Our Process
What to expect when building
your custom home with Gold Leaf
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Discovery Call
We begin with a simple conversation to understand the overall vision, needs, and personal style. In this conversation, we focus on creating a personal connection and explaining the design-build approach. This is where we explore the reason for the project, discuss family needs, and dive into their design preferences.
The team will review all documentation related to the project and review our construction slot planner for proposed start dates. We will discuss our expected build cost to ensure that it aligns with the clients budget and visit the proposed build address to gauge a better understand of the landscape and site requirements.
During this session, we discuss next steps and whether the client needs assistance with building designers or already has a team in place, setting the stage for a collaborative process moving forward.
Every client’s journey is unique and some journeys will be longer than others. Our team will work with you throughout to ensure your comfort and confidence in Gold Leaf Constructions.
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Initial Meeting
We will hold a detailed initial meeting, whether onsite or in the office. This meeting provides an opportunity to review specific site conditions and explore the client’s ideas in greater depth. We ensure every aspect of their vision is understood and incorporated into the plan.
Gold Leaf Constructions are connected with a broad range of leading creative bodies who are ready to collaborate and bring your ideas to life. Our direct GLC team extends to create a collaborative and cohesive network around you and your project.
We work with leading architects, designers and suppliers to ensure that your budget is respected without compromising on quality. If you haven’t already found a designer or architect, or don’t know where to start, we can guide you toward one which will suit your style, personality and ambitions.
Collaborating closely with building and interior designers ensures that all parties are aligned with the project goals from the beginning. This approach guarantees a smooth transition from design to construction and handover.
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Concept Agreement
If you don’t have a concept design for your project, we then enter the concept design process.
This stage includes a thorough analysis of the site, including surveys and assessments of underground infrastructure. We will match you with a Building Designer or Architect that suits your style, personality and goals.
We collaborate to create site plans, floor plans, elevations, and renders that reflect the vision and meet the budget. Interior designers contribute mood boards and material selections that align with the design brief and personal style.
We provide input on building methods and materials to ensure that the design stays within the client’s investment expectations.
Once the concept plans are approved, we provide an estimate and an expected timeline for the project, allowing the client to visualise the outcome and plan accordingly.
Many people design their home first and find a builder second, however early involvement from a trusted builder is essential to keeping the project aligned with both design intent and budget expectations.
In fact, over 80% of designs are not built due to misalignment between budget and design. This can be avoided by seeking builder feedback early, reducing the risk of costly rework and delays later in the process.
At this stage, we will work with the designer and attend the design meetings to ensure the budget is respected.
We can minimise potential cost escalations and help you allocate resources more effectively, ensuring your vision is preserved and that you get the best value for your investment.
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Preliminary Service Agreement
Once the project concept is approved and all parties are happy with the concept, we move into a PSA and the detailed design and costing begins.
This phase includes detailed working drawings, joinery elevations and electrical plans. Our team can manage the process with all necessary consultants, including soil testing, engineering, and other reports required for building approval if you wish, or you can take the lead directly.
This comprehensive approach ensures that every detail is covered. At the end of this stage, we provide a detailed costing of the project with a tender submission and work with you to provide any further value engineering to align the budget if required.
We consult our trusted subcontractors for feedback and quotes for works. Having our trades view the project ahead of time, ensures that they are also prepared for your project and they can give us any advice in their specialty trade.
During this stage, we also refine the plans and finalise material and interior selections. We work with you to bring all of your finishes, fixtures, textures and design features together. You will be supported at each of the showroom consultations as you make selections if you don’t have an interior designer to guide you.
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Build Contract
After the detailed design and pricing have been finalised, we prepare a fixed fee contract based on the approved project plans. This contract outlines the scope, timeline, and investment required for the project.
Once all parties have signed the industry-standard contract, a deposit is paid and we proceed with the necessary certifications and coordinate the documentation required for construction to commence.
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Construction
We manage the entire construction process with clear communication and regular updates via a project management platform Procore.
You’ll be kept up to date with fortnightly detailed progress updates, photos and 24/7 access to your project. Our team ensures that the client remains informed and engaged throughout the process by providing regular progress reports and scheduling site walkthroughs.
This transparency and collaboration help the client witness their vision come to life, culminating in a smooth handover of the completed home.
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We will provide you with an estimated timeline for when the handover of your new home is expected to take place, pending weather conditions haven't impacted the schedule. As the project nears completion, a specific handover date will be confirmed. On handover day, Kyle will walk you through your home and provide the necessary paperwork and appliance manuals.
We want to maintain a good relationship with you as our client, not tick you off as another number. After 6 months we will follow up to see how you are settling in. We like to come back and walk around the home with you to see how it’s all looking. We will then take care of any minor adjustments where required.
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Once you have settled into your home, we will contact you to arrange a photo shoot with our Photographer. You will receive copies of the photos and we will showcase your home on our website and social media.