For some the thought of building or renovating is overwhelming and we all know someone who has had a bad experience. There are many questions that we have been asked over the years and below are just a few more common ones. The key to a good building experience is to create and maintain and honest open communication between Client and the Builder and plenty of forward planning to make your next or first project a stress free experience for all involved so you can be the one at your next dinner party that doesn’t have the nightmare building experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
''Ask and you shall receive"
Do I need a Building Permit ?
This is a question that we get asked very often, in most cases a permit is required for works to be carried out whether its residential or commercial especially for structural alterations and extensions. For some items such as repairs and updating like with like in most cases no permit is required.
Do I need a Town Planning Permit ?
Town planning requirements vary from project to project and council to council. There are various things to have to consider such as Heritage overlays, Vegetation overlays which will take into consideration established trees. There may be restrictions on building height, building bulk, street scape just to name a few. Usually a quick phone call to the relative council will answer many of your questions. It would also be advisable to ask your draftsman or architect to confirm if planning approval is required for the proposed at concept stage and certainly before commencement of plan drafting. We can assist you with access to our Town Planner, Building Designers or Architect for a preliminary consultation.
What services does Ampson Developments provide?
We can supply you with a full service from concept to completion, including all Professional and Trade services from Architects and Building Designers to Tradies and colour consultants. Ampson Developments can offer a one stop shop service.
Do we have to move out of the house?
Living in a house during construction of any sort can be a challenge and depending on what works are being carried out it may be possible to remain in the house during that period. For bigger projects such as full house renovations or second storey additions it is usually better that the house is vacated.
Are Ampson Developments registered Builders and do you have insurance?
This is a question that all clients should ask their builder before engaging them. However not only ask them but request evidence to prove that they are registered building practitioners and carry all the correct insurances such as Contract Works and Public Liability insurances. Home warranty insurance is required for projects over $16,000. If you have any doubts about your builder you can check them out with the VMIA to see if your builder is qualified to carry out the proposed works and maybe discuss the history of the builder.
Ampson Developments is a Registered Commercial Builder Reg No. CB-L 224 and Registered Residential Builder DB-U 9644 and a member of both the Housing Industry Association & Master Builders Association of Victoria and carry all required mandatory insurances.
Can i do some of the work myself or bring in my own contractor?
Often clients will want to do some of the works themselves or get their own contractors to work in with us. We are ok with this as long as client or contractor has the relative insurances are in place to cover all interested parties.
What if i change my mind along the way?
It is very common for variations to be requested along the way and we are more than happy to accommodate. However the sooner the changes are discussed the more cost effective it will be. Please Note that some variations to the plans may require Town Planning approval and delays may occur because of the variation. If it is a structural variation then it may require to be re engineered which could cause delays and incur additional costs. So the key is to plan your project carefully to minimise delays and minimise unnecessary additional costs.
I have never done this before can you assist?
As we live in a time where we are spoiled for choice so sometimes the simplest decisions may complicate or delay the process. We understand this and can assist with advice from tile selection for your new bathroom to paint colours anything else you may need assistance with. We have a very experienced in house team ready to help in your decision making if required.
When can you start?
Needless to say there are a number of things that may have to be in place prior to commencement of any works such as Town Planning Permits and or Building Permits, but once those formal criteria have been met and after official agreements are signed and in place and deposits paid works can be scheduled. Forward planning and open honest communication is critical to the success of any project.
What if I have a question you haven't covered above?
There maybe many questions that you may have that have not been covered above and the answers to those questions above are just a snapshot and may vary from project to project. So if you have any questions relating to your project please do not hesitate to contact us.