Frequently Asked Questions

The easiest way is to complete the Free Consultation form on our website. Provide as much detail as possible — project type, location, size, and any plans or sketches you already have. One of our senior estimators will review your submission and get back to you within 24 hours to arrange a site visit or further discussion.

Yes. Our initial consultation and preliminary cost assessment are completely free and carry no obligation. We believe in helping you understand the scope and likely budget of your project before you commit to anything.

Key cost drivers include project size and complexity, site conditions and access, material selections and finishes, structural requirements, council or regulatory approvals, and your desired timeline. Our estimators will walk you through each of these factors during the quoting process so there are no surprises.

For well-defined scopes, yes — we offer lump-sum fixed-price contracts. For projects where the scope is still evolving, or where site conditions introduce uncertainty, we may recommend a cost-plus or Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) arrangement. We will recommend the contract type best suited to your situation.

Initial estimates are based on information available at the time — plans, photos, or verbal briefs. Costs can change if the scope expands, hidden site conditions are discovered during excavation or demolition, or if you make changes to materials and finishes after the contract is signed. All variations are documented and require your approval before work proceeds.

We strive for complete transparency. Our quotes clearly itemise all inclusions and exclusions. Common items that are sometimes excluded from initial quotes — such as council fees, connection charges, or provisional sums for unknown conditions — are clearly flagged so you can budget accordingly.

A standard new home build typically takes between 6 and 18 months depending on size, complexity, and site conditions. A straightforward single-storey home on a flat block may be completed closer to the 6-month mark, while a multi-storey custom home can take 12–18 months. We will provide a detailed programme at the quoting stage.

Our process follows five phases: (1) Consultation & Brief — understanding your goals and budget; (2) Design & Documentation — producing drawings and specifications; (3) Approvals — managing council or private certifier submissions; (4) Construction — delivering the work with regular progress reporting; and (5) Handover — final inspection, defect rectification, and occupation certificate.

Every project has a dedicated project manager who maintains a detailed construction programme and holds weekly subcontractor coordination meetings. We use digital project management software to track milestones in real time and flag any risk to schedule early, giving us maximum time to recover.

Delays caused by events outside our control — such as extreme weather, council delays, or material supply issues — are documented as extension of time claims under the contract. We communicate any delay to you immediately and update the programme to show the revised completion date. Delays caused by us are not chargeable to you.

Changes can be made during construction, but they can impact both cost and programme. Any client-initiated change is managed through a formal Variation Order that sets out the cost and time implications for your approval before we proceed. We encourage clients to finalise selections before construction begins to minimise variations.

Quality is embedded across three layers: our own site supervisors conduct daily inspections; our project managers carry out formal stage hold-point inspections against our Quality Management Plan; and for residential projects we use independent private certifiers for mandatory structural and waterproofing checkpoints. All inspection records are stored digitally and available to clients on request.

We operate under a certified Work Health & Safety management system. Every site has a documented Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for high-risk activities, mandatory site inductions, and a designated Safety Officer. We conduct regular toolbox talks and hold a strong incident-free culture — our safety record is a point of pride.

Yes — like all construction companies we use specialist subcontractors for trades such as electrical, plumbing, and glazing. All subbies are pre-qualified for licence, insurance, and past performance before being added to our approved supplier register. They work under the same quality and safety obligations as our own staff.

For residential work, we provide the statutory defects liability period required under the relevant home building legislation (typically 6 months for minor defects and 2 years for structural defects, with longer coverage in some states). Commercial projects include a contractual defects liability period, usually 12 months from practical completion.

Most building work requires either a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), depending on your location and the nature of the work. Minor works — like small decks or internal renovations — may be exempt. We assess the regulatory pathway for your project during the consultation phase and guide you through the process.

Yes. We offer full approval management including preparation of documentation, lodgement, and liaison with council or private certifiers on your behalf. This is included in our project management scope for most projects, or available as a standalone service.

A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) via a private certifier can be issued in as little as 10–20 business days for straightforward projects. A full Development Application (DA) lodged with council typically takes 40–100 business days, though complex projects or contentious proposals can take longer. We set realistic expectations at the outset.

Projects in heritage overlays, flood zones, or other sensitive areas require additional assessment and often attract specific design controls. Our team has experience navigating these constraints and works with specialist heritage consultants and hydraulic engineers where required to ensure your project gains approval.

The occupation certificate (or certificate of occupancy) is issued by the Principal Certifying Authority — either a council building surveyor or an accredited private certifier — once all mandatory inspection stages have been passed. We coordinate the final inspection and handle all documentation required to obtain the certificate.

Payments are made as progress claims tied to defined construction milestones — for example, base, frame, lock-up, fixing, and practical completion. The number and value of each claim varies by contract type and project size. For residential projects under home building legislation, the allowable deposit and progress payment schedule is regulated by law.

For residential projects, the maximum deposit permitted under most state home building legislation is 10% of the contract sum, or $1,000 — whichever is less — for contracts under a prescribed threshold. For commercial projects, the deposit is negotiated between parties and typically ranges from 5–10%.

Yes. All client funds received before work is performed are held in a regulated project trust account in accordance with applicable legislation. This protects your money in the event of any unforeseen circumstance and ensures funds are only released against completed work.

We accept electronic funds transfer (EFT) for all progress claims. We issue tax invoices for each progress claim with clear payment terms. We do not accept cash payments for any construction work.

Any disputed amount should be raised in writing within the timeframe specified in your contract (typically 10–15 business days after the claim is issued). We will meet with you to review the claim and resolve the matter. If agreement cannot be reached, the dispute resolution process set out in the contract — which may include adjudication — applies.

Yes. We have a dedicated Green & Sustainable Building service and experience delivering projects to NatHERS, Green Star, and LEED standards. Even outside formal certification schemes, we incorporate sustainable practices as standard — including waste minimisation, responsible material sourcing, and energy-efficient detailing.

Yes. Working with your architect or our preferred energy assessors, we can model different design and material options to achieve your target NatHERS star rating. We then construct to those specifications and provide the documentation required for the energy assessment certificate.

Every Seven.Fact project site has a documented Waste Management Plan. We separate recyclable materials — timber, metal, concrete, and cardboard — at the point of generation and engage licensed waste contractors who divert material from landfill wherever possible. We report on waste diversion rates for projects where this is required by the client or consent authority.

We actively encourage the selection of materials with lower embodied carbon, responsibly certified timber (e.g. FSC or PEFC), and locally manufactured products where they are cost-competitive. For projects pursuing formal green ratings, we document material declarations and recycled content as required by the rating tool.