Question 1

Should I buy my land before contacting a builder, or talk to a builder before I buy land?

Accepted Answer

As a custom home builder, most of the time we work with clients who have already purchased their land and we build on their block. However, it can benefit you to contact a builder whilst you're still looking at land, as he can help you get a better idea of the costs associated with building on that specific block. Ultimately the land you end up with will dictate much about the design of your home - we really can't design a home until we know exactly what kind of building conditions we will have.

Question 2

Do I save money by choosing an existing set of plans instead of going through the process for a custom design?

Accepted Answer

We hear this all the time, and it's a great question! Our experience over the years has shown that the cost savings between creating a custom design vs choosing a generic home plan is basically nothing. With square metres costing around $1800-$2400/m2, there is often a lot of wasted space in generic plans that we can completely avoid in a custom home, saving yourself thousands of dollars. When we begin our design process we don't ask "do you like floor plan A, B or C?" - instead we ask you a series of questions and design a floor plan that works for you.

Question 3

If I enter into a Preliminary Agreement, do I have to sign a building contract with that builder?

Accepted Answer

No, you don't have to sign a building contract with that builder. A preliminary agreement is a separate contract signed by you and the builder to carry out the preliminary work only - things like soil tests, site survey, plans & engineering preparation. Some preliminary agreements give the owner a discount if they proceed with that builder.

Question 4

Does your builder hold a valid licence?

Accepted Answer

Rest assured when you call Comfort Homes you will be dealing directly with the builder himself. Our Managing Director & Builder, Ricky Paroz is a "hands on builder" - he is not only the master builder but also the site supervisor & leading hand Carpenter, physically constructing and overseeing all stages of every project. Comfort Homes also ensures suppliers and all tradesmen are fully licensed & insured.

Question 5

How can I be confident the builder is experienced & reputable?

Accepted Answer

Have you seen other finished work of the builder's? Have you spoken to past clients to find out if they are satisfied? As part of your due diligence, ask to speak to previous clients or request a tour through one of the builder's homes - one currently under construction or already completed - and look for evidence of quality workmanship.

Question 6

What is included with the quoted home price?

Accepted Answer

Every Comfort Home quote carries a full list of inclusions - from working drawings, engineering plans, soil test and energy efficiency reports through to custom cabinetry, kitchen appliances, insect screens, air-conditioning to selected areas and an independent handover inspection. See our Standard Inclusions page for the full list.

Question 7

What about the freebies some builders are offering?

Accepted Answer

ALL gimmicks and giveaways offered by builders are designed to get you in the door and committed to building with them. Free ducted air conditioning, gift vouchers, no deposit required... most of the time these costs are already hidden within the quoted price. Get a quote with a complete package price (with no hidden extras or price rises), then a comparative quote to ensure the full benefit will be received. There is no such thing as a free lunch!

Question 8

Do we get to select the building materials such as appliances, tapware, floorcoverings and other fixtures for our home?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Here at Comfort Homes you will be able to fully customize your home to fit your budget and your tastes. We work with you throughout this process to guide you and answer all of your questions - we can even accompany you when you visit our suppliers to help make your choices if you like.

Question 9

What are Prime Cost items & Provisional Sum items?

Accepted Answer

A Prime Cost item (PC's) is an agreed, reasonable estimated allowance for building materials (fixtures and fittings) which you may not have selected at the time of entering into the contract. Examples may include oven, cooktop, dishwasher and bathroom items such as tapware, basins & bath.

Question 10

Does Comfort Homes offer 'FIXED PRICE' quotes & build contracts? Also, what exactly does 'Fixed Price' mean?

Accepted Answer

YES! Every one of our homes is individually priced, making it possible to give you a total build price for your new home. A Comfort Homes 'Fixed Price' means that you know exactly how much your new home is going to cost before we go to contracts & commence construction. The only time our price would change is if you specifically want to make any changes during the build.

Question 11

Can we come on site whilst our new home is being built?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Seeing your new home being built is exciting & visiting your home during construction is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. We provide regular on-site access so you stay involved and are able to inspect and provide feedback on each stage of the build.

Question 12

When do we take possession of our new home?

Accepted Answer

Handover takes place when all the building process has been completed. At this point you will attend a final inspection of your home with the builder. Once all monies have been paid, you will be presented with the keys and are then able to move into your new home.

Frequently asked questions