Frequently Asked Questions

Who we are, how we work, and what you want to know about our building services.

About Our Building Services & More

As experienced residential builders in Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, we understand that clients often have questions about the building process, timelines, costs, and more. Below you'll find out who we are and what we do at Alternative Construction — along with answers to some of the most common questions about luxury home builds and renovations.

  • Our team manages every stage of the construction project, from initial planning and pricing through to construction and final handover.

    This includes:

    • Project planning and budgeting

    • Collaborating with architects and designers

    • Assistance in obtaining permits and approvals

    • Managing trades, material suppliers and contractors

    • Construction and quality control

    • Final inspections and project delivery

  • At Alt. we specialise in the following construction projects:

    • Luxury New Build Homes

    • Renovations and Extensions

    • Multi-Residential Builds

    • Boutique Commercial Builds

    As residential builders, we typically work with:

    • Fully customised home designs

    • Premium materials and finishes

    • Architectural collaboration

    • High-quality craftsmanship

    • Advanced construction techniques

    These projects often include features such as custom joinery, statement facades, bespoke fixtures, a large scale, and carefully designed indoor–outdoor living spaces.

  • Working with the right builder ensures your home is completed with attention to detail, quality, and exceptional craftsmanship. Some key factors to consider include:

    • Experience and track record: Look for experienced residential builders with a portfolio of completed homes and renovations.

    • Quality of workmanship: Review previous projects to assess the quality of materials, finishes, and craftsmanship.

    • Communication and transparency: Good builders maintain open communication throughout the project and provide clear timelines and budgets.

    • Specialisation: We specialise in luxury homes, architectural projects, and high-end renovations.

  • Before construction can begin, several approvals are typically required.

    These may include:

    • Planning permits (if required by the local council)

    • Building permits issued by a registered building surveyor

    • Engineering documentation

  • The level of homeowner involvement can vary depending on the project and the builder.

    Experienced residential builders manage the day-to-day construction process, including coordinating trades, schedules, and materials.

    However, homeowners are typically involved in:

    • Design decisions

    • Material selections

    • Progress reviews

    • Final approvals

    A good builder will maintain regular communication either directly with clients or the architects and designers, to ensure the project aligns with the client’s vision.

  • The cost to build a luxury home will vary significantly depending on the size, design complexity, materials, and site conditions. As a general guide, high-end custom homes typically cost more than standard project homes due to the level of detail, premium materials, and bespoke design elements involved.

    Factors that influence the cost include:

    • Architectural design complexity

    • Site conditions and location

    • Premium materials and finishes

    • Custom joinery and cabinetry

    • Landscaping and outdoor areas

  • Deciding whether to renovate or rebuild depends on several factors, including the condition of the existing home, the desired layout, and long-term goals.

    Renovating may be the right option if:

    • The home has strong structural foundations

    • You want to preserve character, architectural features, or heritage details

    • The layout only requires moderate changes

    Rebuilding may be a better option if:

    • The home requires major structural work

    • You want a completely new layout

    • The property has redevelopment potential

  • A building contract outlines the responsibilities of both the builder and the homeowner throughout the construction process.

    Key elements to review include:

    • Scope of work and specifications

    • Project timelines and milestones

    • Payment schedules

    • Variation processes

    • Warranties and guarantees

    Reputable construction companies provide transparent contracts that clearly outline the project scope, costs, and construction stages to protect both parties.

  • Our projects are located throughout Melbourne, including:

    • Brighton

    • Elwood

    • South Yarra

    • Toorak

    • Kew

    • Armadale

    • Glen Iris

    • Hawthorn

    • Eaglemont

    • Ivanhoe

    • Essendon

    • Ascot Vale

  • We also deliver projects across the Mornington Peninsula, including:

    • Mornington

    • Mount Eliza

    • Mount Martha

    • Rye

    • Blairgowrie

    • Sorrento

    • Portsea

ivanhoe residential new build