FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Helpful Answers Before You Begin

Building a new home involves important decisions and, naturally, many questions.

We have answered some of the matters clients most commonly
ask when considering a project with Jem Homes.

Getting Started

The earlier the better. We can speak with you while you are searching for land, reviewing an existing property, developing an early brief or considering plans prepared by another designer. Early involvement allows practical building considerations to inform the project before major decisions are fixed.
No. An early conversation can help you understand the type of site that may suit your goals and identify important factors to consider before purchasing.

Jem Homes focuses on selected projects throughout Melbourne’s inner and western suburbs.

Contact the team with your suburb or proposed site and we can confirm whether it falls within our current building area.

Our primary services include custom new homes, knockdown rebuilds and boutique residential developments.

Design and Planning

Yes. Our Design & Build service coordinates the design, planning, documentation and construction journey through one connected team.

Potentially. We can review your plans, their current approval status and the documentation available before advising on the next steps.

Jem Homes specialises in homes shaped around the client and site rather than a conventional catalogue of standard plans.

Our previous work can provide inspiration, but each new project is approached individually.

Timeframes vary depending on the site, complexity of the design, planning requirements, consultant input and approval pathways.

Once we understand the project, we can explain the anticipated stages and provide a more relevant indication.

Costs and Contracts

The cost depends on factors including size, site conditions, architectural complexity, materials, level of finish and project requirements.

A meaningful discussion requires an understanding of your site, brief and priorities rather than applying a generic square-metre figure.

Budget is an important design consideration.

Open discussions about investment and priorities allow the design and scope to be developed on a more informed basis. We will provide practical guidance where expectations, scope and budget need to be aligned.

The inclusions will depend on the project and level of documentation available.

Your proposal and contract documentation should clearly identify the agreed scope, selections, allowances and relevant conditions before construction proceeds.

Construction

Construction timeframes vary depending on project size, complexity, site conditions, weather, approvals, material availability and other project-specific factors.

A more accurate program can be established once the design and documentation are complete.

Jem Homes provides a closely connected and personal service.

The relevant members of our team will be introduced at the beginning of the journey, and you will be advised who to contact throughout each stage.

Site access must be managed carefully for safety, insurance and scheduling reasons.

Any visits should be arranged with the Jem Homes team and conducted in accordance with site requirements.

The communication process will be explained before construction begins. Updates may include scheduled conversations, milestone reviews, written communication and discussions when important decisions are required.

Selections and Changes

Yes. Selections are considered as part of the complete design language of the home.

We help guide decisions across exterior materials, interiors, cabinetry, fixtures, finishes and other relevant details.

Changes may be possible depending on the stage of work, approvals, ordering and construction implications.

Any proposed variation should be reviewed for its effect on cost, timing, documentation and related work before proceeding.

Handover and Aftercare

The home undergoes completion and quality-review processes before the formal handover.

You will be guided through the property and provided with the relevant information for your new home.

The applicable warranty, maintenance and aftercare arrangements will be explained as part of the handover documentation.

HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION?

Speak Directly With Our Team

CONTACT JEM HOMES →