Frequently asked

General

Will I have one point of contact?

Yes. You’ll deal directly with Brett and the IHS team throughout the project. No passing the buck—just calm, clear communication the whole way through.

Can I make changes once building starts?

Yes—totally. Nothing is impossible, it just comes down to time and money. Changes during the build are possible, but we always advise on timing, cost and impact so you can make informed decisions.

Do you help with materials and selections?

Absolutely. We can guide you through selections or recommend interior designers if you’d like more hands-on support. Either way, we’ll make sure the choices suit your vision and budget.

How long does a typical build take?

Most builds take between 9–18 months depending on the scope, approvals and complexity. We’ll always give you a realistic timeline upfront and keep things moving smoothly. Part of our service is a total job planning chart so we know who and what is needed and when before we even start work.

How early should I get in touch with a builder?

The earlier, the better. Even if your plans aren’t finalized, we can help guide you through key decisions and connect you with the right people. A well-planned start often leads to a smoother build.

What’s included in your quote?

We provide a detailed, transparent breakdown of everything that’s covered—from site prep to finishes. No guesswork, no vague allowances. If it’s not in, we’ll tell you. Unlike some builders, we don't go in cheap then hit you with variations, it’s all up front.

New Homes

Can you help me choose the right block?

Yes. If you’re still looking, we’re happy to provide advice on the pros and cons of different blocks, and how they might impact the design and build.

What’s the difference between a project home and a custom home?

Project homes are pre-designed and built to lower standard specs. A custom home is built from the ground up to suit your block, lifestyle and vision—right down to the smallest detail.

Do you offer knockdown-rebuilds?

Yes, we do. If your existing home no longer fits your lifestyle or site potential, we can guide you through a knockdown-rebuild to make the most of your block.

Can I build a custom home within my budget?

We’ll always be honest about what’s possible. A custom home doesn’t have to mean high-end everything—it means building with purpose, around the way you live. We can fully design a home for you that suits your budget and vision.

Do you build architecturally designed homes?

Yes—that’s our specialty. We work closely with architects or can recommend trusted design partners to bring your vision to life, beautifully and practically.

Renovations

Do you help with approvals and paperwork?

Yes—we can manage or assist with the approvals process, and we’re across all local council regulations on the Northern Beaches.

What are the risks of renovating vs rebuilding?

Every project is different. We’ll help you weigh up the pros, cons and long-term value of each option so you can make the right decision for your home and lifestyle.

Can you work with my architect’s plans?

Yes. We’re experienced in collaborating with architects and designers to ensure your renovation is built exactly as it should be—on time and on budget.

Can you match the style of my existing home?

Definitely. We’re careful to honour what’s already there—especially in older homes—while elevating the design and finish to suit how you live now.

Do I need to move out during a renovation?

For major renovations, we usually recommend it—especially if structural work is involved. It keeps things safer, faster and less disruptive. We’ll talk you through what’s involved so you can plan ahead, but it’s not always the case, it depends on your tolerance to disruption during the building process. We have comfortably worked with both.

What kinds of renovations do you take on?

We focus on large-scale, structural renovations—things like full extensions, reconfigurations and major upgrades that completely transform your house into the home you have always dreamed of, without the cost of moving.

Your home. Your story.
Let’s build it together.

If you’re planning a major renovation or building a custom home on the Northern Beaches, we’d love to hear from you. No pressure. No fluff. Just a conversation about what’s possible—and how we can help bring it to life.

Built for you

Custom homes that reflect your lifestyle, vision and values.

Built with care

Every detail matters—from day one to handover.

Built to last

No shortcuts. Just quality work built for the long run.