Frequently asked questions

It depends entirely on scope — a cosmetic refresh and a full bathroom strip-out in the same size room can differ by ten times the cost, because of waterproofing, plumbing and compliance work. See the Pricing page for indicative rate bands by job type, then get a free on-site inspection for a real number.

The quote is fixed once you sign it. The only way the price changes is a documented variation — something discovered once walls or floors are opened up, or a change you request — and that's always agreed and priced before we proceed, never billed after the fact.

A laundry or cosmetic refresh can be days. A bathroom is usually 3–5 weeks. A kitchen is similar. A whole-home renovation runs months, depending on scope and whether it's staged. You'll get a realistic timeline in writing as part of your quote.

Most commonly: something unexpected found once walls or floors are opened (old wiring, water damage, asbestos), material lead times, or approvals taking longer than expected. We flag risk areas during the inspection so there are as few surprises as possible.

Cosmetic and like-for-like work usually doesn't. Structural changes, second-storey additions, and some external work often need a Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC). We'll tell you which applies during the on-site inspection, not after work has started.

We can advise on what's needed and coordinate the approvals process as part of the project — you don't have to navigate council requirements alone.

For work over $20,000, NSW law caps the deposit at 10% of the contract price — we don't ask for more than that. See the Pricing page for the full payment schedule.

Tied to completed stages of work, not to dates on a calendar — you pay for what's actually finished.

Often yes for a single-room renovation, especially if you have a second bathroom. For a whole-home renovation done all at once, it's usually not practical. We'll be upfront about which applies to your project before you commit.

Site protection, dust control between work areas, and keeping essential services (water, one working bathroom, kitchen access where possible) functioning are all part of how we plan a job around an occupied home.

Every job carries your NSW statutory warranty (6 years on major defects, 2 years on other defects) plus a written VTA workmanship warranty of 1–3 years depending on the job. Full detail is on the Guarantee page.

Call or email with a description and photos of the issue — see the Guarantee page for the full claim process and what happens next.

Yes — we work to the insurer's approved scope of works and liaise directly with the assessor on any variations, so you're not relaying technical detail back and forth yourself.

It's common with water and storm damage — we document and photograph any variation and get it approved through the proper channel before proceeding.

No — material selection help is available as part of most quotes if you want it, or we'll work strictly to your brief if you already know what you want.

No — material and brand specification is itemised in your quote so you can see exactly what's being used, and can ask to adjust it up or down before work starts.