As early as possible ideally during concept design.

Engaging your builder early allows us to guide feasibility, budget alignment, and construction methodology before plans are locked in. This avoids costly redesigns and ensures the architect’s vision is grounded in real-world construction outcomes.

For high-end renovations, early collaboration between builder, architect, and client is where the best results are achieved.

There’s no meaningful fixed rate for architectural renovations cost depends on design complexity, site constraints, structural work, and specification level.

What we do instead is-

Provide budget guidance early (per m² ranges and element rates)
Develop a detailed scope before pricing
Deliver a transparent, structured proposal
Accurate pricing requires developed documentation. Anything earlier is a guide only.

For premium projects, the focus should be a cost through process, not guesswork.

Both, but it depends on the project.

Fixed price suits well-documented, defined projects
Cost-plus is often more appropriate for complex renovations where unknowns exist (e.g. structural surprises, heritage work)

For architectural renovations, cost-plus with clear reporting often delivers better quality outcomes and transparency, rather than forcing compromises into a fixed number.

As a guide-

Smaller renovations: 6 months
Major architectural renovations: 6-12+ months

Timeframes depend on-
Design complexity
Approvals
Site access
Material lead times

As a well-managed builder, we provide-

A realistic construction program upfront
Ongoing updates throughout the build

In most cases yes, at least for most of the full duration.

High-end renovations typically involve-

Structural changes
Services upgrades
Open internal works

Living on-site can-

Save on rent though slow progress
Increase costs but save the stress of moving out
Compromise safety and quality

We assess this early and provide clear advice so you can plan accordingly.

Quality is controlled through systems, not just trades.

We focus on-

Detailed documentation and specifications
Working with proven, high-quality trades
Director regular site supervision and staged inspections
Director clear communication with clients

As premium builders we operate with a process-driven approach to quality control, not reactive fixes.

We provide a complete, end-to-end service-

Initial consultation and feasibility
Design collaboration with architects/designers
Cost planning and budgeting
Approvals and documentation coordination
Construction and project management
Post-completion support

This “single point of responsibility” approach ensures consistency from concept through to completion.

Yes, this is standard for architectural projects.

We regularly collaborate with external architects and designers and integrate into the project team early to ensure-
Buildability
Cost alignment
Efficient construction sequencing

The best results come from a collaborative, not siloed approaches.

These are allowances in your contract:

Prime Cost (PC): Allowance for items not yet selected (e.g. tapware, tiles)
Provisional Sum (PS): Estimated cost for work not fully defined (e.g. excavation)

Understanding these is critical they directly affect your final cost.

As a professional builder we keep these realistic and minimises them wherever possible to reduce budget risk.

For a boutique architectural builder, the difference comes down to-

Depth of experience in renovations and extensions (not volume builds)
Direct involvement of the builder/director for the entire project
A focus on fewer, higher-quality projects
Strong communication and transparency
Proven systems for cost, program, and quality