HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUILD A CUSTOM HOME IN SYDNEY?

There is no responsible single figure that accurately represents every custom home in Sydney. Construction costs depend on the size and complexity of the design, site conditions, access, demolition, excavation, structural requirements, materials, finishes, services, landscaping and overall specification. A straightforward build on a relatively level site can have very different construction requirements from an architecturally complex home on a constrained or sloping property. For this reason, we prefer to understand the actual project rather than provide a generic square-metre figure that may create unrealistic expectations. Once sufficient documentation and scope information are available, the project can be assessed far more meaningfully.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BUILD A CUSTOM HOME?

There is no single construction period that applies to every custom home. The timeframe depends on the scale and complexity of the project, site conditions, approval requirements, procurement, weather, variations and other factors specific to the build. Before construction, the project also moves through planning, documentation, approvals and pre-construction requirements. Once Arma Built has reviewed your project in sufficient detail, we can establish clearer expectations around the anticipated construction program. We would rather provide a timeframe based on your actual project than promise an attractive number before understanding what needs to be built.

DO I NEED APPROVED PLANS BEFORE CONTACTING ARMA BUILT?

No. You are welcome to speak with us at an earlier stage of your project. Some clients contact us when they are still developing their ideas, while others already have architectural drawings, engineering and approvals in place. Wherever you currently are, we can discuss the project and help establish what information will be required before construction can progress.

CAN ARMA BUILT WORK WITH MY ARCHITECT OR DESIGNER?

Yes of course! Custom residential construction often involves collaboration between the homeowner, builder, architect or designer, engineers and other consultants. We can work with the relevant project team to interpret construction documentation, coordinate information and resolve matters required for the build. Good collaboration before and during construction can make a meaningful difference to how effectively project information moves from drawings into the finished home.

WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMETHING UNEXPECTED IS DISCOVERED?

Construction can sometimes reveal conditions that were not apparent beforehand. If that occurs, our first responsibility is to understand what has been discovered and what effect it has on the proposed work. Where further consultant advice, documentation or a change to the scope is required, we communicate that with you and explain the appropriate next steps. We cannot promise that unforeseen conditions will never occur. We can promise that ignoring them or keeping you uninformed is not our approach.

HOW ARE VARIATIONS HANDLED?

Variations may arise because you request a change, documentation changes or circumstances require work outside the original agreed scope. Where a variation is required, we aim to explain what is changing and the relevant implications before the varied work proceeds wherever practicable. This gives you greater visibility and allows you to make decisions with the appropriate information.

HOW INVOLVED WILL I NEED TO BE?

You will naturally remain involved in decisions, selections and approvals relating to your home. But you should not need to become the construction manager. Arma Built manages the trades, sequencing and day-to-day construction process while keeping you involved where your input and decisions are required. You get to remain the client. We take responsibility for being the builder.

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT BUILDER?

Look beyond the cheapest quotation. Consider the builder's experience, licence and insurance requirements, previous work, communication, construction process and how clearly the proposed scope has been explained. Ask who will manage your project. Ask how variations are handled. Ask how you will be kept informed. Ask what happens when something goes wrong. Ask how workmanship is monitored throughout construction. A building relationship is easy when everything is going perfectly. The real measure of a builder is also how they communicate, take responsibility and respond when something requires attention.