Frequently Asked Questions
Find clear answers to common questions about our building services, project process, quotations, design and planning, service areas, and what to expect when working with SB Custom Homes.
Can you design and build my home?
Yes. Depending on your project, we can coordinate the building journey from the early design and planning stages through documentation, relevant consultants, approvals, construction, inspections and handover. This can be particularly useful if you have a site and an idea for your new or custom home but do not yet have a complete set of construction-ready plans. The exact professional services required vary between projects, so we establish what your project actually needs rather than assuming every build follows the same pathway.
Can you build from my existing plans?
Yes. If you already have suitable completed or approved plans, we can assess them and discuss constructing the project from those plans. This means you do not necessarily need to start again with a full design-and-build process simply because you are changing builders or already completed the design stage. We will review the available documentation, site conditions, proposed scope and any outstanding requirements before confirming the appropriate next steps.
Do you handle knockdown-rebuild projects for me?
Yes. We undertake knockdown-rebuild projects and can coordinate demolition as part of the overall project before progressing into the new-home build. The complete journey can involve planning, design, demolition coordination, approvals, pre-construction preparation and construction depending on where your project currently stands. We assess the existing property, intended replacement home and project requirements so the demolition and new build form part of one coordinated pathway.
Can you renovate or extend my home?
Yes. We undertake substantial home renovations and extensions, including living-area extensions, additional bedrooms or living spaces, kitchen and bathroom renovations, internal reconfiguration, structural alterations and suitable alfresco extensions. We can manage the project as a coordinated building job rather than requiring you to independently organise each stage or trade. Because our focus is generally on medium-to-large projects, we recommend discussing the complete scope with us rather than assuming a very small maintenance job will be suitable.
Do you build townhouses and duplexes too?
Yes. We undertake suitable two-townhouse developments, small multi-unit developments and duplex projects for homeowners, investors and developers. Our confirmed development focus is at the smaller end of multi-unit construction rather than large high-density apartment or major subdivision projects. Site conditions, proposed building type, project scope, planning requirements and other approvals all need to be considered before we can confirm project suitability.
Can you manage approvals and consultants?
Yes, depending on the project. We can coordinate relevant design and planning work together with architects or draftspersons, engineers, surveyors, energy assessors and other appropriately qualified consultants where their involvement is required. We can also coordinate planning, building permits and other relevant approvals as applicable. Not every project requires every consultant or approval, so we determine the necessary pathway based on the actual work rather than adding unnecessary stages.
What happens after I contact you?
We begin by discussing your project, requirements, budget and goals to determine whether the work is a suitable fit. From there, we can arrange a consultation and site assessment where required, establish the design or documentation needs, prepare the relevant scope and quotation, coordinate applicable approvals, finalise pre-construction details and move into construction. The later stages include inspections and quality checks, completion of finishing work, attention to outstanding items and final handover.
Is my project the right size for you?
We generally focus on medium-to-large residential and building projects where coordinated construction or multiple stages of work are required. Custom homes, new homes, knockdown-rebuilds, significant renovations and extensions, smaller developments and larger improvement projects are strong examples of the type of work we are set up to consider. Very small maintenance and handyman jobs are generally not our focus, while some smaller cabinetry, roofing or landscaping work may be considered depending on scope, location and availability.
Who do you typically build for?
We work with homeowners, property investors, developers, landlords, builders and suitable commercial businesses. Homeowners commonly approach us for custom homes, new builds, knockdown-rebuilds, renovations and extensions, while investors and developers may need duplex, townhouse or small multi-unit building services. We can also assist suitable commercial customers with projects such as office, retail and professional-premises fit-outs, cabinetry and related construction work.
What should I send with my enquiry?
The more useful information we have at the beginning, the easier it is for us to understand your project and advise on the next step. We recommend providing the site location, a description of what you want to achieve, any plans or drawings you already have, known site information, your requirements and any preferred materials, products or finishes. If your ideas are still at an early stage, that does not prevent you from contacting us; we can first establish what information or planning will be needed to move the project forward.
Do you offer free initial quotations?
Yes. We offer free initial quotations for suitable projects. The amount of information required before we can prepare an accurate quotation depends on the type and stage of the project, and a site visit is recommended or may be required for many building, renovation and extension jobs. Where further design, engineering, surveying, permits or specialist professional work is required before construction, those services and their associated costs are discussed separately as relevant.
Why don’t you publish standard building prices?
Construction costs depend heavily on the actual project rather than the service name alone. Site conditions, design, size, structural requirements, materials, finishes, professional services, approvals and other project-specific factors can make two apparently similar homes or renovations very different to price. We therefore prefer to understand the scope properly and prepare a quotation around the work required instead of publishing generic packages or price ranges that may give visitors a misleading expectation.
What factors affect my project cost?
The agreed scope of work, project size and complexity, site conditions, labour, materials, fixtures and finishes all influence the cost of a building project. Design, planning, engineering, surveying, building permits, consultants and other pre-construction requirements can also involve separate costs where they are necessary. Changes made after selections or other project details have been approved can affect the cost as well, which is why we discuss the implications of changes before proceeding.
Will you visit my site before quoting?
For many building, renovation and extension projects, we recommend a site visit and may require one before an accurate quotation can be completed. A site assessment gives us a better understanding of the existing property, access, conditions and proposed work than plans or photographs alone may provide. Whether a visit is required at the initial quotation stage depends on the service and the information already available.
Can you work with my project budget?
We discuss budget alongside your requirements and goals during the early stages because it helps us understand what you are trying to achieve and whether the proposed scope is realistic for the project. Our quotation is ultimately based on the agreed work, relevant materials, labour and project requirements rather than simply working backwards from an arbitrary figure. Clear early discussions about priorities, selections and scope can help everyone make better-informed decisions before construction commitments are made.
What does your design-and-build service include?
Our design-and-build service can coordinate multiple stages of a project, potentially including the initial consultation, design coordination, working drawings, engineering and other relevant consultants, planning or building approvals, site preparation, construction, trade and subcontractor management, scheduling, inspections, quality checks and handover. The exact pathway depends on what your project requires and how far you have already progressed before contacting us. If you already have suitable plans or completed professional work, we can assess what remains rather than unnecessarily repeating earlier stages.
Can I choose my own fixtures, finishes and brands?
Yes. Materials, fixtures and selections are handled collaboratively during design and pre-construction. We may recommend trusted suppliers, products, brands or finishes where useful, but customers can also request particular products or brands they want considered for their project. The important step is confirming and approving selections before they are incorporated or ordered so the scope, pricing and scheduling can be managed accurately.
What happens if I change selections later?
Changes can often be discussed, but the effect depends on when the change is requested and what has already been approved, ordered or constructed. A change to a product, finish, layout or other selection may affect the project cost, construction timeframe or both. We discuss relevant impacts before proceeding so changes are considered in the context of the wider project rather than treated as isolated decisions.
Will I need an architect, engineer or surveyor?
That depends on the project. Architectural or drafting work may be required for some builds, while structural engineering, surveying, energy assessments or other specialist reports may be needed in particular circumstances. We can coordinate appropriately qualified consultants where their involvement forms part of the project pathway, but we do not assume that every customer needs every consultant or report.
Can you coordinate planning and building permits?
Yes, where planning, building permits or other relevant approvals form part of the project, we can coordinate the required process depending on scope. The specific requirements differ according to the property, design and proposed work, so we establish what applies to your project rather than giving a blanket answer. Approval outcomes and timing also depend on the relevant requirements and authorities, so we do not treat permits as automatically guaranteed.
Can you build a custom home from concept?
Yes. A custom-home project can begin with your requirements, site and ideas rather than a completed set of plans. Depending on the project, we can coordinate the design, planning, relevant consultants and approvals before moving through pre-construction and into the build. Alternatively, if you already have suitable completed plans, we can assess a construction-only pathway. Our custom-home approach therefore accommodates customers entering the process at different stages.
What happens during a knockdown-rebuild project?
A knockdown-rebuild combines the removal of the existing dwelling with the planning and construction of the replacement home as one wider building journey. We can coordinate demolition within the knockdown-rebuild project and then manage the relevant design, planning, approvals, pre-construction and building stages according to the project requirements. The exact sequence depends on the site and how much planning or design work has already been completed when you engage us.
Can I hire you for demolition only?
No. Demolition is something we coordinate within a suitable knockdown-rebuild project rather than offer as a standalone demolition service. If your goal is simply to demolish an existing building without engaging us for the wider rebuilding project, that is not the service model we provide.
What townhouse developments can you take on?
Our confirmed development scope includes two-townhouse projects and suitable small multi-unit developments. These projects can involve coordination from planning and documentation through approvals, construction and completion depending on the engagement. We do not present ourselves as a large-scale high-density apartment or major subdivision developer, so the site, proposed building type and project scope need to be reviewed before we confirm suitability.
Do you build granny flats and garages?
Yes, suitable granny flat and garage building projects are within our service capability. As with our other building work, acceptance depends on the project scope, site conditions, location and required approvals. Because we generally focus on medium-to-large building projects, we assess each enquiry individually rather than treating every small detached structure as automatically suitable.
What types of renovations and extensions do you manage?
We can manage substantial home renovations, living-area extensions, additional bedrooms and living spaces, kitchen and bathroom renovations, internal reconfiguration, structural alterations and suitable alfresco extensions. Depending on the project, our involvement can extend from early design and planning through consultant coordination, approvals, construction and completion. This allows larger renovation and extension projects to be approached as coordinated building work rather than a collection of disconnected individual trades.
Can you manage kitchen and bathroom renovations?
Yes. Kitchen and bathroom renovations can be managed from demolition or removal through to final installation and completion, with the required trades coordinated as part of the project. These services sit within our wider renovation capability, which is particularly useful when a kitchen or bathroom forms part of a larger home renovation, extension or internal reconfiguration.
Do you handle structural alterations and internal reconfiguration?
Yes. Structural alterations and changes to internal layouts can form part of suitable renovation and extension projects. Because this type of work may require design input, engineering, approvals or other documentation, we assess the existing structure and proposed change before establishing the correct project pathway. We can then coordinate the relevant professional and construction stages where required.
What outdoor living structures can you build?
We can build pergolas, patios, carports, decks, alfresco areas, verandahs, outdoor entertainment areas and outdoor kitchens. These projects can be delivered from suitable existing plans or through a design-and-build pathway where design, engineering or approvals need to be coordinated. The requirements vary by structure and property, so we determine the applicable planning and approval needs for the individual project rather than assuming every outdoor build follows the same process.
What can your roof restoration service include?
Our roof restoration work can include an inspection, pressure cleaning, moss and dirt removal, replacement of damaged or broken tiles, repointing, rebedding, sealing, suitable roof repairs, flashing repairs and protective coatings or roof painting where appropriate. The work actually required is determined by the condition of the roof rather than applying the same restoration package to every property. Standalone roof restoration projects are accepted, so you do not need to be undertaking a larger home renovation to enquire about this service.
Can you replace my whole roof or handle emergencies?
Full roof replacement, major structural roof reconstruction and emergency roof repairs are not our primary roofing services, although some work may be considered case by case. Our main standalone roofing service is roof restoration. We do not advertise a 24-hour, same-day or guaranteed emergency roofing response, so customers requiring urgent emergency attendance should not assume that availability.
What types of custom cabinetry can you arrange?
We can coordinate custom cabinetry for residential and commercial applications. Depending on the project, this may include kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, laundry cabinetry, wardrobes and walk-in robes, garage storage, entertainment units or TV feature walls, custom storage and commercial cabinetry. The service can involve consultation, site measurements, layout planning, 3D design where required, manufacture, delivery, installation, adjustments and suitable modifications.
Who makes and installs your cabinetry?
We manage and coordinate cabinetry projects with manufacture and installation carried out through a trusted cabinet-making partner. We are transparent about this model rather than representing the cabinetry as being manufactured in an SB-owned factory or workshop. This allows us to integrate cabinetry into renovations, commercial projects and suitable standalone cabinetry work while coordinating the process around the broader project requirements.
Can I hire you only for cabinetry work?
Yes, suitable cabinetry-only projects can be considered without requiring a complete home renovation or commercial fit-out. The project still needs to be appropriate in scale, scope and location. Very small repair or modification jobs are secondary to our main project work and may be considered case by case depending on the work required and availability.
Do you handle commercial fit-outs and office fit-outs?
Yes. We undertake suitable commercial fit-outs for offices, retail shops, professional premises and similar business spaces, with a preference for medium-to-large projects. Our role can extend beyond cabinetry or joinery into broader planning and project coordination through completion. The exact trade packages and inclusions are established for each project rather than presenting every possible commercial trade as a standard inclusion.
What landscaping and hardscaping work can you do?
Our landscaping and hardscaping capability can include concrete and exposed-aggregate driveways, concrete paths, paving, retaining walls, outdoor areas, basic landscaping, garden structures and associated site works. Suitable work can be undertaken as part of a new home, renovation or broader property project, and some standalone projects may also be considered when the scale and scope are appropriate. Turf installation, basic irrigation, planting, garden design and smaller landscaping components are generally better suited to larger coordinated projects rather than very small standalone jobs.
How long will my construction project take?
The timeframe is project-specific and depends on factors such as the size and complexity of the work, site conditions, design and documentation, approvals, material requirements, client selections, requested changes and other project circumstances. A complete knockdown-rebuild, townhouse development, renovation, custom home or commercial project can also have very different pre-construction requirements. We therefore discuss timing in the context of the actual project rather than giving every customer the same generic completion promise.
Who manages trades, subcontractors and specialist consultants?
We coordinate the relevant trades and subcontractors involved in the construction work and can also coordinate specialist consultants where the project requires them. Some services are delivered with appropriately qualified external specialists rather than every person involved being a direct employee of SB Custom Homes. Our cabinetry service, for example, uses a trusted cabinet-making partner for manufacture and installation. This coordinated partner model allows the right professional or trade input to be brought into the project where required.
How do you handle inspections and quality checks?
Inspections and quality checks form part of our project journey. During construction, we manage the relevant work and complete required inspections while checking the project against its specifications as it progresses. The exact inspections required depend on the type of project and applicable requirements, with the objective of identifying and addressing relevant issues before final completion and handover.
What happens at project completion and handover?
The final stage involves completing the remaining finishing work, undertaking the relevant completion checks, addressing outstanding items and preparing the project for handover. We treat handover as the conclusion of the construction process rather than simply the day physical work stops. Any project-specific completion documentation, outstanding matters or applicable warranty information can be dealt with in the context of the individual project.
What warranties or Home Warranty cover may apply?
Warranty arrangements depend on the particular service, product and project. Manufacturer warranties may apply to some products, and we support genuine defects or issues that fall within an applicable warranty. Victorian Home Warranty is separate from a business or manufacturer warranty and only applies where the project meets the current eligibility requirements and the required project cover is arranged. Because these requirements and cover are project-specific, we confirm applicable information for the actual job rather than claiming that every project automatically receives the same insurance or warranty.
What if I find an issue after handover?
Contact us so the issue can be reviewed in the context of the completed work and any applicable project, product or manufacturer warranty. Where a genuine defect or issue falls within the relevant warranty coverage, we can assess the appropriate next step. Warranty terms can differ between services and products, so we avoid applying one unsupported warranty period to every type of work.
When was SB Custom Homes Vic Pty Ltd established?
The current SB Custom Homes Vic Pty Ltd legal entity became active in 2025. The client-supplied building and construction work history reaches back to 2019, but we keep that personal work experience separate from the age of the current company rather than presenting SB Custom Homes Vic Pty Ltd as a company that has operated since 2019. This distinction gives customers a more accurate picture of the business and its history.
Can I visit your Pakenham business location?
Yes. Our public business location is 94 Greendale Boulevard, Pakenham VIC 3810, and our operating model includes both customer visits and visits by us to customers’ homes or project sites. Because building work often takes us away from the business location, contacting us before visiting is the best way to confirm availability and make sure the right project discussion can take place.
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