1. I am currently looking for land around Townsville and have no idea where to start; do you have anyone that could help?
Our new home sales consultants have comprehensive land listings for all of Townsville and surrounding areas. Come and visit us in our display home for up to date maps and plans. We are also informed about land releases early and are happy to keep you up to date with the latest information.
2. I already have purchased my block but would like assistance with a design that's right for me, how do I go about starting this process?
We conduct free site assessments on your block of land, just send us the address and a survey plan and we can advise a range of designs best suited to your needs and budget.
3. How long is the building process?
The pre-construction process can take 6-8 weeks from time that finance approval and deposit has been received. Both of these items are the trigger for this process to begin. Once all the approvals are finalised, the build time for a single storey Standard Cavalier Design - is approximately 20 weeks. For 2 storey homes, large homes or builds out of Townsville - the build time will depend on the complexity of the design, please confirm with our office. The above times are also subject to inclement weather and public holidays.
4. How involved can I be in the building of my home?
Once you sign your building contract you can start choosing your colours and you will have an appointment with an experienced colour consultant to help you on your way. Once working drawings are received for your home we will organise a meeting with the office for you to review the plans and confirm your selections. We will go through all the information and let you know if there is anything else left to do.
5. What are progress payments?
There are normally 6 payments required throughout the building of your home - these are due at the following stages:
- Deposit 5%
- Slab 10%
- Frame 15%
- Enclosed 35%
- Pre Paint 20%
- Practical Completion 15%
6. What is a brief description of the different stages of building?
- Slab - Footings are dug and poured with concrete. Base blocks and drainage are installed and then your concrete slab is poured. We then move onto external wall construction.
- Framing - Block work completed and bond beam is poured. Trusses are craned into position and fixed to the walls. The roof battens are then installed ready for roof sheeting.
- Roof/Walls - Roof sheeting, fascia, gutter and soffits are installed on your property along with internal wall frames. During this stage your property will undergo electrical and plumbing roughins. The external walls will be rendered along with the installation of external doors and windows bringing the property to enclosed stage.
- Sheet/Set - Gyprock is fixed and plastered to all internal walls and ceilings
- Tiling - Main floor tiling is done followed by waterproofing of bathrooms and tiling of wet areas.
- Pre paint - It is this stage where the skirting, doors and architraves will be fitted off along with the vanities, laundry tub and kitchen cabinets.
- Paint - Internal and external painting of property. The driveway will usually be installed at this stage.
- Fit off - Lights, fans, air-conditioning, plumbing items are all installed along with door handles and skirtings are tiled. Any minor defects will be identified and rectified at this stage.
- Landscaping - any external works will be finalised at this stage - fencing, irrigation, turf and storm water if applicable.
- Pre Hand-over walk through inspection - There is opportunity for a pre hand-over inspection before practical completion. This will involve a walk through of the property to ensure everything is ready for practical completion.
- Practical Completion is signed and your final progress claim sent to the bank in preperation for hand-over.
- Hand-over - the keys are handed over, another walk through completed with our client manager and your brand new home is all yours!
7. Can I inspect my home at any time during the building process?
There are several scheduled inspections throughout the build process -
- Site Meeting (before construction starts)
- Frame Meeting
- Tile Meeting
- Paint meeting
For any other inspections we are happy to make a meeting on site with your client manager with (48 hours notice required)
8. Can I have my own contractors do work to my home during construction?
Cavalier Homes are responsible for the building site throughout construction and work to a strict building schedule. It is in the client's best interests to have their work completed after hand-over to avoid issues of scheduling, workplace health and safety, insurance, warranty and repairs.
9. Can I make changes to the home during construction?
Minor variations can be made during construction if they are requested at the earliest possible time. These changes could be subject to an administration fee plus the cost of the work, please ask us. Please note that structural changes cannot be made once we have certified plans approved by local council.
10. How will I be updated during construction?
Along with a client manager that will keep you update to date before, during and after construction, you will be regularly in touch with your building supervisor with relation to information about the building of your home and are kept up to date about the exciting milestones as we reach them.
“Some of the above information may not be applicable to all contracts. Please refer to your building contract for the specific design and inclusion details of your new home”.