FAQ's

1. Why should I design and build with Avantgarde Homes?
   Before committing to a designer you should be clear about your expectations and budget. Many designers will proceed without a full understanding of these components which leads to disappointment and wasted time. If you do not want to reveal your budget or simply have no idea ask the designer for an indication. Avoid being told what you want may to hear when questioning how the estimate was arrived at. Seek opinions from industry experts to ensure the price you are being told is realistic. Most designers have little experience of building costs so it pays to work with one that is directly employed by a construction company.
   
   When looking for a builder apply the same process. PS allowances can assist you but they are also used to artificially bring the perceived contract price down. Again, quiz the builder on what is included. Ensure all PS Allowances are listed for you to review in your own time. Inspect the builders finished work by visiting their display home or arranging to view a previous build. This is a sure fire why to check the quality. You may like to refer to our check list to assist you in asking the right questions.
   
   
   
2. What rate $/m2 do your houses cost, and why do builders rates seem to vary so much?
   As a custom Design & Build company our price per m2 has varied from $1450 to $4000. Rates can normally be applied to a standard building but can quickly vary for a one off design for many reasons. For instance, draw a square 10mx10m. You now have an area of 100m2 with external walls of 40m. Now draw a rectangle 50mx2m. You will have the same area (100m2) but you now have 104 lm of wall area. Add additional windows etc and the m2 rate becomes irrelevant. Now add an extra bathroom, a larger kitchen and you can see there is far more to an estimate than the floor area. Through decades of experience we anticipate the likely cost of your project but it relies on a meeting where we assess your wish list or by looking at plans you may have already had produced. There is no magic formula for estimating so don't be fooled.
   
   
   
3. Some other builders say they can build the same home for much less; who is right?
   We wouldn't disagree with that statement. A well known Australian car manufacturer is currently producing vehicles for less dollars than their German counterparts. However, if you do opt for price over quality thoroughly check your contract before signing. Accepting an inferior product is one thing, ultimately paying more as well can be very upsetting.
   
   
   
4. How accurate is the estimate, how do I know I won't get hit for more money after I sign up?
   Avantgarde Homes sign up on a "Fixed Price Contract". All unknown items maybe a "Provisional Sum" but these are calculated using all the information available to ensure they are accurate. Any added costs are normally due to clients requesting additional services which are generated once they see the professional manner in which Avantgarde Homes proceed with the project.
   
   
   
5. What is the process from contact to contract signing and how long will it take?
   The first step is for us to visit your block and understand your lifestyle both now and how you would like it to be in the future. If you decide to proceed we produce concepts along with an estimate for the project. With the design finalised we produce a "Fixed Price Quote" and go to contract. All up the process can take between 4 and 12 weeks depending on the clients timeframe.
   
   
   
6. Do you design the items outside the house like, pool, landscaping, drainage, fencing etc?
   We will design all the items requested and can produce a full turnkey solution or simply a house only if preferred.
   
   
   
7. How does a provisional sum (P.S.) work and why do I need one.?
   A PS Allowance enables a contract to be signed even when the cost of an activity is unknown. A Kitchen is a good example. Incorporating a PS enables you to specify the Kitchen you desire and to only spend what you want to. Any unallocated amount is refunded to you. By not specifying a PS you are locked to the contract design and any changes are charged as variations. When looking at estimates compare PS Allowances as well as the bottom line.
   
   
   
8. How are defects fixed and how long does that take?
   I am worried that you won't come back to fix things after you are finished? All builders are required to fix agreed defects within 6 months of practical completion. If you have a builder that fails to adhere to this code you can obtain assistance from the BSA. Part of the Avantgarde Experience is that we have a quality control period after Practical Completion and before Handover in which we address all defects. A unique feature of the Avantgarde Experience is a defect inspection at Practical Completion followed by a defect check off at Handover. This avoids the new home owner having to spend the first month of occupation dealing with tradespeople.
   
   
   
9. What happens when we disagree over whether something is a defect or not?
   An unlikely situation but if they is an item that we do not address to your satisfaction you may take it to the BSA. They will make the final decision and either instruct the builder to fix it or advise that the item is not considered a defect.
   
   
   
10. Does the industry have quality standards?
    Yes, the Australian Building Codes Board (http://www.abcb.gov.au/) publishes the Building Code of Australia annually.
    
    
11. Are we allowed on site during the build?
    Yes, but only in the presence of an Avantgarde Project Manager. Please do not enter a construction site without authorisation as it voids all insurances.
    
    
12. Does wet weather extend the construction time?
    Yes, but depending on the extent of the weather where the project is up to. Once the roof is on some of the activities are unaffected.
    
    
13. Why do you claim wet weather days when there are fine days with no one on site?
    After heavy rain the site can remain "soft" for a few days thereafter. Engaging heavy plant too quickly can be counterproductive by churning the site. It is quicker wait a couple of days and then proceed at full speed. Project progress is monitored daily by the Project Manager and discussed weekly with senior management so you can be assured we are very focused on execution ahead of time. Another point to consider, construction of a custom home engages many different trades and supplies. Through sophisticated Resource management we are able to manage these resources across many different sites. However, there will be instances where it is not possible for work to continue for a day or so. This has no impact on the construction period and does not delay your handover date.

Links

Avantgarde Partners
www.miele.com.au

Other Useful Links
www.avantgardehomes2.com.au