Frequently Asked Questions
This page answers the most frequently asked questions about building with Pavilion Homes Building Services.
Quotes & Costs
- Can I make any modifications to the plans for properties listed for sale?
- I own my own land, can I engage Pavilion to build my home?
- I already have my own plans, can I engage Pavilion to build my home?
- How can I find out what my soil class is and why is this relevant?
- When do I have to pay for the House & Land Package? Split Contracts method saving stamp duty.
- When do I have to pay for an apartment/townhouse/single contract home package?
- Can you deal with my bank/broker for me regarding payments?
- Can I have a single contract for both the house and land?
- How do I get a quote?
- How much does it cost to build?
Inclusions
- What 'inclusions list' do you offer?
- Where can I view the inclusions?
- Can I change inclusions?
- Can I pick my own colours and materials?
Construction and Warranty
- How often should I expect to hear from you during the building process?
- Can I go onsite to view the progress of my property?
- What is a typical timeframe to build?
- What sort of warranty do I get?
Can I make any modifications to the plans for properties listed for sale?
Yes, As all our designs have all been architect designed before you see them and achieve in most cases a six star energy rating. Some minor changes are generally permitted to listed properties to suit your needs. Colours: you will get the freedom to select from one of colour schemes (viewable at the Pavilion head office or possibly the display home) that best suits your tastes or select your own on single lot blocks. For complete custom design We note you should expect a much longer process to prepare plans, contracts, have meetings, discussions and finalise price where custom architect designing. Changes that seem minor to you that require plan changes and otherwise can be a long involved process. We do recommend you check all inclusions, plans, and ask all your questions before signing, however understand this process can take a long time pending the number of questions you have. Our aim is to offer set prices and progress contracts and construction quickly. Set design packages without changes allow us to quickly agree on a price and issue contracts. For general information on how to select a custom architect design builder, please see How to Choose a Builder.
I own my own land, can I engage Pavilion to build my home?
Yes. After a meeting with you in person at our display home to discuss your needs. We can sketch onto your block and quote one of our set designs with our inclusions list and your selected options for a small upfront investment from $ 330+gst to cover architects fees and ensure the design suits and provide you a guaranteed fixed price total quote. This entitles you to one meeting with our architect, one sketch design on your block and a written quote. We will include allowances for all site costs, soil class, all certifiers approval fees, six star EER features to allow us to provide true total cost upfront. Our quote in this format is sufficient for you to submit to your bank for finance approval also. No obligation to proceed unless you are satisfied with all aspects or service and the proposal. For a custom luxury specifically designed home a $2500+gst non refundable fee applies (to cover architects and other costs) and you need to allow a much longer time process in most cases pending the amount of fine tuning needed. Peace of mind offer, have our design sketch costed by another display village builder with ten years minimum trading experience and if you are more comfortable with them ask about our purchase your design option to cover our costs to that date. PRICE MATCH offer on your own plans, ask for details and terms.
I already have my own plans, can I engage Pavilion to build my home?
Yes, FREE estimates are available follwing an in person meeting at our display home with you, after this a quoting fee applies for a quote you can present to your bank. Ask for a copy of our brochure which provide a checklist to enable you to compare builders quotes, free builders quote may not be accurate and subject to change. For general information on how to select a builder, please see How to Choose a Builder. We can sketch onto your block and quote one of our set architect designs with our inclusions list and your selected options for a small investment of $330 - $660 + GST to cover architects fees and ensure the design suits and provide you a guaranteed fixed price total quote.
I want to architect design my own home, can I have Pavilion prepare and/or build a custom design for me?
Yes, A fr$1500+gst fee applies to design a concept sketch and quote. If you have plans drawn and would like a informal estimate, we can provide a free estimate after meeting with you. Note an estimate is not a quote and final quotes may vary when site costs, size and features all drawn. Custom design is a much longer process and you need to understand this and that as a plan does not exist at estimate time we can not provide upfront fixed price. For general information on how to select a builder, please see How to Choose a Builder.
How can I find out what my soil class is and why is this relevant?
When purchasing land, the government/developer you are buying from may provide a soil class certificate. Otherwise, a geotechnical engineer will need to inspect the site and prepare a report advising what the soil class is. The soil class will determine the type of foundations, concete slab and steel work that the structural engineer will specify are required. S class soil can be built on with standard foundations, however M and other classes require additional materials and labour and are therefore more expensive to build on. Our new Aviva Inclusions allows for up to general M class soil anything over this is considered soft soil and additional values apply. Please note that M class soil has low to high ranges and all vary in value and detail required.
When do I have to pay for the House & Land Package? Split Contracts method saving stamp duty.
Please see page 2 of our House & Land flyer. Payment due after stages of work reached as per what the bank allows, no payments except the deposit are in advance for your peace of mind.
When do I have to pay for an apartment/townhouse/single contract home package?
Please see page 2 of our Unit flyer. These are a single contract and payment is 5-10% deposit in cash or bank guarantee and balance on settlement/completion.
How often should I expect to hear from you during the building process?
At each state of the building process, Pavilion will send you an update per invoice for the work completed to that date. You are welcome to email our reception office if you have questions weekly through the process also. If you require a higher level of service, please ask us about a dedicated project manager package and advise us of your contact requirements at the time or asking for your quote. We can tailor a package to your needs in most cases.
What 'inclusions list' do you offer?
Pavilion is proud to be associated with the industry’s leading brand names, giving you the best of Australian owned and manufactured bathroom products, with the leading technology and architectural design of European products. For further information on our inclusions, please see Inclusions List page, or download our Inclusions List.
Can I go onsite to view the progress of my property?
Due to OHS, and insurance requirements, only people holding a current Construction Industry Whitecard can legally access a construction site unescorted. Pavilion takes its requirements in this area very seriously and therefore no customer may access their property during construction unless it is part of a scheduled meeting with a Pavilion representative. You will be offered two opportunities to go onsite to view the build progress: close-up, and a pre-settlement inspection prior to handover. Of course you may drive past the property at any time, however we ask that you respect the law and remain on the outside of the temporary fencing.
What is a typical timeframe to build?
Depending on size, christmas holiday period and complexity, construction generally takes about 6 – 18mths after the land title is issued and plans approved. As plans can not be lodged for approvals until land is ready please expect approvals to take 1-6 months pending christmas holidays and if public notice required, exempt DA approval recommened for H&L packages. Please note our start times on site can be about 20-40 days longer than other builders where we need to check ground level surveys, amend plans and then obtain accurate approvals, we do not start early and resolve any discrepancies later.
Can you deal with my bank/broker for me regarding payments?
Yes, initially for loan approval assistance, after construction has started, due to the Privacy Act, the Builder is not able to speak with your bank regarding payments generally unless your bank contacts us first. It is the clients responsibility to follow-up with your bank/broker to ensure they have received and actioned the invoice on time. We can speak to your broker to ensure they have all the information they need, however invoices are sent to you to authorise and then send to the bank. Please feel free to have your bank or broker email us anytime.
Can I have a single contract for both the house and land?
Yes, If your bank would prefer a single contract, we can offer this option, however an addition value applies at times. For a single house and land package contract, 10% deposit is generally required per bank policy, with the balance paid on completion. LAND RENT contracts available at times also.
What sort of warranty do I get?
All properties come with a 90-day warranty maintenance period. For any issues identified within the first 90-days after handover, these are to be submitted by you to the Builder on the appropriate form. These issues are generally attended to within about 60 days (urgent utility issues are dealt with immediately). You are also provided with a 10 year structural warranty for total peace of mind. Pavilion conducts a pre-settlement inspection with clients prior to handover to identify and address any potential issues. This helps ensure that by the time you are in your property, there is no need for you to make a warranty claim. For further warranty information, please see our Warranty Info page, and Warranty Process and Warranty FAQ flyers. The warranty application form is available upon request from our office.
Does Pavilion buy land?
Yes, if you have land for sale please contact us to discuss the details. We buy development sites and individual blocks of all zoning types residential and commercial.
How do I get a quote?
If you own your own land, please click here. If you are interested in a house and land package or apartment/townhouse, please view our properties for sale.
How much does it cost to build?
The average building costs are from $1,100+gst/sqm for a single storey home and from $1,600+gst/sqm for a 2-storey home. Custom homes can be well over this amount. Please send us your plans for a free estimate.
Where can I view the inclusions?
Please visit our display homes or visit our selection centres.
Can I change inclusions?
House & land packages - yes, before signing contracts you can arrange to have some items you would like to change quoted in the week after you have paid your deposit
Apartments/townhouses - unfortunately on such projects architects and interior designers make selections so changes are not possible. However please note, all our selections are high quality items for your peace of mind. Visit our display homes or selection centres to view specified products.
Can I pick my own colours and materials?
House & land packages - yes, you can simply and easily pick from our range of colour board schemes as they are, or pick a scheme and make changes to it. Or visit a selection centre and pick other colours within budget and land developer's requirements of the estate. Please advise your sales person if you would like to select your own colours or select from our schemes on display at our head office.
Apartments/townhouses - these projects have colour schemes selected by the architect at approval stages and these are set.