Frequently Asked Renovation & Construction Questions
Do you have questions about construction? We have answers! Below you will find explanations to the most common questions about construction, renovation and home improvement projects.
What is your quotation process?
Our quotation process is a 3 stage process.
Stage 1 – involves a site visit and introductory meeting with the client/architect. During this initial stage, we will review our company questionnaire to determine the suitability of our project for all parties involved.
Stage 2: Occurs only after completing the first stage. We prepare a Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for the project and also submit our ROI (Request for Information) regarding any discrepancies in the drawings or to address our questions about the project.
Stage 3: is the presentation of the formal project proposal. When submitting our quote, we also offer an open bid review option whereby we will sit down with the client to review our quote and help them verify other bids received. This ensures that the client can accurately compare bids that have enabled the same amount of Scope of Works (SOW).
Can you help us with the project from design to construction (D&C)?
The First Brick is able to handle all the coordination work involved in a project, from the first conceptual drawings and Development Applications (DA) to the full completion of the construction work. We believe that the design component of any project plays a crucial role and as such, we prefer to hire architects to carry out the design work for our projects. Having an architect assist you with the design of the project adds tremendous value to the property and ensures that you will end up with a unique property tailored to your particular needs.
What makes your company different to other builders?
Unlike other construction companies, our company directors participate in each project. We are committed to limiting the number of projects we undertake each year so that we can complete them to our exacting standards and give our clients peace of mind that we will deliver excellent results. With larger companies, you run the risk of multiple (and ever-changing) project managers leaving you with communication problems and an unproductive experience.
Can I visit the site during the construction stages?
We provide our clients with access to our online construction management software, allowing them to view daily site updates. Our company will also schedule regular on-site meetings with the client throughout the construction process. (normally once every fifteen days). We believe in empowering our clients with this access so they feel comfortable, involved, and confident that their project is in the best hands. This helps avoid misunderstandings and also ensures that our clients can express any concerns or ask questions at every stage of the project.
I have other questions. Who should I ask?
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions (see the "Contact Us" page for more details). We ask that, as the first step in our consultation process, you complete a short questionnaire about your project so that we can determine the best way to help you.
Do you offer a free, no obligation quotation?
Of course. We will be more than happy to visit your property at a time convenient to you and quote for any work required. If you do not own the property and are seeking a quote for work on a property you are considering purchasing, this is charged at a fixed cost.
Can you source all required materials and project manage our required works?
Yes. The vast majority of our jobs include sourcing all materials, managing all staff and ensuring the project is completed to the highest standard. This is inclusive in our service. Our experience has shown that clients trying to manage the project with multiple tradespeople and sourcing materials themselves most of the time turns into a false economy with no savings and higher overall costs. You will have a much better experience hiring a company to complete your project from start to finish.
What is the difference between TFB and other Builders?
At TFB, we are not only passionate about being an industry leader in sustainable, high-performance housing, but we are also a family-owned business with family values. Our core values, both on and off site, focus on honesty, integrity, respect, safety and detail. We consider our staff, subcontractors and clients the same way.
As part of our values, we consider new technologies and the latest construction practices to be fundamental to a successful construction business, one that ensures we can provide the best possible service to our clients. Over the last decade, we have carefully amassed a skilled team of carpenters and subcontractors whose work ethic and skills match our passion for sustainability, quality craftsmanship and knowledge of the latest materials and design concepts so that the final product you have at hand. Over is a truly functional, high-performance home that built to last.
What Is the Typical Timeline for a Project?
Depending on the size of a project and its complexity, completion can take anywhere from one month to three years. However, in general, repair projects tend to take less time than full construction or reconstruction projects. If any new and unpredictable challenges arise for a project, we always make sure to confirm proposed changes to the schedule with the client.