our process
When should you engage a builder? It's a great question with a simple answer.
As early as possible!
Traditionally, a client would contract a handful of builders, send their plans out for tender and most likely take the lowest price. Whilst nothing is wrong with this, we believe it's not the best way to approach your building; it's an outdated approach to building. But for us it’s all about process.
Our preconstruction process is the full package. This is aimed at working with you and your designer from the concept stage through to construction. We work with you to create a realistic construction cost estimate to determine a budget versus the desired scope of work. Generally, up until this point in time, this is the first point in which a builder has been engaged.
That's why we get involved to work alongside them to discuss five things things!
the carland constructions process
Investing in a builder is well and truly worth it. We value our time and knowledge, knowing that we will give you confidence in making a huge commitment in the near future. Here is a quick rundown on how we work and what makes us a leader not only in passive house and sustainable building in Melbourne but also in the way we conduct our preconstruction process.
Say Hello: You or your designer/architect reaches out to Carland Constructions to express interest in working together.
Initial Chat: A quick phone conversation is had to get to know each other and discuss your build. If this stage is passed, a coffee meeting is arranged.
Let's Grab a Coffee: Carland Constructions meets you and your designer onsite to discuss the project, highlight any site issues, and explain their fee schedule. A formal fee proposal for involvement is then sent out. We can give you an indicative price at this point.
Preliminary Contract Signed: The preliminary contract agreement is signed, marking the early involvement of the contractor.
Project Review: All relevant documentation for your project is reviewed.
Preliminary Estimate: A ballpark figure for your build cost is provided where we work with a quantity surveyor to determine a budget for your build.
Game On: If your brief and budget align, it's time to move the project forward.
Grow: Plans are designed and developed, and external consultants are brought in.
Buildability: Factors contributing to the project's buildability are investigated and discussed.
Final Cost: Production of your final cost estimate. Your construction contract is then finalised and signed.
These are just the main points, and theres a lot of stuff inbetween but that is our secret sauce, which is what leads us to being a passive house building expert in Melbourne.
It's a simple process, and when it's followed, it works extremely well. It’s grown over the years, and is constantly tweaked to take our clients on a fun journey from start to finish. So what does it look like? Well, here’s a quick overview. Architects know how to design homes, but builders know what things cost, how a home performance and how to build a home!
Everyone wants to know what their project will cost, and so do we. Relying on what your architect says it will cost is an outdated approach, and far too often, we see projects fall over because they have not been priced at an early stage. How do you know what it might cost if it has yet to be priced? You can look at other comparable projects or use a square metre rate as a guide, but these numbers should only be used as a qualifying tool.
We're not just Passive House experts – we're leading the charge. Our proven track record demonstrates our commitment to building homes that are not only incredibly energy-efficient but also comfortable and healthy. We're pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the industry, setting the new standard while others play catch-up. Our process is the same. It’s built off years of experience, and not doing this PAC process or early engagement contractor just because it’s now cool. Our’s is built off years of mistakes and learning, and constantly adapting to be better
This preconstruction process is the full package. This is aimed at working with you and your designer from the concept stage through to construction. We work with you to create a realistic construction cost estimate to determine a budget versus the desired scope of work. Generally, up until this point in time, this is the first point in which a builder has been engaged.
When you partner with us, you're choosing a team that's passionate about building a sustainable future, one home at a time. We have not jumped on this because it seems to be the cool thing to do; we had to create an industry and educate the market on the importance of living in a healthy and comfortable place.
A builder will spend a fair chunk of their time estimating or looking at prices. They will have up-to-date knowledge on what things cost, and they can link this specifically to your project. We also have a pretty good idea of how to build stuff. We can cast an eye over the project's buildability and raise any issues we may see that could occur onsite. Over the years, this process has enabled us to catch potential problems before they arise onsite and saved thousands of dollars on a project. This is the area where our fee pays itself off very quickly!
The thing is, we have the runs on the board. And they are accumulating fast. We know exactly what is required to achieve this goal and take extreme pride in the hidden details required. We have worked on a wide range of passive house projects, from new builds to SIPS passive house projects to retrofits, and spoke as part of a panel at the Australian Passive House Conference. We really have done it all. We love a challenge and want something that will push us to our limits!
We know we are the Melbourne Passive House experts, offering Certified Passive House builder Melbourne services, so why not utilise our deep knowledge in this space? We like to be involved early! From the moment you are considering renovating a high-performance home in Melbourne, building a new sustainable home, or are in the concept stage of drawings, we feel it is important to involve a builder. Investing in a builder is well and truly worth it. We value our time and knowledge, knowing that we will give you confidence in making a huge commitment in the near future.