Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need plans or approvals before contacting you?
Not necessarily. You are welcome to contact us at any stage of your planning. It’s often more streamlined to get the builder involved at the outset. We can help ensure the project planning allows for efficiency and to fit within your specified budget.
If you already have plans, engineering or approval documents, please send them through. If you are still developing your ideas, we can discuss your proposed project and let you know what information may be required before it can be accurately quoted.
We aim to quote and we don’t offer estimates?
To do this, accurately, often we may need to obtain reports or additional information. An estimate is an approximate indication of cost and may change as further information becomes available. A quote is a detailed price prepared using the agreed scope of work and the information available at the time.
At Allcon Building, we prepare detailed quotes rather than giving rough estimates. Your quote will identify the work included, along with any exclusions, assumptions or allowances.
The price may still change if you alter the scope, make selections outside an allowance or unforeseen conditions are discovered. Any necessary variations will be discussed and documented with you.
How long does it take to receive a quote?
Once you contact us, we will arrange a suitable time to go over your project with you.
Once we have all the information, we aim to get it back to you within 4 weeks. The timeframe depends on the size and complexity of the project and whether we need to obtain pricing from other trades or suppliers.
Larger projects naturally take longer to prepare than smaller ones. Mark carefully reviews each element to ensure the scope is properly considered, the pricing includes the elements you want, and is as accurate and comprehensive as possible.
When should we request a quote?
We recommend requesting a quote when you are seriously considering proceeding with the work.
Preparing an accurate quote can involve a site inspection, measurements, reviewing plans and specifications, completing material take-offs and obtaining pricing from suppliers and trades. For larger projects, many hours can go into preparing a comprehensive quote.
If you are still exploring ideas and aren’t ready for formal pricing, we would love to catch up with you for an initial conversation.
Do you charge for quotes?
Depending on the scope of the quote, some are done without cost where we can, some do incur a charge which is returned off the balance of the project.
Complex projects requiring extensive planning, detailed take-offs, consultant involvement or considerable preliminary work may attract a quoting or preliminary works agreement.
We will explain what applies to your project before undertaking the work.
What information do you need to prepare a quote?
The more information we have, the more accurately we can assess and price your project.
Depending on the proposed work, we may need things like:
- Architectural or building plans
- Engineering details
- Specifications and schedules
- Development or complying development approvals
- Details of your preferred materials and finishes
- Information about the existing building or property
- Any reports relevant to the site
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything yet. Send us what you have, and we can let you know what else may be required. We work with clients on everything from concept to completion.
Should we obtain more than one quote?
Absolutely. However, it is important to make sure you are comparing apples with apples.
Comparing the final prices may be easy, but determining exactly what each builder has allowed for can be more complicated. The way things are built can represent a difference in cost, but also quality of outcomes. Consider the scope of work, materials, allowances, exclusions, level of detail and the experience of the builder—not simply the bottom-line figure.
A lower quote may not represent better value if important items have been omitted or allowed for differently.
Can you give us a ballpark figure?
We generally don’t provide ballpark figures because, without properly understanding the scope, they can be inaccurate or misleading.
A rough figure can create unrealistic expectations and may result in the final cost being higher than anticipated. We believe responsible pricing should be based on plans, measurements, specifications and clearly defined inclusions.
We are happy to have an initial conversation about your project and whether it is suited to the type of work we undertake, but reliable pricing requires more detailed information.
Can the quoted price change?
Your quote is based on the agreed scope and the information available when it is prepared.
The price may change if:
- You request additional or changes to the proposed work
- The plans or specifications change
- Authorities or consultants require additional work
Any changes will be discussed with you and managed through our variation process.
What is included in the quote?
Your quote will contain a scope describing the work included in our price. It may also identify relevant exclusions, assumptions and allowances.
We encourage you to read the entire quote carefully and ask us about anything you are unsure of before accepting it. This makes sure everyone has the same understanding of what is, and what is not included.
How soon can you start?
Our availability depends on the size of your project and our existing construction commitments.
Once we understand the scope, we can give you a realistic indication of when we may be available. Larger projects also require time for design, engineering, approvals, selections and material lead times before construction can commence.
Do you undertake commercial work?
Our business primarily specialises in residential construction, so commercial work is not our main focus.
However, every project is different. If you are unsure whether your proposed work is something we can assist with, please feel free to ask.
Do you take on small projects?
We specialise in larger residential projects, so smaller work is not the core focus of our business. However, we are always happy to consider how we may be able to help.
Because our team is often committed to larger projects for extended periods, our availability for smaller jobs may be limited and the waiting period may be longer than expected. Please contact us with the details, and we will let you know whether the project suits our capabilities and schedule.
What areas do you service?
We are based in Medowie and have completed projects throughout Port Stephens, Newcastle and the surrounding areas, including Karuah, Glen William, Maitland, Stockton, North Arm Cove and Nelson Bay.
Projects outside our usual service area are considered individually. We also need to make sure our trusted trades and suppliers can service the location, allowing us to maintain the standard of workmanship we expect on every Allcon Building project.
Can you build our project to lock-up stage?
Yes. If you are building a new home, granny flat, extension or another residential project, we can discuss completing the construction to an agreed stage.
Mark has extensive experience building homes from the ground up. Let us know which parts of the project you would like us to complete, and we can discuss the most practical way to structure the work and clearly define everyone’s responsibilities.
Can we complete some of the work ourselves?
Possibly. This will depend on the type of project, the work you would like us to undertake and the work you intend to complete yourself.
We need to consider licensing, approvals, insurance, warranties, site safety, scheduling and responsibility for the completed work.
Tell us what you have in mind, and we can determine whether it is practical and clearly document who will be responsible for each part of the project.
Who will we deal with during the project?
Allcon Building is a family-owned and operated business. You will deal directly with Mark and Mel throughout the quoting, planning and construction process.
How do we get started?
Contact Mel on 0429 345 547 or send us the details of your proposed project to melanie@allcoonbuilding.com.au
If you have plans, engineering, photographs or approval documents, please include them with your enquiry. We can then review the information and arrange a time to discuss the next steps.
