building with apg - enjoyable from the first step

Nothing is quite as exciting and fulfilling as building a brand new home. Except maybe showing it off to your friends and family!

At apg, we believe the actual building experience should be just as satisfying as the home itself. So we do everything in our power to make it easy. It’s all about going that extra mile to exceed your expectations every step of the way.

That’s what sets us apart.

building resources

Check out the very latest building news and our building resources designed to provide you with all the information you need to make the best building choices for you.

latest home building news

 

Keep your finger on the pulse with the latest news 
on the home building scene.

Trends, tips, previews and much more.

read the latest home building news

whitepapers

tap into our wealth of experience

No matter who you choose to build your new home, it pays to understand the process. If only for peace of mind.

This collection of whitepapers will give you a great insight into all the major steps in the building process. So you’ll know exactly what’s happening at all times, as well as what’s coming next.

see our complete list of whitepapers

building budget calculator

how much I need to invest?

 Use this handy calculator to estimate your site and finishing costs.

Then you’ll know what homes better fit within your new home budget.

use our home building budget calculator

finance calculators

get a clear picture of your finances

Getting a home loan is a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful. With our in-house finance specialist Resolve Finance's range of home loan calculators, you can paint a very clear picture of how much you can borrow, what it will cost you each month, and so on. All long before you take the plunge.

use resolve finance's home loan calculators

faqs

We want you to be completely comfortable with the building process, long before the first brick is laid. You’ll find answers to most of your questions here. Of course, we’d love to hear from you if you have more.

how will i know what is happening with my house during construction?

Fortnightly construction progress updates are provided directly to the client by way of a telephone call or email.

This gives the client an accurate running commentary on each stage of the building project and a direct contact person to answer any questions along the way. The maintenance department can provide advice and assist clients plan their move into the new home.

can i get a key to my house before it is finished?

Generally, keys are only handed over once apg have finished building the home. If access to the home is required during construction, apg are happy to arrange a meeting on site with your supervisor between the hours of 7.30am and 3.00pm Monday to Friday. Usually 48 hours notice is required.

can i make changes during construction?

Some minor internal or cosmetic changes can be made and should be attended to and requested at the earliest possible time, however, an administration fee plus the cost of the work may apply depending on the nature of the variation.

Unfortunately changes of a structural nature have a knock on effect through the entire building project and will not be allowed as apg must build the home as approved by the local council and in accordance with the building licence.

can i get some work done to my home during construction?

apg are responsible for the building project during construction and have scheduled the home to be completed to a programme. Coordinating client trades along with issues of scheduling, insurance, quality, warranty and repairs can be difficult to manage.

We believe it’s in the client's best interest to have their work completed after hand over to avoid potential delays and disputes with their trades along the way.

now my selections are done, when will my slab go down?

Once your selections are completed along with the final drawings, all we need is the building licence and finance confirmation. Provided the block is titled and ready to build on, we can book the home in to commence site works ready for construction. This should take approximately 4 weeks from receiving your final drawings.

when can start choosing my colours?

You can start choosing your colours at any time, however, your final selections are not required until after you receive your working drawings.

Once the drawings of your home have been completed and presented, you will be called in to view and confirm all material and colour selections for your new home. Our experienced selection consultants will guide you through the selection studio and provide all pricing information for options and upgrades.

A preliminary meeting before the official meeting will be organised to give you a good idea of what is available and things you need to do.

does that price include everything?

Most prices you see advertised for new homes do not include the finishing items for the home or external work and site related costs. It is difficult to have an all inclusive price for each home as clients will have different ideas and budgets on how to finish their own homes.

As a guide, allow for floor coverings, window treatments, light fittings, landscaping and site costs over and above the cost of the home. Preparing the site to build on will include clearing, leveling and retaining the block if necessary and apg can provide allowances for this work to be completed.

Our building budget whitepaper and simple budget calculator may assist you in your budget preparation.

are individual designs more expensive than standard models?

Buying a standard model home design will usually be more cost effective than starting from scratch. Much of the internal processing work has already been completed to achieve efficiencies through the system and in construction.

APG do however, have a talented team of designers that produce tailor made cost effective designs for individual needs and block requirements to help maximise the lands full potential, particularly where views need to be achieved and accurate orientation is required.

what block size do i need?

Block sizes revolve around home design. If you have already selected a design, as a rule of thumb, you can look for blocks that are 3.0 metres wider than the widest part of the home design. The depth of the block will need to be at least 8.0 metres longer than the longest part of the home.

There are other variables with the design that may impact on the block size you need and should be discussed with the builder beforehand. Some of these include the location of windows and balconies, lengths of walls in relation to setbacks from boundaries, whether it’s a single or double storey design, pools and outdoor garden layout, local council design guidelines and location of parapet walls. A chat with apg will give you all the answers before you buy the block.

For more detailed information view our selecting the right building block whitepaper

what building methods do apg use?

Traditionally, most homes in Western Australia are built in double brick construction for the walls with a concrete slab for the floor. In other states of Australia, and other countries, walls are constructed of regular brick on the outside wall with a timber framed veneer on the inside walls. In the case of two storey homes, the suspended floor is constructed of timber or steel.

At apg we believe in providing choice by having the ability to build both. We simply prefer to let clients decide which is best for them, based on their own ideas and research. As one of very few builders to provide an option, we can advise on design, process and construction advantages or disadvantages for either method.

how long does it take to build a home?

There are several variables when it comes to building a new home before the building starts. These include the complexity of the design, local council regulations and compliancy, and the processing time during the design and approvals stage.

Once a home is ready to start with all approvals taken care of, apg can give clients a much more accurate indication of the actual “build” time based on each design. Build times should only be quoted once this stage is reached and not include the time taken for building approvals as often these time frames are beyond the clients or builders control.

As a guide, clients should allow “build” times of approximately 6 - 8 months for single storey homes and10 -12 months for double storey homes. Another 6 to 8 months can be added for the processing and approval stages before building begins.

why build with apg homes?

apg consistently strive to provide our clients with the most up to date, up front information on all aspects of the building process to assist clients to make informed decisions for their new home building project.

By listening and clearly understanding each client's individual need, apg can provide the best advice and help plan the entire building project from start to finish. This helps eliminate “surprises” down the track and avoid costly over runs and delays.

All clients are kept informed through every stage with regular communication and updates by a dedicated in house team of professionals to ensure a smooth and enjoyable building experience.

To find out more about this experience, see the apg journey.

who are apg homes?

apg homes were established in 1997 and cater for clients seeking design and building solutions for single and double storey homes including multi-unit developments across the metropolitan area.

apg homes are part of a larger group of companies known as the ABN Group (Alcock Brown-Neaves Group). ABN group are the largest residential building group in Western Australia and apg homes is run independently within the group specialising in its core market.

Our single storey homes start from $220,000 with double storey homes from $249,000 up to $600,000.

got other questions?

Call (08) 6555 7565 now to speak with one of our building and design consultants or: