The Hessie Homes Process:
First Quote to Final Walkthrough
A home renovation is a major project, and we believe our clients deserve complete transparency from start to finish. Our process is designed to ensure there are no surprises, that communication is constant, and that the final result is exactly what you envisioned.
It is important to note that this is our standard 14-step process for a typical home renovation. Smaller jobs, specific services, or larger custom builds may not follow this exact blueprint, but our commitment to quality and communication is always the same.
What are the phases of the Hessie Homes process?
Our renovation process is divided into three clear phases: Pre-Construction (Planning & Design) where we finalise quotes and contracts; The Construction Stage involving all trades from demolition to fit-off; and Post-Construction (Handover) where we conduct quality checks and the final walkthrough.
Key Takeaways:
- Planning First: Detailed design and contracts prevent surprises later.
- Transparency: We use plain-English contracts and itemised quotes.
- Communication: You get regular updates throughout the entire build.
- Quality Control: A rigorous final inspection ensures a flawless handover.
Understanding our workflow helps you see the value in a professionally managed build, where Our Building Services are handled systematically to minimise stress and deliver a high-quality finish on time.
As licensed builders with years of experience in the Southern Highlands, we have refined this process to be as efficient and clear as possible. If you have any questions about how this would apply to your specific project, please Contact Our Team.
Phase 1: Pre-Construction (Planning & Design)
This foundational phase is where we listen to your vision and turn it into a concrete, actionable plan. We focus on clear communication and meticulous detail to ensure the project starts on the right foot, with no misunderstandings about the final goal or the budget.
From our experience, the more detail we can finalise in this stage, the smoother the entire build will be. We guide you through every choice, from layouts and materials to the legal contracts, so you feel confident and informed before a single hammer is swung. This phase includes four key steps.
1. Initial Consultation:
We meet you on-site to discuss your goals, must-haves, and budget. This is our chance to understand your vision and assess the existing space.
2. Detailed Quoting:
We prepare a comprehensive, itemised quote. This outlines all inclusions and exclusions, so you can see exactly where your budget is being allocated.
3. Finalising the Design:
Once the quote is accepted, we help you select all your finishes. This includes specific tiles, tapware, colours, and cabinetry materials to finalise the look.
4. Contracts & Approvals:
We manage this critical stage to ensure you're protected. We use plain-English contracts compliant with the NSW Home Building Act 1989, detailing the scope, payment schedule, and all warranties. This covers all legal requirements, like deposit limits. We also manage council submissions (DA/CDC) and secure the mandatory HBCF insurance. Learn more about Preparing Contracts from the NSW Government.
Phase 2: The Construction Stage
This is where the vision starts to take physical shape. Our team of qualified carpenters and trusted local tradespeople work together to bring the plans to life. We manage every aspect of the build, ensuring work is completed to the highest standard and in the correct sequence.
This stage involves a highly coordinated sequence of trades. We manage the site daily to ensure safety, quality, and adherence to the timeline. Our project management system ensures you're kept informed with regular updates as your Renovations in Bowral or Mittagong move through these critical steps.
5. Site Establishment:
We set up temporary fencing, site amenities, and dust/floor protection to keep your home safe and clean during the build.
6. Demolition & Site Prep:
Our team carefully removes all old materials and prepares the site for the new construction.
7. Structural Work:
This is our core expertise. We complete all carpentry, such as building new wall frames, installing beams, and modifying the existing structure as per the plans.
8. Rough-In:
Our licensed plumbers and electricians run all new pipes, drains, and wiring inside the walls before any linings are installed.
9. Linings & Waterproofing:
We install insulation, hang plasterboard, and apply multiple layers of certified waterproofing to all wet areas like bathrooms and laundries.
10. Finishes & Fit-Off:
This is where the new space comes to life. We install all joinery and cabinetry, lay tiles, and our painters complete the finishing.
11. Final Fit-Off & Appliances:
Our plumbers and electricians return to install your chosen fittings—taps, sinks, showers, toilets, lights, and appliances—connecting everything to their services.
Phase 3: Post-Construction (Handover)
The final phase is all about perfection. We meticulously check every detail to ensure the finished product is flawless, clean, and ready for you to enjoy. We don't consider a job "done" until you have personally walked through the space and are 100% satisfied.
Our goal is to hand over a space that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. This phase is quick but critical, involving three final steps that guarantee a professional finish and a seamless transition back into your newly renovated home.
12. Final Clean & Quality Inspection:
We have the entire area professionally cleaned. I then conduct a detailed final inspection to ensure our quality standards have been met.
13. The Client Walkthrough:
We walk you through the completed space together. We demonstrate how new appliances work and create a "punch list" of any final touch-ups (like a small paint mark) that need rectification.
14. Handover:
Once you are completely happy, we formally hand over the project. You will receive all your warranty certificates and manuals, ready to enjoy your new home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are a few of the most common questions we get about our building process.
How do you handle changes or unexpected costs during the project?
We handle changes with a "variation order." This is a simple document that outlines the new work, the exact cost, and any impact on the timeline. We never proceed with changes or additional costs until you have reviewed, understood, and signed off on the variation, ensuring you are in control of the budget. You can read more About Hessie Homes and our commitment to transparency.
How long does a typical home renovation take?
This depends entirely on the project's scope. A single bathroom renovation may take 3-5 weeks, while a large-scale kitchen and living area renovation could take 3-4 months. We provide a detailed project timeline in our building contract before any work begins.
What warranties or guarantees do you provide on your work?
We provide the full statutory warranty on all our building work, as required by NSW law. This includes a 6-year warranty for major defects and a 2-year warranty for all other defects. All materials and products (like appliances or tapware) are also covered by their own manufacturer's warranties.
A Process You Can Trust
Our 14-step process is designed to provide a clear, stress-free path for your home renovation. It ensures every detail is covered, from the initial quote to the final handover. In our next post, we will cover the 5 essential questions you should ask any builder before you hire them.
We are ready to guide you through this process for your own home. Get in touch to book your initial consultation.
A home renovation is a major project, and we believe our clients deserve complete transparency from start to finish. Our process is designed to ensure there are no surprises, that communication is constant, and that the final result is exactly what you envisioned.
It is important to note that this is our standard 14 step process for a typical home renovation. Smaller jobs, specific services, or larger custom builds may not follow this exact blueprint, but our commitment to quality and communication is always the same.
This includes guidance on:
Phase 1: Pre Construction (Planning & Design)
Phase 2: The Construction Stage
Phase 3: Post Construction (Handover)
Understanding our workflow helps you see the value in a professionally managed build, where Our Building Services are handled systematically to minimise stress and deliver a high quality finish on time.
As licensed builders with years of experience in the Southern Highlands, we have refined this process to be as efficient and clear as possible. If you have any questions about how this would apply to your specific project, please Contact Our Team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are a few of the most common questions we get about our building process.
Q1. How do you handle changes or unexpected costs during the project?
We handle changes with a "variation order." This is a simple document that outlines the new work, the exact cost, and any impact on the timeline. We never proceed with changes or additional costs until you have reviewed, understood, and signed off on the variation, ensuring you are in control of the budget. You can read more About Hessie Homes and our commitment to transparency.
Q2. How long does a typical home renovation take?
This depends entirely on the project's scope. A single bathroom renovation may take 3-5 weeks, while a large scale kitchen and living area renovation could take 3-4 months. We provide a detailed project timeline in our building contract before any work begins.
Q3. What warranties or guarantees do you provide on your work?
We provide the full statutory warranty on all our building work, as required by NSW law. This includes a 6 year warranty for major defects and a 2 year warranty for all other defects. All materials and products (like appliances or tapware) are also covered by their own manufacturer's warranties.
From our experience, the more detail we can finalise in this stage, the smoother the entire build will be. We guide you through every choice, from layouts and materials to the legal contracts, so you feel confident and informed before a single hammer is swung. This phase includes four key steps.
1. Initial Consultation:
We meet you on site to discuss your goals, must haves, and budget. This is our chance to understand your vision and assess the existing space.
2. Detailed Quoting:
We prepare a comprehensive, itemised quote. This outlines all inclusions and exclusions, so you can see exactly where your budget is being allocated.
3. Finalising the Design:
Once the quote is accepted, we help you select all your finishes. This includes specific tiles, tapware, colours, and cabinetry materials to finalise the look.
4. Contracts & Approvals:
We manage this critical stage to ensure you're protected. We use plain English contracts compliant with the NSW Home Building Act 1989, detailing the scope, payment schedule, and all warranties. This covers all legal requirements, like deposit limits. We also manage council submissions (DA/CDC) and secure the mandatory HBCF insurance. Learn more about Preparing Contracts from the NSW Government.
Phase 1: Pre Construction (Planning & Design)
This foundational phase is where we listen to your vision and turn it into a concrete, actionable plan. We focus on clear communication and meticulous detail to ensure the project starts on the right foot, with no misunderstandings about the final goal or the budget.
Phase 2: The Construction Stage
This is where the vision starts to take physical shape. Our team of qualified carpenters and trusted local tradespeople work together to bring the plans to life. We manage every aspect of the build, ensuring work is completed to the highest standard and in the correct sequence.
This stage involves a highly coordinated sequence of trades. We manage the site daily to ensure safety, quality, and adherence to the timeline. Our project management system ensures you're kept informed with regular updates as your Renovations in Bowral or Mittagong move through these critical steps.
5. Site Establishment:
We set up temporary fencing, site amenities, and dust/floor protection to keep your home safe and clean during the build.
6. Demolition & Site Prep:
Our team carefully removes all old materials and prepares the site for the new construction.
7. Structural Work:
This is our core expertise. We complete all carpentry, such as building new wall frames, installing beams, and modifying the existing structure as per the plans.
8. Rough In:
Our licensed plumbers and electricians run all new pipes, drains, and wiring inside the walls before any linings are installed.
9. Linings & Waterproofing:
We install insulation, hang plasterboard, and apply multiple layers of certified waterproofing to all wet areas like bathrooms and laundries.
10. Finishes & Fit Off:
This is where the new space comes to life. We install all joinery and cabinetry, lay tiles, and our painters complete the finishing.
11. Final Fit Off & Appliances:
Our plumbers and electricians return to install your chosen fittings taps, sinks, showers, toilets, lights, and appliances, connecting everything to their services.
Phase 3: Post Construction (Handover)
The final phase is all about perfection. We meticulously check every detail to ensure the finished product is flawless, clean, and ready for you to enjoy. We don't consider a job "done" until you have personally walked through the space and are 100% satisfied.
Our goal is to hand over a space that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. This phase is quick but critical, involving three final steps that guarantee a professional finish and a seamless transition back into your newly renovated home.
12. Final Clean & Quality Inspection:
We have the entire area professionally cleaned. I then conduct a detailed final inspection to ensure our quality standards have been met.
13. The Client Walkthrough:
We walk you through the completed space together. We demonstrate how new appliances work and create a "punch list" of any final touch ups (like a small paint mark) that need rectification.
14. Handover:
Once you are completely happy, we formally hand over the project. You will receive all your warranty certificates and manuals, ready to enjoy your new home.
A Process You Can Trust
Our 14 step process is designed to provide a clear, stress free path for your home renovation. It ensures every detail is covered, from the initial quote to the final handover.
In our next post, we will cover the 5 essential questions you should ask any builder before you hire them.
We are ready to guide you through this process for your own home. Get in Touch With Us to book your initial consultation.