FAQs

Yes, we provide a NO OBLIGATION site inspection! Our Sarelle Homes representative will visit your site to determine and advise what can be done on the property. Completing a site inspection is essential because it allows us to identify opportunities and restrictions that may not be visible when searching the property via online portals.

Yes. An estimate/budget will be provided to you after the site inspection. Our team will provide several design options that suit your property and determine the approximate project costs based on your site conditions.

A Contour Survey, 10.7 Planning Certificate, and Soil Test will be completed as early as possible to determine site conditions. We pride ourselves on transparency and will provide a realistic estimate of the costs we expect to incur during the course of the project, including excavation, spoil removal, site access, and any additional engineering requirements.

Your Sarelle Homes representative will give regular updates and make sure you are informed and understand what is happening every step of the way.

Yes, all our homes include a complete Custom Design process, where you will sit one-on-one with our experienced Designers to help create your dream home. The cost of the Custom Design consultation and concept design, along with some reasonable variations as requested, is all included as part of the cost.

We can use our plans as a starting point and then work closely with you to tailor the design to fit your budget and lifestyle. OR Begin with a blank page and create something truly yours. We understand every client has different needs, and no two are the same.

Yes, 100% of our clients have access to renowned designer James Treble, who brings a refined and detailed approach to every project. As part of the team, James will personally guide you through each step of the selection process, creating a unique internal and external scheme that seamlessly blends design, materials, and lifestyle. His comprehensive, guided methodology and world-class industry insight ensure that every choice feels intentional and elevated. This will happen both off-site, where James will guide you through the selection process at our offices in Waitara, in our Sol Studio.

A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is an NSW state government Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) that outlines the generic housing code requirements. If your proposed dwelling complies with the SEPP code, then you are eligible for approval through an accredited Private Building Certifier.

A Development Application (DA) is a formal application that needs to be lodged and approved by your local council.

CDC is typically more expedient and cost-effective than a DA. If your plan doesn’t meet the requirements for a CDC, lodging a DA is the alternative. Although the DA process can take longer, the benefit of a DA is that planning policies can be more flexible on setbacks and floor-space ratio and are often assessed on merit rather than a strict guideline, as opposed to a CDC.

Once you decide to progress from the sales estimate stage to the Design and tender stage and make your initial investment, we will lead you through our Designer Lead Process from Conception to Approvals and then to completion.

Yes, we have preferred demolition contractors that we work with. We can ask for a quote for demolition and include that in your building contract.

A contract will be signed after the Approval, Selections, and all the external consultant reports have been received, including (but not limited to) structural, stormwater engineering and BASIX reports. This way, the contract price is a true reflection of the final price, with no hidden costs!

We allow 9 to 12 months for Pre-Construction through a DA with Council, but this is significantly shorter if we use a CDC process and a Private Certifying authority. Depending on the contract, you can expect anywhere from 12 to 18 months from the time the Slab is laid to the completion of your home. This can vary depending on the size of your home, the block we are building on and of course, weather conditions.

To comply with Work Health & Safety regulations, the site will be fenced off to prevent access without the accompaniment of a Sarelle Homes representative. However, we value your input and offer you the opportunity for walk-throughs at each milestone of the Construction, including (but not limited to):

• Completion of concrete slab
• Pre Linings
• Tiling Set out
• Kitchen & joinery install
• Practical Completion
• Handover

You are welcome to communicate with your Project Manager if you would like any additional inspections.

Payments are made progressively to Sarelle Homes:

• Design and Tender Service Proposal
• Tender Acceptance and executing the preliminary works agreement
• Contract Deposit:  (less Fees paid to date)
• Then agreed Contract Progress payments at a rate of around one per month of construction