Our process

This is how we build homes in ACT and NSW, with every stage planned, priced, and communicated

Our 5-stage process for building custom homes across Canberra and the ACT is designed to give you clarity and certainty at every step, from the first consultation through to handover.

Understanding the 5 stages

Before a single brick is laid, there's a process designed to make sure everything is right, the design, the price, the timeline, and every detail in between.

Design & Estimate

This is where we get to know you and what you want to build. We work through your design requirements and assess your block, giving you a preliminary indication of costs so you can move forward with confidence and clarity. If you already have completed plans, you can come to us ready for Stage 2.

Pricing & Selections

We work through every selection with you before contract signing: materials, finishes, fixtures, and joinery, are all priced in detail. By the end of this stage, every selection is accounted for and your quote reflects the true cost of your build.

Pre-Construction

With your design finalised and every selection priced, we move to the contract stage. We use standard HIA contracts, and any special conditions are agreed by both parties before signing. There are no surprises.

Construction

Your build is managed by a dedicated project manager who keeps you informed at every stage. Dated milestones keep the project on track, and independent third-party inspections provide quality assurance.

Handover

When your home is complete, we make sure everything meets the standard we set at the start. A 90-day maintenance period and 7-year structural warranty mean our commitment doesn't end at handover.

Inclusions

Every DJ Homes build comes with a comprehensive standard inclusions package, from ducted air conditioning and quality floor coverings to a 3kW solar system, so your home is ready to live in from day one.

Preliminaries

We take a comprehensive approach from the outset, including all essential preliminary works in your contract. This covers approvals, engineering, surveying, certification, and interior design for clients working with us through the design phase. Your site is carefully assessed upfront, with costs such as spoil removal and retaining walls accurately calculated — delivering greater price transparency and fewer surprises during construction.

External

Our inclusions provide flexibility to achieve a range of architectural styles, including face brick, rendered finishes, and weatherboard cladding. Standard features include Colorbond roofing, fascia and guttering, double glazed windows, concrete driveways and alfresco areas, as well as solar systems tailored to your home.

Internal

Our internal inclusions are designed to ensure nothing is overlooked, delivering a level of quality often considered an upgrade with other builders. This includes reverse cycle air conditioning sized to your home, quality floor coverings, and window furnishings — all selected for comfort, practicality, and value.

Joinery

While initial pricing includes an allowance for kitchen and laundry joinery, we do not proceed to contract with allowances in place. Instead, we provide detailed joinery drawings tailored to your selections, fully costed with options for consideration prior to signing. Fully fitted wardrobes and customised joinery for additional spaces are also included.

Selections

Our Select Range Schemes form the basis of our initial pricing, with five professionally curated styles combining high-quality products. You can customise your selections, with all changes fully costed before contract signing — ensuring complete clarity and confidence.

Electrical

Our electrical inclusions are tailored to each home, with downlights to living areas, four-lamp bathroom units, and ample power and data points. A detailed electrical plan is provided and refined with you to ensure it suits your lifestyle and requirements.