Our building process step by step

We’re big on communication. It is this personal face-to-face communication and proven track record that makes us the successful building team our clients are happy to recommend. If you’ve got a building project, give us a call on 021 550 142 or send us a message. From building a new home to fixing a leaky building to repairing a deck, our building process is the same. Everything starts with a coffee and a chat. We can discuss your ideas and ascertain how we can best add value to your building project.

We will meet with you onsite for an initial consult to discuss your project brief. This is where we need to hear what is important to you – your wants and your needs and budget expectations. If you are unsure on what you want exactly, what you’re allowed to do and what it is all going to cost, that’s fine. We are a one-stop shop for building: from consulting, design, the consent process through to the finished build. We have built for clients who have brought us photos of homes they’ve seen or images and ideas from the Internet or magazines. At this point in the process is where we will sit done with one of our architects to obtain a scope of works. They can draw up a full set of working plans and we can then submit these to council on your behalf.

This is when we’ll sit down with you and our architect onsite to discuss the full scope of works. We’ll take into account your scenery, existing features, and natural light. We’ll ask a lot of questions. We’re there to build what you want. No idea is a bad idea – completely. We see it as our responsibility to guide you away from those ideas that may not work so well, anticipate possible variables and to advise on the most effective approach at each stage of your build. Our home building and renovating experience mean we know how important the little details are to making sure your plan works. At this point, the 10-year Halo Building Guarantee can be bought.

If you are already working with an architect, our DBS Residential building team is more than happy to prepare an initial proposal letter. Our quantity surveyor to provide an overall cost breakdown for the project for you to consider and then we can start construction. If you’re using our design and build service, designs will be provided for review and discussion before moving on to the next stage: pricing.

Once the concept design is signed off, plans go to our QS (Quantity Surveyor) for a thorough breakdown of all costs. To give you a full, transparent comprehensive costing for the project as a whole, we price everything, including engineers, estimated council costs, and all sub-contractors and tradies which may be needed.

An initial proposal will be sent from our quantity surveyor. This proposal will contain a cover letter, trade summary and Excel spreadsheet with each stage of the project outlined. When choosing to build with us we will in good faith refund your initial cost with our quantity surveyor.

Once we have agreed on your budget and have a full set of drawings, plans are submitted to council. We will be the initial point of contact with council, respond to any requests for additional information and get consent approval on your behalf.

Dan and the admin team at DBS will be your main points of contact at all times. You’ll receive regular updates, and we insist on regular weekly site meetings with all clients. We will produce a construction plan showing when work will be carried out, and our project manager will go through these with you at the site meetings. You are, of course, free to give as much or as little input as you like during the build. If you prefer, you can leave everything to us and simply relax and enjoy the process.

Once your build is complete, we want to be sure you love your new home, renovation or deck and that everything is up to standard. Dan Hendy will walk you through each room or space and show you how we brought your house plans to life. Council will then pass the final inspection and you can move back in and enjoy your newly created living spaces.