FAQs.
Your custom home questions, answered.The magic behind our custom-built homes.
At Cobalt Constructions, we specialise in creating bespoke, luxurious homes where innovative design and meticulous craftsmanship meet. Discover how we can make your dream home a reality.
Read our FAQs to learn more about our custom home services.
How many clients do you take on a year?
As our services are highly-specialised, and each project requires a large time investment, we only take on six select clients a year that align with our mission, vision, and values.
I’m ready to build my dream home. Where do I start?
The process of crafting your dream sustainable home can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time undertaking such a project. The experienced team at Cobalt Constructions can guide you through the process from concept to completion. Contact us today to discuss how we can bring your project to life.
I don’t have any plans. Can you help me design my home?
Cobalt Constructions offers a complete Design & Construct service to turn your rough sketches and mood board ideas into ready-to-construct plans built to your exact specifications.
Can I bring my own plans to quote from?
Yes. We encourage you to send through your plans and any other documents you may have for us to review and base our quote on.
Why does Cobalt Constructions charge a fee for a quote?
We charge a fee for our quotes because creating an accurate, fixed-price quote takes time and resources. Our detailed proposal and fixed price contract are based on your exact specifications and drawings to ensure there are no hidden costs to complete your project.
Is there an alternative to paying for a quote?
A FREE no-obligation estimate can be provided at no charge. But, this will only provide a ‘ballpark’ figure based on a square metre rate and general category of selections. An estimate is a good starting point if you’re trying to gauge your project’s feasibility, but you will ultimately be better off with a detailed proposal and fixed-price contract that guarantees the complete cost to build.
What are prime costs and provisional sums?
These are allowances made in the contract for items which have not been selected or confirmed before the contract is signed. A Prime Cost (PC) item is an allowance made in the contract for the supply and delivery of an item or material items (e.g. taps, baths, light fittings etc.). A Provisional Sum (PS) is an allowance made in the contract for particular works, which includes the total cost of the supply and installation (e.g. joinery, landscaping, air conditioning, rock removal). Although these allowances are commonly included in contracts, particularly for earthworks (due to the unpredictable nature of soil/rock composition), we recommend having as few PC and PS items in your contract as possible to avoid additional build costs.
What happens if I make changes during the build?
While every effort should be made to finalise project inclusions before a contract is signed and the project commences, sometimes changes are necessary. Variations to your contract can be made during the build to add, amend, or remove details to/from the project, which will be quoted and agreed before changes are implemented.
How can I track the progress of my new home?
Cobalt Constructions offers you exclusive access to our client portal so you can track the progress of your build. The client portal allows viewing and sharing of site photos, videos and updates. It also allows users to make selections, approve variations, view the project schedule, and constantly communicate with the team. We also organise regular supervised site visits during construction so you can observe your dream home being built from the ground up.
What makes the 'Cobalt Difference' in luxury custom home building?
The ‘Cobalt Difference’ lies in our selective approach to building custom homes. We focus on fostering relationships, not just completing projects. Joining hands with us means being part of an exclusive circle that values quality, transparency, and custom luxury.
How does Cobalt Constructions balance luxury with sustainability in their custom homes?
By harnessing modern materials, smart home technology, and eco-friendly practices, we build aesthetically-pleasing homes while minimising environmental impact. Our approach to sustainability is more than an afterthought; it’s a core aspect of our design philosophy, ensuring your home is both beautiful and responsible.
Why is engaging a builder early in the process crucial for building a luxury dream home?
Engaging Cobalt Constructions at the outset is essential for ensuring that every aspect of your luxury home is designed with practicality and feasibility in mind. Early involvement allows us to apply our specialist knowledge, particularly in aligning with the unique specifications of the Yarra Valley area, for a seamless blend of beauty, functionality, and sustainability in your custom home.
Download our free eBook about the importance of engaging a builder early on to learn more.
How does Cobalt handle budget and timelines for custom home projects?
We believe in transparency and accuracy from the outset. Our quotes are comprehensive, reflecting a realistic budget and timeline, ensuring no surprises along the way.
How involved can I be in the construction process?
Your involvement can be as deep as you wish. We provide regular updates and opportunities for feedback, to make sure the project evolves in line with your expectations.
How do you handle unique requests or challenging designs?
Our team thrives on challenges. We view unique requests as opportunities to innovate and excel, executing even the most complex designs flawlessly.