Firstly, before you engage any builder you'll want to ensure that your builder is properly licensed in the state or territory in which they're operating.

To search in Victoria please use the following link to the Victorian Building Authority website:

Practitioner Search

 

You may also want to check they are registered with organisations like Master Builders Australia (MBA) or the Housing Industry Association (HIA).

To build a complete home or carry out significant residential building work you your builder will need a Domestic Builder (Unlimited) Registration.

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Kenyon Building holds a complete and current DBU Registration DB-U: 100864

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Plus a HIA Membership: 1367388

In nearly all circumstances, the more detail you can provide a builder, the more accurate their quote will be. This is often referred to as the "tender package" and it gives the builder all the necessary technical information they require and allows them to better understand the scope of the project as well as your wants and needs. Documents that a builder will find useful include the following:

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1. Detailed architectural plans and drawings

Ideally, you'll be able to provide a full set of architectural drawings to the builder including things like the site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, and details. This will cover most of the technical details like the project's location and boundaries, its layout and room dimensions as well as its height and views from different angles.

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2. Specifications document

A specifications document is important as it includes all the particulars to do with the types of materials (i.e. timber, concrete) and finishes (i.e. tiles, paint) you want to use. You can also define your preference for brands, fixtures and products which will typically include things like kitchen cabinetry, bathroom fittings, lighting choices and more.

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3. Engineering reports

Structural engineering reports have detailed information about load-bearing structures like foundations, beams and columns which enables the builder to account for the correct materials and construction materials. Soil and geotechnical reports are equally important as provide details about the soil classification and composition which inform the type of foundation and excavation work that will be required. It also tells them if there are potential issues and if any soil stabilisation or drainage will need to be considered.

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4. Site information

Some of this will be covered in the above documents but anything else specific to the site, like details about access for construction teams/equipment, noise restrictions, connections to utilities or old structures that need to be demolished first are all important site-specific factors that should be acknowledged.

 

5. Scope of work (SOW)

The scope of work (SOW) is a document that clearly states who is responsible for doing what in order for a project to reach completion. It describes tasks, deliverables and responsibilities, providing clarity and establishing expectations for what needs to be done. Due to the complexities involved, your architect will help put this document together.

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Kenyon Building can help you obtain all the necessary documentation above as well as guide you through the complexities. Or we're happy to work with your own architect or draftsperson.

Please note Kenyon Building generally charges a fee of $1,000 + GST to tender new builds depending on job complexity.

This fee will be reimbursed if:
- Kenyon Building is the successful builder in the tender process and a building contract is signed within three months of quotation.

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We strongly believe our small tender fee is a good investment as it will ultimately save you more money in the long run.

If you choose to go with another builder, you will have all the information and knowledge from our 'open book' quote to easily compare.

At Kenyon Building we provide an 'open book' quote which is very easy to understand.

 

We provide a comprehensive template which typically includes the following information:

• Itemised cost breakdown — materials, products, labour, subcontractors, equipment, permit approvals, site preparation, demolition waste clean-up etc

• Projected timeline — start and completion dates including key milestones along the way

• Provisional costs and allowances — estimates for items that haven't been decided and those that can't be fully determined

• Inclusions and exclusions — clearly states what is and is not covered

• Payment schedule — stipulates when payments are due

• Warranties and insurance details — for workmanship, products, defects/issues, home warranty insurance etc

• Contract terms — proposed contractual terms and conditions including dispute resolution processes and delay clauses

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If you're ready to take your project to the next stage then we would love to hear from you.

Please complete the contact form below and we will be in touch.