Builders Wollongong
Building Design for Refined Coastal Homes
Servicing clients from Sydney, Illawarra, the South Coast and NSW
Our Service Process
Our approach is divided into two phases, ensuring that every aspect of design is thoroughly addressed and refined. We prioritise comprehensive consideration and detailed execution of all design elements throughout the process. Each phase is presented in a relatable manner, we take pride in creating all designs, visuals and plans in-house. We foster a collaborative approach, making sure that client needs are given precedence, while staying within a pre-established budget.
Phase 1: DISCOVERY CONSULTATION
Discovery Consultation
The Discovery Consultation is a complimentary service designed to help us understand your project, discuss your goals, and determine the best path forward.
During this meeting, we will discuss your vision, budget, timeframe, site constraints, and any opportunities unique to your project. We will also explain our design process, answer any initial questions, and outline the most appropriate next steps.
The Discovery Consultation is provided free of charge and can be arranged at a convenient time either at our studio in Kiama or via Microsoft Teams for your convenience.
Phase 2: Design Development & Documentation
Stage 1: Concept Design
The Concept Design Stage is where your project begins to take shape. Building on the information gathered during Phase 1, we explore design ideas that respond to your site, lifestyle, budget, and project objectives.
Our focus during this stage is to develop a thoughtful and well resolved concept that establishes the overall direction of the project before progressing into detailed documentation.
Services and deliverables:
Please note: The following list serves as a general guide to the drawings and documentation typically provided at this stage. As each project is unique, some variation in the supplied plans and documentation may occur.
- Site plan
- Floor plan/s
- Elevations
- High resolution rendered visuals
Stage 2: Approval Documentation
The approval stage involves preparing the design for submission to the relevant consent authority, either local council (via a Development Application) or a private certifier (via a Complying Development Certificate). We produce detailed architectural drawings and supporting documentation that clearly demonstrate how the design complies with applicable planning regulations.
In most cases, councils require a range of additional documentation to accompany the drawings submitted as part of the development application process. This often includes reports and assessments prepared by specialist third party suppliers. Common requirements may cover areas such as bushfire risk, town planning, geotechnical conditions, stormwater management, waste and recycling, sediment and erosion control, flora and fauna impact, arborist assessments (trees), energy efficiency and BASIX certification. Where required, we obtain quotations from third party suppliers for your consideration.
We represent you throughout the planning approval process, communicating directly with the relevant consent authority on your behalf. Our team prepares a comprehensive and well-considered application to support a smooth and timely assessment, regardless of the chosen approval pathway.
Services and deliverables:
Please note: The following list serves as a general guide to the drawings and documentation typically provided at this stage. As each project is unique, some variation in the supplied plans and documentation may occur.
- Site plan
- Location plan
- Benching plan
- Site analysis and waste management plan
- Concept stormwater plan
- Concept landscape plan
- Shadow diagrams
- Floor plan/s
- Elevations
- Section/s
- Window and door schedule
- Roof plan
- Material and colour schedule
- High resolution rendered visuals
- Area calculations
- General safety design/risk management report
- General specification
- Any project specific additional plans
- Statement of environmental effects (May need to be completed by external town planner dependent on project)
- Waste management report
- Management of the approval process
Stage 3: Construction Documentation
The final stage involves the preparation of detailed architectural plans and documentation required for construction. This includes the completion of refined drawings ready for you to submit with your construction certificate application.
Services and deliverables:
Please note: The following list serves as a general guide to the drawings and documentation typically provided at this stage. As each project is unique, some variation in the supplied plans and documentation may occur.
- Site plan
- Location plan
- Benching plan
- Site analysis and waste management plan
- Concept stormwater plan
- Concept landscape plan
- Shadow diagrams
- Floor plan/s
- Elevations
- Section/s
- Window and door schedule
- Roof plan
- Material and colour schedule
- High resolution rendered visuals
- Area calculations
- General safety design/risk management report
- General specification
- Any project specific additional plans
- Electronic dwg file
Service Fees
Our fees are tailored to each project to ensure they accurately reflect the level of complexity involved. Our service is provided on a fixed-fee basis, with invoices issued upon the completion of each project milestone.
PHASE 1 DISCOVERY CONSULTATION
Free service
PHASE 2 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND DOCUMENTATION
As every project is unique, Phase 2 fees are determined on an individual project basis. The scope of work, complexity of the design, site conditions, approval pathway, consultant coordination, and overall project requirements are all carefully considered when establishing our fees.
Following Phase 1 Discovery Consultation, we will prepare a tailored fixed-fee proposal that reflects the specific requirements of your project. This approach provides transparency and certainty, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the investment required before any design work commences.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
PHASE 1 DISCOVERY CONSULTATION
Free service
PHASE 2 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND DOCUMENTATION
Deposit
10% of the fee
Stage 1 Concept Design
60% of the fee
Stage 2 Approval Documentation
15% of the fee
Stage 3 Construction Documentation
15% of the fee
Timeline
While every project involves certain unknown time variables, we endeavour to streamline our process by carefully managing the timeframes within our control. For new build projects, our objective is to work towards an indicative timeline of approximately seven to eight months. It is important to note, however, that external factors, such as the council approval process, lie outside of our control and may influence the overall timeframe.
Please note: The information below serves as a guide to the approximate timeframes associated with each phase/stage of a new build project.
PHASE 1 DISCOVERY CONSULTATION
1 week
PHASE 2 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND DOCUMENTATION
Stage 1 Concept design
2 months
Stage 2 Approval Documentation
3 months
Stage 3 Construction Documentation
2 months
Get in Touch
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FAQ
How does early design work help reduce issues during construction?
Early design and feasibility work highlights opportunities and limitations before you lock in decisions. It helps clarify what fits on the block, how planning rules apply and which design choices will affect cost or approval timelines. Builders can price more accurately when early design is clear, reducing variations later. This preparation helps both the homeowner and builder move forward with confidence.
What information should I have ready before starting the design process?
Most projects begin with a site address, a survey if available and a general idea of your goals. From there you can outline your must haves, nice to haves and any concerns about the block. If you have inspiration images or an existing home layout, these can be helpful too. The goal is not to have everything figured out, but to start with enough clarity to shape useful design options.
How do detailed drawings help my builder during the build?
Detailed drawings reduce guesswork, which means fewer delays and fewer decisions made on the spot. They provide accurate dimensions, material notes and coordinated information that helps streamline communication between all parties. Clear documentation also helps builders spot any potential issues early, long before they become costly fixes during construction.
