Common questions
Useful answers before you begin.
Custom design opens up more possibilities—and more decisions. These answers help set expectations before the first conversation.
Planning your project
Start with what matters.
Why choose custom design over a builder floor plan?+
A custom design can respond directly to your household, site, orientation and priorities. It is most valuable when standard plans create compromises you do not want to live with.
Do I need to own a block before starting?+
Site information makes design advice much more specific. If you are still looking, an early conversation can help clarify which site qualities matter for your intended home, but detailed design needs a real site.
What should be in my design brief?+
Begin with household needs, routines, privacy, work, storage, outdoor living, future plans and a realistic project budget. Images can help, but explain what you like about them rather than collecting a style collage alone.
Can you design for a narrow or rear block?+
Those sites often benefit most from a site-specific response. Light, access, privacy, circulation and useful outdoor area need to be considered together.
Should I choose single storey or two storey first?+
Treat it as a design question rather than a style preference. Site dimensions, household needs, mobility, outdoor-space priorities, outlook and budget all influence the right answer.
How should I think about budget during design?+
Share a realistic range early and distinguish essential outcomes from optional ones. Construction pricing must be confirmed by suitably qualified builders or cost professionals as the design develops.
Does a custom design include planning and building approvals?+
The required project stages and consultant roles depend on the site and scope. Your enquiry should identify what stage you are at so the next-step responsibilities can be made clear before engagement.
What happens after I send an enquiry?+
Your project details are reviewed so the first response can focus on fit, missing information and a sensible next conversation. Sending an enquiry does not commit you to a project.
Your first conversation