Frequently Asked Questions

Timeline depends on the scope and complexity of your project. As a general guide, a custom new home takes 8 to 14 months from construction commencement, while renovations and extensions typically take 3 to 6 months. Commercial fit-outs vary from 4 to 16 weeks depending on size. During your initial consultation, we provide a detailed programme with key milestones so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.

We use standard HIA (Housing Industry Association) or Master Builders contracts, which are the most widely recognised and trusted building contracts in South Australia. These contracts clearly define scope, price, payment schedule, variations process, and dispute resolution procedures. We walk you through every clause before signing and encourage you to seek independent legal advice. Our goal is complete transparency with no surprises.

Yes. All our work is covered by the statutory warranties required under South Australian building law. This includes a structural warranty of 6 years and a non-structural warranty of 2 years for residential work. Additionally, we provide a personal 12-month maintenance period after handover, during which we will return to address any defects or issues at no cost. We also ensure all manufacturer warranties for products and materials are passed on to you in full.

Absolutely. We encourage client involvement and schedule regular site walkthroughs at key milestones — typically after framing, after lock-up, and during the finishing stages. For safety and insurance reasons, all site visits must be arranged with your site manager in advance. We also provide weekly progress photos and updates via email, so you can follow the build even if you cannot visit in person.

Yes, A5 Build Pty Ltd is a fully licensed builder registered in South Australia. We have been operating since our registration in August 2017 and hold all required licences and insurances, including Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) coverage. We service metropolitan Adelaide and surrounding regions, including Wayville, Unley, Mitcham, Norwood, Brighton, and extending to the Adelaide Hills and southern suburbs. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, please contact us.

Yes, we manage the entire approvals process on your behalf. This includes development applications (DA), building rules consent, engineering certifications, and all required inspections through your local council or a private certifier. We coordinate with surveyors, engineers, and planning consultants to ensure your project complies with all relevant codes and regulations. You will not need to deal with council directly — we handle it all and keep you informed of progress.

Yes, your initial consultation and quote are completely free with no obligation. Simply contact us via phone, email, or our website contact form. We will arrange a site visit to assess your property, discuss your vision and budget, and review any plans you may already have. Following the consultation, we provide a detailed written quote within 5 to 10 business days. For projects requiring concept design before a firm price can be established, we may suggest a preliminary design agreement.

Our payment schedule follows industry-standard progress payments tied to construction milestones. A typical schedule includes a deposit (5%) on contract signing, followed by payments at base stage (10%), frame stage (15%), lock-up stage (35%), fixing stage (25%), and practical completion (10%). Each progress claim is issued only after the corresponding stage has been inspected and approved. We never ask for payment ahead of completed work, and all terms are clearly documented in your contract.

We understand that ideas evolve during a build. Any change to the agreed scope — whether additions, substitutions, or omissions — is documented through a formal variation process. We provide a written variation quote detailing the cost and any timeline impact before the work proceeds. No variation is carried out without your written approval. This ensures you always have full control over your budget and there are no unexpected charges at the end of the project.

Yes, A5 Build carries comprehensive insurance coverage. This includes Public Liability insurance of $20 million, Contract Works (Construction) insurance that covers the building during construction, and Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) coverage for all residential projects over $12,000 as required by South Australian law. We also require all subcontractors to carry their own insurance and licences. Certificates of currency can be provided at any time upon request.

Our fixed-price quote is comprehensive and itemised. It includes all labour, materials, subcontractor costs, site preparation, council fees and certifications, scaffolding, waste removal, and a provisional sum allowance for items such as kitchen and bathroom fittings that are yet to be finalised. The quote clearly distinguishes between fixed prices and provisional sums, so you understand exactly where there is flexibility in your selections. We also include a schedule of prime cost items so you can see how your material choices will affect the final price.