Builder FAQs & Project Guides

Illustrative bands: compact 1-bed $120k–$160k; standard 2-bed $150k–$210k; larger or complex site $210k–$260k+. Site access, service connections and finish level are the biggest variables. See our Pricing Guide for a full breakdown.

Refresh / minimal change: $10k–$18k; standard full renovation: $18k–$35k; premium or complex reconfiguration: $35k–$60k+. Plumbing relocation and hidden repairs are the biggest price drivers.

Sometimes — if the scope is tight and the layout stays the same. A full renovation with trades, waterproofing and fixtures typically sits higher.

Refresh: $20k–$30k; standard full renovation: $30k–$50k; premium or layout rework: $50k–$90k+. Joinery scope, benchtops and appliances are the main variables.

Simple deck: $8k–$18k; standard hardwood or composite: $12k–$30k; elevated or complex: $30k–$60k+. Roughly $200–$1,000+ per m² depending on materials and structure.

Simple freestanding pergola: $4k–$10k; attached or roofed: $10k–$25k; full deck + pergola outdoor room: $25k–$60k+.

Rates vary by trade and job type. For a realistic project cost, a written quote with scope and inclusions is far more useful than an hourly rate. Contact us to discuss your project.

Not always. If the proposal meets the relevant complying development standards, a certifier can approve it without a full DA. If not, a DA through Central Coast Council may still be required. We assess this before you commit.

Sometimes — but only if the design meets all applicable complying development standards for secondary dwellings. Block size, setbacks, existing structures and local council controls all affect this.

Some structures may qualify as exempt development — no approval required — but only when they meet specific NSW standards for size, height, setbacks and site constraints. We assess the pathway for every project.

Possibly, if the proposal meets the NSW exempt development criteria. We check this on your specific site before assuming no approval is needed.

NSW has streamlined complying development pathways for secondary dwellings in recent years. We stay current with Central Coast Council and NSW Planning Portal requirements and advise on your site's specific pathway.

Use the Service NSW online licence registry — search by business name or licence number. Our licence number is 223443C. We encourage every homeowner to check before engaging.

For eligible residential building work valued at $20,000 or more, HBC cover must be in place before any money is taken or work begins. We arrange this for all qualifying projects.

Yes — for residential building work over $5,000, NSW law requires a written contract. Every Auschek project over this threshold includes a written scope, inclusions, exclusions and timeline.

A licensed builder can supervise and contract for the full range of residential building work, including structural work. A carpenter typically works on the timber elements of a build. At Auschek, our licensed builder manages the full project.

Ask for a full scope, not just a headline number. Good quotes list what's included, what's excluded, what's a provisional sum, and how variations are handled. See our Pricing Guide for what to look for.

A standard full renovation typically runs 2–4 weeks on site. Material lead times and existing-condition discoveries can affect this.

A standard kitchen runs 2–5 weeks on site, depending on joinery lead times and whether structural changes are involved.

From contract to handover, most granny flats run 3–6 months including approval time. Site conditions, approval pathway and specification level all affect the program.

It depends on the site and budget. A single-storey extension is usually simpler and less disruptive. A second storey addition adds more space on a smaller footprint. Both need a site assessment to quote properly.