Questions & answers
Everything you’d ask a builder — answered.
Building or renovating is a big decision. Here are honest answers to the questions people ask us most. Can’t see yours? Just ask.
Getting started
Where are you based and what areas do you service?
We’re based in the Macedon Ranges and build across Gisborne, New Gisborne, Bullengarook, Macedon, Mount Macedon, Woodend, Kyneton, Riddells Creek and Romsey, plus surrounding areas.
How long have you been building?
Casey Summerfield is an established Macedon Ranges builder who trained locally and has built across the district for years. Exact years and registration details are provided on request.
What types of projects do you take on?
Custom new homes, major renovations, extensions and knock-down rebuilds. We focus on bespoke, one-off homes — not volume or project homes.
Do you take on renovations and extensions, not just new builds?
Yes. A large part of our work is renovations and extensions — including reworking older homes back to frame while keeping the parts worth keeping.
I don’t have drawings yet — where do I start?
Start with a conversation. We can point you to the right designer or architect and help shape the brief, or work with drawings you already have.
I already have architectural plans — what’s next?
Send them through. We’ll review them, talk through buildability and cost, and give you clear next steps toward a quote.
Can I see homes you’ve recently built?
Yes — see our Projects page, and where a client is happy to, we can arrange to show you completed work in person.
Are you a registered builder and a Master Builders member?
Yes. Summerfield Homes is a registered Victorian builder and a member of the Master Builders Association Victoria (MBAV). Registration and membership numbers are available on request.
Cost & payments
Do you charge for a quote?
A detailed, accurate quote takes real work. Our quoting approach and any fee are explained up front in your first conversation, so there are no surprises.
Why don’t you quote a price per square metre?
Per-square-metre rates are misleading for custom homes — site conditions, finishes and design drive the real cost. We price your actual project, not an average.
Is the contract price fixed?
We work to fixed-price contracts wherever possible, with prime cost (PC) and provisional sum (PS) items clearly identified so you understand exactly what is fixed and what is an allowance.
What are Prime Costs and Provisional Sums?
Prime Costs are allowances for items you’ll select later (like tapware or tiles); Provisional Sums are allowances for work that can’t be fully priced until more is known. We explain both in plain English before you sign.
How are payments structured?
Through progress payments tied to building stages (base, frame, lock-up, fixing, completion), as set out in your contract.
Will site costs like drainage and service connections be included?
We identify site costs early and aim to fix as much as possible in the contract, flagging any items that must remain an allowance until site testing is done.
Design & council
Will you look at my block before I buy?
Yes — we’re happy to look at a block before you commit and give you an honest read on what it will suit and any siting, slope or soil issues to be aware of.
Do you handle building permits and council requirements?
Yes. We manage the building permit and work through council and planning requirements, including overlays common in the Macedon Ranges.
What energy rating will my home achieve?
Every new home meets or exceeds current Victorian energy-rating requirements, and we can build to higher performance where you want it.
Process & timeline
What’s the typical timeframe?
It depends on scope and approvals, but we give you a realistic pre-construction and construction timeline before you commit, and we keep you updated against it. See How We Build.
Who will I deal with during the build?
Casey and his team directly. You get one point of contact who knows your project — not a call centre.
During the build
How often will I hear from you during construction?
Regularly. We keep you in the loop with updates through each stage and you’re welcome to visit the site by arrangement.
Can I make changes once the build has started?
Yes, within reason. Variations are documented and costed clearly before any work proceeds, so there are no surprises on your final account.
Warranties & after-care
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Summerfield Homes Pty Ltd is a registered Victorian Building Practitioner (CDB-U 6687), licensed and insured, with domestic building warranty insurance provided as required for eligible projects.
What warranty do you provide?
Your build is covered by domestic building warranty insurance and the statutory structural warranty period under Victorian law, plus our own defects and after-care period. Specific terms are set out in your contract.
What happens after handover if something needs attention?
We stand behind our work. There’s a defects/maintenance period after handover, and because we’re local, we’re easy to reach long after the job is done.
Still have a question?
Ask us directly — we’re happy to help.
Get in touch