Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re planning a renovation, extension or brand-new home, we know you’ll have a few questions. This page covers the most common things our clients want to know before we get started - from budgets and timelines to design and council approvals. If you don’t see your question here, just get in touch. We’re happy to walk you through it.

General Building FAQs

  • We specialise in high-quality home renovations, new custom builds, and extensions.

  • Yes. We work across Sydney’s North, including the Northern Beaches, North Shore and surrounding suburbs. Some of the areas we build in regularly include Manly, Dee Why, Collaroy, Mosman, and Wahroonga.

  • We’re a local, experienced team that keeps things clear and honest from the start. You deal directly with our founder James Tulloch, and we stay involved throughout the whole build. No shortcuts. Just solid communication and quality workmanship.

  • Not at all. If you don’t have plans, we can guide you through the design stage with our trusted architectural and interior design partners. We’ll help you shape a vision that works with your block, budget and lifestyle.

  • We can provide an estimate based on your current documentation. For a formal fixed-price, we need a defined scope of work. If you’re just starting out, our budgeting and planning service is a great first step. Learn more here >

New Home Builds FAQs

  • No. If you already have an architect we’ll collaborate with them to establish project goals. If you’re starting from scratch, we can introduce you to trusted architects and interior designers and help manage the process from early concept through to completion.

  • Costs vary depending on the size, scope, and finish of your project. For more accurate figures, we offer a planning and budgeting service that outlines estimated costs before investing in the various stages of design development with the major stages being concept designs, pre Development Application design documentation and finally Construction Certificate documentation.

  • Most custom homes take between 9 to 14 months depending on the design, site, and extent of ground works. We’ll give you a detailed timeline before the build begins.

  • Our builds include everything from site preparation and ground works to the final finishes and detailed clean.

  • Yes. We’ve built on all sorts of challenging sites over the years.

Home Renovation FAQs

  • No. If you already have an architect or designer we’ll collaborate with them to establish project goals. If you’re starting from scratch, we can introduce you to trusted architects and interior designers and help manage the process from early concept through to completion.

  • Costs vary depending on the size, scope, and finish of your project. For more accurate figures, we offer a planning and budgeting service that outlines estimated costs before investing in the various stages of design development with the major stages being concept designs, pre Development Application design documentation and finally Construction Certificate documentation.

  • Most renovations take between 6 and 14 months depending on the design, site, and extent of ground works. We’ll give you a detailed timeline before the build begins.

  • It depends on the scale of the works. For most of the projects we undertake, we usually recommend relocating in order to keep things safe and efficient. We’ll discuss this with you in the planning phase.

Home Extensions FAQs

  • Costs vary depending on the size, scope, and finish of your project. For more accurate figures, we offer a planning and budgeting service that outlines estimated costs before investing in the various stages of design development with the major stages being concept designs, pre Development Application design documentation and finally Construction Certificate documentation.

  • Most renovations take between 6 and 14 months depending on the design, site, and extent of ground works. We’ll give you a detailed timeline before the build begins.

  • It depends on the scale of the works. For most of the projects we undertake, we usually recommend relocating in order to keep things safe and efficient. We’ll discuss this with you in the planning phase.

  • Most extensions will require approval through either a Development Application (DA) or Complying Development (CDC).

  • Yes. We regularly complete upper-level additions and know how to work with your home’s structure to get the best result.

Process & Contract FAQs

  • Yes. Once the scope is agreed and drawings are complete, we provide a detailed, fixed-price contract. This gives you clarity and peace of mind before work begins.

  • That’s up to you. Some clients prefer to be hands-on, others want us to handle everything. Either way, we’ll keep you informed and involved at the key stages.

  • You’ll deal directly with the owner, James Tulloch.

Start designing your dream home today

Give us a call or send us an enquiry. We’ll run you through the process, answer your questions, and keep things clear from day one.

E: james@jtbbuilding.com.au
P: 1300 743 419

Black and white logo of the Master Builders Association featuring a cityscape and construction crane, with text indicating membership and a tagline about building quality.

License Number #194684C