On the contrary, we can be more cost effective than if you engage a separate architect and builder. Because we can invest more time into estimating the project right from the design phase, there’s no guesswork and contingencies are virtually eliminated.

We can use either, however for peace of mind it makes sense to fix a price. Any project that can be defined and calculated should be estimated and fixed (as opposed to say a complex renovation with no defined scope of work). Most of our clients want a fixed lump sum contract. In our experience, it is mainly builders who don’t have the resources to create proper estimates (Bill of Quantities) who prefer cost plus contracts (AKA ‘open cheque book’ contracts).

We employ a full-time estimator whose job is to ensure we buy every single item of building material, every fixture, fitting and product as competitively as possible. We are more than happy to explain all costs, discuss quotes and put you in touch with previous clients.

This is a very informal get to know you session. We’ll discuss what you want from your new home and what is a realistic budget to achieve your ‘wish list’. We’ll talk broadly about architectural styles you are drawn to but won’t take a formal brief yet. This is your chance to ask as many questions as you want about our integrated model of design and construction. If you decide Humphrey Homes is the right fit, we’ll move to the next stage and prepare an Architectural Design agreement.

The first step is to make things official with a standard Architectural Design Agreement, which outlines our services and cost. At this stage, your only financial commitment is a deposit to commence design work. Then the fun begins! We take a comprehensive design brief from you and move to concept sketches. This is a highly collaborative process and we refine concepts together until you approve the design. It then needs to go to your local council for planning and approvals. Our architect’s design considers R-Codes, council requirements and environmental sustainability, so approval is usually straightforward.

Creating a visual diary or Pinterest folder of homes and features you like is a great starting point; it gives our architect a sense of what styles, materials and themes resonate with you. Don’t worry if your references are vast and varied. It’s our job to interpret what you want, integrate what you like, discern what you need and design a beautifully resolved home that answers all those elements. If appropriate, our architect will also visit your current home to get a sense of how you like to live and be aware of any artworks or furniture the design needs to accommodate.

Our award-winning in-house design team is responsible for all the homes on our website. Our integrated approach of having architect, interior designer and builder working together as one team, under the same roof, is part of what makes our process so seamless, efficient and stress-free for you. Bringing in an outside architect or interior designer would compromise our ability to achieve your vision on time and on budget.

We try not to use sqm rates as they can be misleading and fluctuate wildly depending on materials used and specifications. As a price guide, the homes on our website would start at $1.5 million and upwards. However, our focus isn’t on being in a particular price range, it’s on helping you create your forever home within your budget.

The short answer? No! We have fixed lump sum contracts from the architectural to the construction and follow-up stages. Once we agree on a price, nothing changes unless you give your approval. If you do make a variation, we simply charge what the variation costs. Our upfront planning and selection process is designed to eliminate or reduce the need for changes.

There are few, if any, benefits to you providing your own fixtures. The trade prices we have access to are usually far better than what you can get (even if you ‘know’ someone), and you don’t need to worry about insurance, storage, delivery, incomplete parts, etc. However, we’re always happy to discuss this if you wish.

Absolutely. We encourage it. Out of respect for our clients’ privacy we like to get to a certain point in a working relationship before we hand out their details (just as you would appreciate it if asked to be a referee on our behalf).

Our office is in Cottesloe and we work all over Perth’s western suburbs including Dalkeith, Peppermint Grove, Claremont, Nedlands, Mosman Park, Floreat, City Beach and surrounds. We also regularly undertake projects along the coast and around Perth’s riverside suburbs.

Not at all. You’re under no obligation to participate in our Open House events. However, we find many clients appreciated going through our other peoples’ homes before deciding to design and build with us and want to pay it forward. A bonus of opening your home is that absolutely everything is done before you move in – the landscaping is in, the curtains are hung, the pool is full. All you need to do is pop the cork on the champagne at handover.

Humphrey Homes - Frequently Asked Questions 1

OPEN HOUSE
COMING SOON

Every so often, we open select homes before our clients move in so you can experience our creativity and craftsmanship firsthand. 

For one weekend only, explore our latest South Perth project: a modern take on Moderne Architecture, inspired by the streamlined curves and graceful geometry of the art deco era.

Opening date coming soon. Join our list to be the first to know. 

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