FAQ

+ Can OB be involved in the design/planning stage?

Yes we can, we offer design and construct options with a number of local architects and designers. This is a great way of working collaboratively with your designer/architect and builder from the get-go and ensures your design will meet your required budget and needs.

Once we know a bit of information about your project brief, timeline, budget and style, we can recommend the designer/architect we think would be most suitable for you and work together from there.

+ What is your current wait time to start a new project?

As we only take on three projects at any given time, we book up quite quickly. Our currently lead time is approximately 12months.

+ Why choose OB over a project home builder?

All our projects are individually tailored to meet and exceed your expectations. We pride ourselves on our relationships, quality, professionalism and transparency.

Our tenders are created inhouse with an exceptional amount of detail provided. We offer innovative design ideas and/or cost saving options to ensure your build is a home that is unique to you, stands out from the rest and is on budget.

We only work with the best. Our team of trades and suppliers are the best in Newcastle. We’ve worked with most of them for years, they take great care of our clients, take pride in their work and fix any issues immediately.

Being a custom home builder, it is essential that we are flexible. We allow you to make changes as needed and are transparent with all our dealings. There are no hidden costs or charges.

+ How do you manage quality onsite?

We have a great team of experienced and qualified builders, carpenters, contractors and suppliers. You have the same Site Supervisor and team of carpenters on your project from the start to completion of your build. We have quality control measures that everyone adheres to and Luke oversees everything on a regular basis. Luke has over 20years of building experience and his attention to detail is second to none. Luke and the site supervisor are involved in all critical stages of the project. Luke is also onsite daily to ensure the build is running on schedule and to the highest quality. We only take on 3-5 projects a year, with no more than three large projects running at any one time. This ensures your project runs smoothly and gets the attention and quality it deserves.

+ How do we get updated throughout the build?

You will have regular site visits with Luke and the Site Supervisor as well as regular communication with the office staff. We also have an online project management portal that you can logon to and see daily site updates, photographs, a regularly updated construction schedule, upcoming invoices, sign off on any variations, download certificates and inspection results as well as upload anything you wish to add as well.

+ Do you do cost plus or fixed price contracts?

We do both cost plus and fixed price contracts however majority of our projects are all-inclusive fixed price contracts.

+ Do you do smaller jobs too?

Yes we do builds of all sizes. However only if there are plans involved. We don't take on projects without plans.

+ What is your square metre rate?

We don’t have an average square metre rate as no two jobs we build are the same. We can provide an approximate guide based on your specific project brief to help you if required, or we also recommend the BMT construction cost calculator for new builds.

+ Can you assist us with our finishes/design selections?

Yes we can, we can book in selection meetings between yourself and our great range of preferred suppliers. You can also use Justine in the OB office for any extra help with final decisions, sample requests or design queries. Or we can recommend some amazingly talented local interior designers that will take your project to the next level.

+ Do you recommend any particular consultants to engage ie Private Certifiers, engineers, surveyors etc?

Yes we do, we have a list of consultants that we love to work with and highly recommend. If you are looking to build with us, be sure to get in contact as soon as possible. It is good to collate this information prior to lodging your application with council. Another reason the Design and Construct option is a great one for you.

+ How long does it take to receive a full tender? And how accurate are they?

Once we have received your final documentation and we have a meeting with you to go over your project in detail, you can expect an approximate turnaround time of four weeks to receive your full tender. Our tenders are done 100% inhouse by our Estimator/Project Manager David and Luke. Together they have individual consultation with every trade and supplier required for your project, to ensure they are as accurate as possible.