Check out our frequently asked questions below to learn more about the building process and ensure you’re confident and ready for your upcoming build.
OUR PROCESS
We’ve been building custom homes for over 20 years, dealing directly with clients to fulfil all their dream home needs. We’re also long term members of the Housing Industry Association (HIA), which provides our clients with the reassurance that they are in good hands.
As an HIA member we agree to be bound by a National Code of Ethics developed to promote the highest standards of work and conduct. Under the National Code of Ethics, we are required to provide products and services with competence, fairness, value, honesty and integrity.
This is determined by multiple factors, including home size, site conditions and your inclusions. Other aspects that can affect the build time include the time of year you’re building and the weather conditions throughout construction.
When you build with Christou Homes, we’ll conduct a comprehensive assessment during the planning process and provide an estimated time frame for your build after we provide your quote and obtain approvals.
Yes, we can knock down your existing home and build a new home in its place. This is called a knockdown rebuild, and it’s a popular option for homeowners who want to stay in the location they love but have a home that is outdated or too small for their needs.
Building a home with Christou Homes means you get all the important information upfront. We are transparent and avoid any hidden costs. All our homes have quality standard inclusions from leading suppliers including Reece, Stegbar, PGH Bricks, Austral Bricks, Colorbond and more. You can also upgrade any of our standard inclusions to take your home to the next level. We also include standard site costs upfront and are dedicated to meeting any BASIX requirements.
The design process for a new custom home build can take anywhere from two to 12 months, depending on the:
- Complexity of your design,
- Number of changes made during the design process,
- Approval from your local council, and
- Availability of your chosen architect or designer.
Once approval from council has been received, construction can be scheduled to commence.
Yes, we can definitely communicate with council during the approval process making the development application process simple and easy for you.
This varies depending on your local council but generally 6+ weeks if your design fits within council regulations. It can take longer if your design requires exemptions.
When you build with Christou Homes you’ll have exclusive access to your construction site via an onsite camera that can be accessed from your phone. This camera provides live footage of the progress of your home build and means you’re always informed – even when you’re too busy to get to site.
We pride ourselves on our communication with clients during every stage of your home build. If you ever have questions, queries or concerns, you’re always welcome to chat directly to the builder, Mark, at any time.
Yes, we can knock down your existing home and build a new home in its place. This is called a knockdown rebuild, and it’s a popular option for homeowners who want to stay in the location they love but have a home that is outdated or too small for their needs.
SUSTAINABILITY
BASIX, which stands for ‘Building and Sustainability Index,’ is a rating scheme designed to assess energy efficiency. It is applicable to all new residential dwellings, as well as major alterations or additions (exceeding $50,000) in NSW.
When undertaking a construction project in NSW, BASIX requirements apply to water and energy usage, as well as thermal comfort performance. To obtain approval for your build, it is necessary to provide evidence to the consenting authority, typically your local council, that your home demonstrates compliance with the BASIX requirements.
All new home builds and renovations (exceeding $50,000) in NSW are required to have a 7-star energy rating (previously 5.5 stars). This higher energy rating came into effect in October 2023 in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new homes. This is in a bid to meet Australia’s goal of zero carbon ready buildings by 2050.
To achieve a 7-star rating, certain essential features need to be incorporated. These include fixed appliances like heating, cooling, hot water and lighting, along with provisions for solar panel installation and electric vehicle charging. Additionally, climate-resistant elements such as enhanced insulation, condensation mitigation, upgraded glazing and smarter floor plans are required.
Yes, we can knock down your existing home and build a new home in its place. This is called a knockdown rebuild, and it’s a popular option for homeowners who want to stay in the location they love but have a home that is outdated or too small for their needs.
COST & PRICING
The final cost of your build depends on multiple factors, such the design, the size of your home and the topography of your site. When you build with Christou Homes, we’ll provide a detailed estimate at the start of the building process which breaks down all the costs associated with building your home. We only use fixed-price contracts, which means there will be no hidden costs at any point in the building process.
One thing to note is that landscaping, driveway and window furnishing costs will not be included in your initial building contract. If you need any of these elements included in your quote, please advise our team at the beginning and ensure you have money set aside to cover these costs so you can completely finish your build.
Stamp duty is a type of tax applied to a transaction when you buy or acquire a property. If you’re thinking about purchasing land to build a new home or purchasing a property to knockdown and rebuild, don’t forget to factor stamp duty into your budget. Note that stamp duty also applies to property transfers.
The buyer of the property pays the stamp duty.
Stamp duty is decided by separate state and territory governments, rather than the federal government, so rates vary. Working out the amount you must pay can become confusing due to the different approaches by each state. It’s also important to note that some states offer concessions to first-time home buyers and that rates also vary for those buying land. Visit the Service NSW website to calculate how much you might need to pay.
Stamp duty is payable within three months of settlement. When a purchase is made ‘off the plan,’ buyers must pay stamp duty within three months of the completion of the agreement.
