can prevent the chaos of mismanaged sites, which often lead to costly delays, and thus better manage trade shortages.

Timely payments are crucial in maintaining good relationships with tradespeople. Prompt payment keeps morale high and secures their loyalty and prompt service. Good financial management by builders ensures tradespeople are always willing to prioritise their projects, which is essential for avoiding delays, especially during trade shortages.

By understanding and addressing these aspects, you can better navigate the challenges posed by trade shortages and ensure a smoother construction process.

Choosing a builder with a solid communication infrastructure is crucial. Ensure they have established methods such as scheduled meetings, regular progress reports, and a responsive contact system. An online portal can also be very helpful for real-time updates and keeping you informed throughout the process.

Effective communication and a good team mentality are key indicators. As highlighted in "5 Things You Must Do to Ensure Your Home Build Doesn’t Turn into a Nightmare," finding a builder who values transparency and teamwork will make you feel like a partner rather than just a client.

Entering the journey with your eyes open and maintaining flexibility is essential. Construction is complex and issues can arise. By being well-prepared and understanding that challenges are a normal part of the process, you can manage expectations and address problems calmly, as suggested in "5 Things You Must Do to Ensure Your Home Build Doesn’t Turn into a Nightmare."

The builder's office team is often as knowledgeable as those on-site. By efficiently utilising the office team for minor questions, you free up the site supervisor to focus on ensuring the build stays on time and within budget, thus minimising mistakes and delays.

Working with a professional building firm and a supportive team is key. Clear communication, a solid infrastructure, and a collaborative mindset help to keep the project on track. As noted in "5 Things You Must Do to Ensure Your Home Build Doesn’t Turn into a Nightmare," having the right people in place ensures a stress-free build and enhances the quality of your new home.

Around 15 years ago, the costs associated with renovating existing homes escalated so much that it became more cost-effective to knock down and start fresh. This shift marked the rise of modern custom home builders, focusing on creating homes designed specifically to meet individual needs. These "Lessons that Will Stop You Making a Costly Error When Building a Custom Home" highlight the importance of choosing the right approach from the get-go.

Not all custom home builders are created equal. Some have display homes, which often indicate they might offer more standardised designs with slight variations, similar to project home builders. If you desire a home that truly reflects your lifestyle and budget, selecting a builder who collaborates closely with you is essential. The "Lessons that Will Stop You Making a Costly Error When Building a Custom Home" can guide you in recognising these differences.

Builders who integrate both design and construction services ensure that the home not only looks great but is also financially viable. Architects, while skilled in design, may not always consider practical costs, leading to homes that are beautiful on paper but rarely built. By opting for builders who handle both aspects, you can ensure your dream home becomes a reality.

The incorporation of digital tools and sophisticated project management platforms has revolutionised the home-building process. These advancements allow for better collaboration between builders, clients, and subcontractors, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and with fewer errors. Embracing technology is one of the key "Lessons that Will Stop You Making a Costly Error When Building a Custom Home."

The construction industry historically relied on skilled tradespeople who passed down their expertise through generations. In recent years, this trend has declined, making it crucial to work with a builder who maintains strong relationships with skilled tradespeople. This ensures the quality and efficiency of your custom home project.

By understanding these historical shifts and trends, you can make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls in the custom home-building process.

Many architect-designed homes never get built due to the "The Architect-Building Gap," where architects may prioritise aesthetics and creativity over practical budget considerations. This gap often results in designs that are stunning but not financially feasible for the client. As a result, approximately 75% of architect-designed homes remain unbuilt.

Modern building practices aim to close "The Architect-Building Gap" by involving builders early in the design process. Builders, who are incentivised only when a project is completed, ensure that designs are grounded in reality and aligned with the client's budget. This collaborative approach mitigates the risk of financial overreach and unbuildable projects.

In the modern home-building process, builders play a crucial role by working closely with architects to ensure that designs are both beautiful and financially viable. By grounding the construction process in realistic costs, builders help bridge "The Architect-Building Gap," leading to more successful project completions and client satisfaction.

To ensure your custom home design remains within budget, it's essential to choose a builder who integrates realistic construction costs into the design process from the beginning. By prioritising open communication about budget constraints and essential features, you can navigate "The Architect-Building Gap" effectively and achieve a balance between aesthetics and financial feasibility.

At the start of a custom home project, it's critical to discuss your budget, essential design elements, and any compromises you are willing to make. This initial conversation helps set realistic expectations and ensures that both you and your builder are aligned, minimising "The Architect-Building Gap" and paving the way for a smoother construction experience.

When selecting a builder, look for qualities such as the ability to say 'no' to unsuitable projects, rigorous client evaluation, firmness with tradespeople, emotional stability, thorough documentation, accountability for mistakes, and a balance of firmness and fairness. These qualities of a trustworthy builder ensure a smooth, stress-free construction process, aligning expectations and maintaining high-quality standards.

Builders who indiscriminately accept all clients often face unnecessary drama and challenges, which can detract from the quality and focus of your project. A trustworthy builder will filter out unsuitable clients to ensure a compatible working relationship, leading to better project outcomes and fewer delays.

Construction is a high-pressure industry, and a builder who remains calm and composed under stress can handle setbacks more effectively. Their emotional stability ensures that issues are resolved constructively, contributing to a smoother project experience. This quality is integral to the overall reliability and trustworthiness of the builder.

A trustworthy builder will insist on documenting everything in writing, including changes, selections, and variations to the original plan. Written agreements eliminate ambiguity, ensuring that both parties have a clear understanding of expectations and responsibilities. This prevents disputes and ensures transparency, protecting the interests of both the client and the builder.

A builder who takes responsibility for their mistakes and fixes them at their own cost demonstrates a high level of integrity. This accountability ensures that any issues will be rectified without unnecessary conflict or expense to you. Trust and accountability are key qualities of a trustworthy builder, essential for managing what could be the biggest investment of your life.

When it comes to building a custom home, the allure of a low quote can be tempting. However, the True Cost of Low Quotes often includes hidden expenses and compromises on quality. Builders may exclude essential components to make their quotes appear competitive, but these omissions can lead to unexpected costs during construction. The initial low price might result in low-quality materials and workmanship, hidden costs, and significant financial strain, ultimately making the building process stressful and more expensive than anticipated.

Builders who offer low quotes may exclude vital components to keep initial costs down, leading to hidden expenses once construction begins. These can include site preparation, proper plumbing, electrical work, and premium finishes that were not initially quoted. The True Cost of Low Quotes often surfaces as these additional expenses pile up, causing financial strain and potentially pushing homeowners to the brink, sometimes even forcing them to cancel contracts.

To avoid the pitfalls associated with low quotes, look for builders who offer transparency and fixed-price contracts. Ensure that your builder provides a detailed, itemised quote and conducts thorough initial assessments, several design meetings, and a quote review meeting. This approach helps ensure you understand every aspect of your project, allowing you to avoid the True Cost of Low Quotes, which often includes hidden expenses and compromised quality.

Yes, low quotes often lead to compromises on the quality of materials and workmanship. Builders may cut corners by using lower-grade materials for structural components, framing, and finishes such as flooring, which can result in costly repairs and maintenance down the line. The True Cost of Low Quotes can thus manifest not only as financial strain but also as a decrease in the quality and durability of your custom home.

Builders can ensure transparency in their quotes by following a comprehensive quoting process. This includes conducting thorough initial assessments like soil tests and engineering evaluations, holding multiple design meetings to fully understand the client’s vision, providing a detailed, itemised quote, and reviewing the quote with the client before finalising. These steps help build trust and ensure clients are fully aware of what their investment covers, thereby avoiding the hidden pitfalls associated with the True Cost of Low Quotes.

It's crucial to thoroughly read your building contract to avoid 3 ‘Unexpected Costs’ Before Signing a Building Contract. Pay close attention to clauses related to price escalation, substandard inclusions, and hidden variation fees. Ensure that any discounts are clearly outlined and not subject to vague conditions like ‘management approval.’ Understanding these can prevent budget overruns and ensure a smooth building process.

Price escalation clauses are designed to protect builders from fluctuating material costs, but they can also inflate your budget unexpectedly. These clauses allow builders to increase prices mid-project, potentially leading to significant financial strain. Being aware of these 3 ‘Unexpected Costs’ Before Signing a Building Contract can prevent your budget from ballooning unexpectedly.

Builders may promise high-quality finishes and upgrades but deliver cheaper alternatives, forcing you to pay more to achieve the quality you expected. This bait-and-switch tactic is one of the 3 ‘Unexpected Costs’ Before Signing a Building Contract. Always verify the quality of materials and finishes included in your contract to avoid costly upgrades later.

Hidden variation and change fees are additional charges applied when you make adjustments during the building process. Even minor changes, like repositioning a power outlet, can incur exorbitant fees. Recognizing this as one of the 3 ‘Unexpected Costs’ Before Signing a Building Contract can help you plan better and avoid unexpected financial burdens.

To ensure transparency and avoid unexpected costs, work with a builder who provides a detailed breakdown of all potential expenses upfront. Clarify any ambiguous terms and conditions in the contract, especially concerning price escalation, inclusions, and change fees. Being proactive about these 3 ‘Unexpected Costs’ Before Signing a Building Contract can save you from financial surprises and ensure a smooth building experience.

The 'Builders Discount' trap refers to a common bait-and-switch tactic used by some builders. They lure potential clients with a substantial discount to encourage a quick contract signing. However, after signing, clients often discover hidden fees, unexpected cost increases, or downgraded materials, which can offset the initial discount. In the end, the supposed 'Builders Discount' can lead to financial headaches rather than savings.

Builders offer large discounts, such as the 'Builders Discount', to quickly secure contracts and boost their short-term revenue. This tactic allows them to lock in deposits or fees that are often non-refundable, even if a client decides to cancel later. While this strategy helps builders manage their cash flow and operations, it can leave clients facing unexpected costs and feeling trapped in an unfavorable contract.

To avoid the 'Builders Discount' trap, prioritise transparency over speed. Choose a builder who takes the time to walk you through every detail of the contract without rushing you into a decision. A trustworthy builder will ensure you fully understand all costs, timelines, and expectations before you sign anything, reducing the risk of hidden costs or project delays.

Signing a contract too quickly, especially when enticed by offers like a 'Builders Discount', can lead to several risks. These include hidden fees, unexpected cost increases, project delays, and potential downgrades in materials. Additionally, if you decide to cancel the contract, you may incur non-refundable fees, leading to financial and emotional strain.

After a client's negative experience with a builder who used a 'Builders Discount' to secure a quick contract, Stannard Family Homes restored her trust by emphasising transparency. They walked her through every contract detail, giving her ample time to review costs, timelines, and expectations. This approach ensured the client understood what to expect, resulting in a beautifully crafted home delivered on time and within budget, with no hidden costs.

"How Builders Lure You in with Free Aircon and Solar" refers to a common tactic used by some builders to attract clients by offering seemingly free air conditioning and solar installations. However, these costs are often recouped through inflated fees or hidden charges in other areas of the construction project, such as footing costs or material upgrades. This strategy creates an illusion of savings but can lead to significant financial burdens in the long run.

No, the "free" air conditioning and solar offers are not genuinely free. Builders often use these offers as a marketing tactic to attract clients. While they may advertise these features as free, the costs are typically embedded in other parts of the build, leading to inflated expenses elsewhere. This approach is how builders lure you in with "free" aircon and solar, only to recoup their costs through less obvious charges.

Homeowners can avoid the pitfalls of "free" builder promotions by opting for builders who prioritise transparency and offer fixed-price contracts. A reliable builder will provide a clear, bottom-line figure and a written guarantee that the agreed-upon cost won't change unexpectedly. This approach helps prevent costly surprises and ensures that the builder is not luring you in with "free" aircon and solar offers that lead to hidden expenses.

Choosing a builder with fixed-price contracts offers several benefits, including budget certainty, peace of mind, and reduced risk of contract cancellations. With fixed pricing, the project remains within the agreed-upon budget, offering financial security. Clear communication and transparency eliminate worries about hidden costs, allowing homeowners to enjoy the building process without fear of unexpected expenses.

Yes, Mark and Emma's story is a common example. They were enticed by a builder's offer of free solar and air conditioning, but soon faced unexpected costs as the project progressed. These hidden fees ultimately cost them an additional $15,000. Their experience underscores the importance of understanding how builders lure you in with "free" aircon and solar offers, which can result in significant financial setbacks.

While not every discount indicates financial distress, it's important to ask: "Are Builder Discounts Hiding Cashflow Problems?" Discounts can sometimes signal that a builder is struggling financially, as seen with Adelaide Designer Homes, which led to unfinished projects and liquidation. Therefore, when a builder offers substantial discounts, it's crucial to investigate their financial stability and project management practices to avoid potential pitfalls.

To determine if a builder's discount signifies financial issues, consider these factors: Are they managing their finances effectively? Are they paying trades on time? Are they using high-quality materials? By questioning whether "Are Builder Discounts Hiding Cashflow Problems?" you can gain insights into their financial health and ensure that you're not jeopardising your investment with a potentially unstable builder.

Choosing a builder who offers substantial discounts can lead to various risks, including unfinished projects, lower-quality materials, and strained relationships with trades, which can delay your project. These risks are often signs of underlying cashflow problems. Before proceeding, ask yourself, "Are Builder Discounts Hiding Cashflow Problems?" to determine if the potential savings are worth the risk to your dream home.

Builders facing financial difficulties may delay projects as they juggle resources and payments. Significant discounts might indicate such cashflow problems, potentially causing project delays. By questioning "Are Builder Discounts Hiding Cashflow Problems?" you can better understand if the builder's financial management might disrupt your timelines.

When selecting a builder, focus on financial stability, transparency, quality materials, and reliable timelines over discounts. Evaluate their business practices, relationships with trades, and reputation through reviews and case studies. By prioritising these factors, you can avoid the pitfalls of hidden cashflow problems often masked by enticing discounts.

Starting your project solely with an architect might seem intuitive due to their expertise in design, but this approach can lead to the "Avoid Architects Trap." Architects, though skilled in creating stunning designs, may not always consider budget constraints. This can result in plans that look great on paper but are financially impractical to build. Involving a builder early ensures your design aligns with your budget from the start, avoiding costly surprises down the line.

Involving a builder early in the process helps avoid the "Architects Trap" by ensuring that your design is both beautiful and budget-friendly. Builders are adept at realistic budgeting, suggesting cost-effective alternatives when necessary. This proactive approach means you won't be caught off guard by expensive features that could push your budget over the edge, as was the case with Ben and Emma's luxury kitchen.

Early builder involvement offers several advantages, including realistic budgeting, smoother planning, faster progress, and reduced stress. Builders can identify potential roadblocks early, adapt designs to suit site-specific challenges, and fast-track construction processes, ensuring your project remains on track. This holistic approach keeps you informed and in control throughout the project, helping you avoid the pitfalls of the "Architects Trap."

Yes, involving a builder from the start can significantly reduce project delays. Builders ensure a seamless transition from planning to construction by pre-ordering key materials and preparing the site in advance. This proactive management helps maintain project momentum and prevents unforeseen delays, allowing you to move into your new home as planned.

A quality builder collaborates with you throughout the entire process, keeping you informed and making necessary adjustments. If design tweaks are required, such as modifying layouts to meet new building codes, your builder will communicate these changes promptly. This ongoing collaboration helps you avoid the "Architects Trap" by ensuring your project remains feasible and aligned with your vision, reducing stress and keeping you in control.