Frequently Asked Questions...

Where do I start..
Building or renovating your home can be a daunting time. Fortress Construction can guide you through every stage of your build. Its easy to make the first step simply fill in our contact form to arrange an appointment.
Tell us about your Project...
What is the process...
Initial consultation with Jon to discuss your plans & design. Design & creation of working drawings, This can take a few weeks to complete. Quoting process & cost analysis. Signing of contracts & deposit to secure project. Preliminaries- Permits, site surveys, soil tests. Construction begins. PCI meeting 2 weeks prior to completion. Handover. 6 month maintenance check up. Warranty.
How long does it take to build my new home...
Each Build is unique, every home has its own footprint. The size , type, block, inclusions all have a bearing on the times involved. Shire approvals and permissions can add 12 wks before commencement. We aim to make your journey as smooth & prompt as we can, Our liason will keep you updated as the build progresses.
Who designs my home...
Fortress offers an in house design service. You are of course welcome to bring your own plans to use. Quite often preconcieved plans fall short in reality of budget or construction constraints. If these are missed till later down the line it can cause costly & time consuming mistakes. Jon can design your home around your needs using architechtural software, You will be able to view your home plans in 3D, which will be e- mailed to you complete with floorplans. We all want a smooth build!
Is Building more expensive than buying...
This is a trickier one to answer. There are pros & cons to both- Assessing your short & long term goals to see which fits best for you. Building is a fixed price contract, design, location, type of home, all the selections are your choices. Stamp duty is not required on New builds & grants are more easily available to new buyers. The downsides construction timescales, Construction loan interests & delays due to weather/ supply/ trades. Established is ready to move into, find your location pick your budget & see upfront what your getting. The flip is higher government fees & reduced incentives, The cost of renovating to your requirements and the general wear & tear of the property.
Finances...
Each Build is unique, every home has its own footprint. The size , type, block, inclusions all have a bearing on the times involved. Shire approvals and permissions can add 12 wks before commencement. We aim to make your journey as smooth & prompt as we can, Our liason will keep you updated as the build progresses.
What is a BAL...
BushFire Attack Level. A BAL is the standard for measuring your risk from an ember attack, radiant heat & direct flame. It determines the construction and building materials needed to make your home as safe as it can be. There are 6 levels from low to extreme. Fortress will assess & complete each build on its own BAL rating. The complete ratings list is available on line.
What are Site Works...
Siteworks are the essential begining to your build journey. The correct preperation of your block provides the best foundation to your home being stable, secure & of a good build! Siteworks consist of two parts- The planning & preperation, these include assessing the site, soil tests, site toilets, waste management, traffic management *if applicable, safety notices, fencing and contact with any neighbouring properties that will be impacted by works. The second part is the physical aspects-The removal of topsoils, waste materials from site, trees/shrubs, leveling the ground, infill *if needed, any retaining walls or fencing placed, surveying & setting out, Water supply connections,drainage and slab preperation for concrete.
What is Prestart...
Prestart is a meeting between client & builder to discuss the theme & style of your home as well as the electrical plan.You will be able to select your choice in bathroom tiles, paint colours ** for exterior & interior if applicable, roof material, brick, electrical placements & fixtures. If you have a mood board or scrap book, this is the time to bring all your design dreams & ideas. It handy to do your reasearch & keep your budget in mind.

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