TrickyBuilds guidance · Checked 22 October 2026 · About TrickyBuilds
Start with life, then the building
Write down what is not working today and what a successful project would change. More bedrooms, a warmer living space, easier access and a useful outdoor area are different briefs. Separate essentials from preferences. Include who uses the space now and how that might change. A clear brief gives your designer and builder something useful to test against the site and budget.
Bring the site into the conversation
Share the property location, available plans and photos. Access, ground conditions, boundaries, slopes, existing buildings and services affect what can be built and how. Do not treat an online building price as a complete site budget. A site visit can identify questions; surveys, engineering or other investigations may be needed to answer them.
Agree who does what
Discuss the design team early. Your architect or designer develops the design, with engineers and other specialists as required. Caleb contributes practical input on buildability, sequencing, materials and construction cost. Agree the appointments, fees and responsibility for approvals in writing. Bringing a builder in early does not replace the designer or council.
Build a whole-project budget
List construction, design, specialist reports, approvals, site works, service connections, finishes and external works separately. Include temporary accommodation or storage if relevant. Set an allowance for uncertainty and ask what assumptions sit behind each figure. Compare the same scope and GST treatment when considering options.
Decide before the decision holds up work
Make a selection schedule for items such as windows, cladding, joinery, appliances and fittings. Ask which choices are needed first and which products have longer lead times. Record substitutions and their effect on cost, maintenance and programme. A cheaper purchase can create additional installation or servicing cost.
Confirm the construction agreement
Before work begins, settle the scope, price basis, allowances, exclusions, programme and payment arrangements. Identify who approves changes and how they are recorded. TrickyBuilds provides progress updates by email. Agree the update arrangements and key contacts for your particular project, including any periods when you will be away.
Plan the finish as carefully as the start
Agree the handover checklist before completion. Walk through the work, record items needing attention and collect the documents applicable to the job. Keep your product instructions and warranties together. Use our aftercare guides as an introduction to ongoing care, with the installed-product information taking priority.
General planning guidance. Confirm the scope, technical advice and current requirements for your own property.