Alterations and additions: how long do they really take?

"How long will it take?" comes right after "how much will it cost?". The honest answer is that the build itself is often the shorter part. Here's how a typical alterations and additions project unfolds.

Stage 1: Design

Working with an architect, a designer or our Design & Build team to land a design that fits your budget. Allow [Tim to confirm: X to Y months]. Rushing this stage is the most expensive mistake you can make.

Stage 2: Approvals

Depending on what you're doing, your project may go through a Development Application with council or a Complying Development Certificate through a private certifier. Complying development is often faster, but not every project qualifies. Allow [Tim to confirm].

Stage 3: Pricing and contract

Detailed pricing, selections and a fixed contract. In NSW, residential building work over $20,000 needs Home Building Compensation Fund insurance, which your builder arranges before work starts.

Stage 4: Construction

For a typical alterations and additions project, construction runs [Tim to confirm: X to Y months]. Weather, structural surprises in older homes and late changes are the usual causes of delay.

How to keep your project on time

Make your selections early, before construction starts.
Keep changes to a minimum once work begins.
Choose a builder who communicates every week, not only when something goes wrong.