building resources

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.