FAQs
Do you have questions about building the process, or are you looking to learn more about what you need to know before you build?
Continue reading for our answers to our clients’ frequently asked questions.
What is a solar passive house?
A solar passive house is a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly design method, which means your home will be built to stay cool in summer and warm in winter. This is done via careful application of certain design principles that boost a home’s thermal performance, resulting in a space that collects and retains heat during the cooler months, but prevents infrared radiation entering and allows hot air to escape during summer.
For a solar passive house to be effective, we need large north facing windows including passive shading of glass and climate-appropriate glazing, insulation, draught dealing, thermal mass and a smart floor plan to encourage airflow.
What should be the first step we take to build our dream home?
We recommend engaging with your builder first. At Green Construct, we sit down with our clients and discuss their project and budget. We’ll listen to your needs and then brainstorm ideas and look at inspirational photos so we can create a design that suits your needs, wants, deadlines and budget. If you want to work with an architect, we can also collaborate with them to create a stunning design that fulfills your brief.
Once you’re happy with the plans, we’ll get contracts ready and apply for your building approval.
How long does a home take to build?
What permits are needed to begin the building process?
What contracts are required for building?
At what stage do we need to supply a deposit for our build?
What could cause delays in the completion of my home?
The most common reason for delays during the construction phase is last minute changes or variations. While we are generally happy to make changes, you must understand that this will cause interruptions to your timeline. We suggest spending time during the design phase to ensure that you’re completely happy and satisfied with every element of the home, so you can make any changes earlier with ease, or have them eliminated before we start construction. We want you to trust your own judgement.
Another cause for delay could be extreme weather such as storms or heavy rainfall.
Can I make changes to my home during the building stage?
Yes, you can make changes, and this will result in a variation being created. A variation will impact both your budget and timeline. We will work hard to help you minimise both of these issues.
How can I stay informed and updated on the process of my build?
At Green Construct, we organise frequent on-site visits for our clients. We also provide access to our state-of-the-art client portal which allows clients to see progress photos and videos of their dream home. We also ensure that our site managers are available to chat with our clients about any update or challenges.
Get in touch with our team today.