Our Process
Refined over 20 years of experience our 6-steps process enables your project to move forward smoothly prioritising clarity, collaboration, and your unique vision. Each step is crafted to keep surprises and delays to a minimum.
Free introductory session
We will provide you with a price guide which will be based on the information you have provided.
Design Consultation
Our Building consultant will meet with you in person to discuss your exciting new project as well as take photos and measurements of your home. We’ll address every aspect of your proposed build and will help you to visualise your upgraded home.
After gathering information from the meeting, the Consultant will prepare sketches of the proposed works and send you an updated estimate.
You should also continue to assess us as we work together to achieve a plan and price you’re completely comfortable with.
Formal Concept Design and Proposal
The Concept Design phase begins once you’ve made the decision to move forward. During this stage, architectural expertise is combined with the builder’s cost estimates to develop design concepts that align with your lifestyle, sustainability goals, and budget.
Once a concept plan is complete, Keystone will provide you with a scope of works and a formal proposal including pricing, specification of building work and any requested allowances or options. You will need to review and approve these documents before moving on to Step 4.
Plans and approvals
Once you’ve approved the concept plans, detailed plans and the engineer’s certification will need to be prepared and reviewed before they are submitted to your local council or building certifier and any other authorities (e.g. Sydney Water).
Selections. You will be guided through your selections and finishes with our consultant in Keystone’s showroom. You can then visit our preferred suppliers for your flooring and bathroom selections.
To expedite the plans and approvals process, Keystone will request your approval for the following to take place based on the detailed plans:
- Arrange for a detail survey to be provided on your property.
- Arrange a site inspection and detailed plan measure of the existing dwelling.
- Arrange for the preparation of engineering details and design for proposed works.
- Prepare and submit a Complying Development Certificate Application to a Building Certifier or a Development Application to the local council.
- Arrange for a Construction Certificate from a Certifying authority.
- Obtain Sydney Water Approvals.
- A construction contract will be prepared with a detailed payment schedule and specification of building works. This document needs to be carefully reviewed and signed off as it constitutes the formal building contract detailing the rights and obligations of all parties
Preparing to Extend
After a building contract has been signed and before construction begins, we meet with you on site to explain the project plan in detail and assess the site for safety concerns, so we can minimise any inconvenience or risk to you in the construction phase.
Other subjects we’ll cover:
- How you should prepare for your home extension
- Keeping you, your kids and pets safe
- How your house will be kept secure
- Practicalities of building
- Where materials will be delivered and stored
- How rubbish is dealt with
- Keeping site-workers safe
- What signs need to be displayed
Construction Phase
Extending your home will never be a ‘walk in the park’. Making alterations and extending will be a major disruption in your family’s lives. But the final result will amaze you and the reality of living in your new remodelled home will make all the hard work worthwhile.
To make the experience easier, the Keystone team make it our priority to have a flexible and accommodating approach to your needs, so you know we’re on your side. After all, it’s your home!
Other subjects we’ll cover:
- How you should prepare for your home extension
You’ll never wonder what’s going on with your project because you’ll be constantly updated and referred to for decisions.
- Practicalities of building
Every trade working on your home is fully qualified, licenced or supervised and their workmanship is of the highest standard, meaning you’re receiving a top-quality renovation.
When the construction process nears completion the project manager will have a walk-through inspection of the nearly completed works with you. Together you’ll build a ‘to do’ list of outstanding jobs to be finished before you consider the works complete. On completion of the ‘to do’ list the job will be handed over.
