THE ANSWER LIES IN THE DETAILS
BUILDING DESIGN PROCESS
Our comprehensive building design process engages local Architects to provide greater creative exploration. Derbyshire draws on over 25 years of award-winning building experience to enhance the design of each home – with live pricing through our estimator to ensure your project stays on budget. Culminating in an enjoyable journey from concept to handover.
BUILDING DESIGN PROCESS IN DETAIL
Upon signing of your contract, Derbyshire arranges all the necessary documentation and permits required to complete your build. Our experienced supervisors and construction managers review all aspects of the engineering and construction documentation, to ensure that any queries or adjustments are carried out before the construction begins.
Payment of a build contract is broken up into several different stage claims along the progress of the build. The standard stages are base, frame, lock-up, fix, and completion. As all of our builds are unique, additional stage claims for earthworks, roof/windows and plaster may be included to assist with cash flows of the project. A breakdown of the standard stage claims can be found below:


INITIAL STAGE.
Consultation
and Advice
Fee: Complimentary
Developing a good relationship and clear communication is vital to successfully designing and building your home. Our building design process has been refined over many years to achieve the best results for our clients.
Before we start any project it’s important to get to know one another, educate you on the process, get to know your land, go through the objectives of the build and discuss expectations around budget.

INITIAL STAGE IN DETAIL
Education is key when it comes to creating an effective and enjoyable design and build journey. From design considerations like orientation, to product/build nuances and costs, a more informed client will always make better decisions. Our responsibility is to ensure you are as well equipped as can be to start your project.
It’s important we speak to clients early in the project – we can help you buy the right block, with good aspects, workable slopes and solid soil. We discuss potential design options for your land as your block shape and size can have an impact on the type of house you want to build. If your block doesn’t match the style of house, we can let you know why and offer solutions.
To fully understand all elements of the project which are important to you, we first must get to know you, your influences and what you want in your home. We discuss your functional areas, living zones, outdoor spaces and how you plan to use these areas. These might sounds like simple questions, but the answers can be very insightful for us.
If you have done your research, have a good idea of what you want, and have also decided on a budget, we can let you know at this early stage whether they will work together. If your dream home doesn’t match your budget, we’ll advise the best ways to maximise your budget and spend money on the right areas.
STAGE. 01
concepts
and Design
Fee: $7,000 – $15,000*
A guide, depending on the choice of Architect/Designer, scope and nature of project. *Fee is deducted from build contract.
This is where your thoughts and vision come to fruition. Our building design process looks like this:

BUILDING CONCEPTS AND DESIGN IN DETAIL
The first step of the conceptual development stage is to present initial floor plan sketches. Starting simply to ensure the floor-plan is right before we move forward. We’ll present several floor plans and walk you through the journey of why some options better than others, giving you full control over the direction of your build.
The second step of the conceptual sketches includes elevation designs and reworking of initial sketches. Derbyshire will then present these sketches for discussion and approval.
The third step will include a 3D model of your home and a detailed document with information about your building envelope, location analysis, side, front and back elevation diagrams. Circulation diagrams which will include zoning, living, functional and private areas.
In addition to the concept package, we will provide you with a detailed specification and fully price the job. Our aim is to ensure you have all the information you need in order to move forward with Derbyshire.

STAGE. 02
Construction
documentation
& engineering
Fee: $10,000 – $20,000*
A guide, depending on the choice of Architect/Designer, scope and nature of project. *Fee is deducted from build contract.
Stage two moves onto the preparation of your construction documentation and engineering – and also the fun stuff, interior design.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION & ENGINEERING IN DETAIL
The first step is walk you through an exciting and detailed interior design process with the Architect.Your kitchen joinery, bathrooms, colours, products, materials and finishes are all up for discussion.
In the background, we’ll be working together with the architects and engineers to piece together the construction documentation required to obtain your build permits.
We’ll present an interim quote, breaking out all the major cost drivers and areas that you’ll potentially want to make decisions on. Your outcome is our intent, if it takes 2-3 attempts we’ll work to ensure we get the finish you want for your budget.
Once the final tweaks are made, we’ll ensure all documents are ready to go, culminating in the preparation of your build contract, ready to apply for build permits.
OPTIONAL
TOWN PLANNING
Fee: TBA*
*as each project is unique, we price each job accordingly.
To ensure that your project moves smoothly from initial concept to right through to the build. We are able to handle any planning application you may require, from sub-divisions to heritage.
Upon completion of Stage one, we will assess whether your project requires approval through town planning. We have strong experience in this area and can ensure your project transitions as smoothly and as stress free as possible.
The vast majority of projects will not require planning approval, however if you have any queries please feel free to contact us.
