Frequently Asked Questions

What to know before you start...

What types of projects do you specialise in?

New Builds:
Banotek can oversee the entire process from initial planning to completion, including design, construction, and project management. 

Renovations:
Banotek builders can handle various renovation projects, including bathroom and kitchen renovations, home extensions, and general refurbishments. 

Extensions:
Banotek can also assist with designing and building of home outdoor extensions, such as patios, decks, verandas, and carports. 

Refurbishments:
Banotek can also handle the refurbishment and restoration of existing homes such as Victorian, Federation and Mid-Century homes, ensuring a high-quality, finished product. 

Specialised Services:
Banotek builders specialise in specific areas, such as luxury home and new build construction, custom and 'Grand Design' builds, or renovations of historic homes. 

Project Management:
Banotek often takes on a project management role, overseeing the entire project from start to finish, ensuring it is completed on time and within budget. 

Trades Coordination:
Banotek builders typically coordinate with a team of skilled tradespeople, including plumbers, electricians, and other specialists, to ensure a smooth and efficient building process from start to finish. 

Client Consultation:
Banotek works closely with clients to understand their needs and vision, providing advice and guidance throughout the building process. 

Quality Control:
Banotek are dedicated to delivering high-quality workmanship and ensuring that the final product meets the client's expectations. Your dream is our dream.

Investment Property Focus:
Banotek builders specialise in working with property professionals, offering services for assessing project profitability, designing development strategies, and implementing them on site.

​

​

How do you handle project timelines and delays?

Careful, meticulous planning
As trusted service providers with almost four decades of experience, we recommend involving your builder early in the construction process for the following reasons:
• Early involvement helps you stick to your budget and avoid potential financial issues.
• Engaging with your contractor from the beginning avoids unnecessary numerous design modifications that delay your project.
• An experienced, reliable builder can offer supplier suggestions for fittings, fixtures, tapware, and other materials to ensure an uninterrupted supply chain.
• As one of Sydney’s trusted builders, we can help you ensure everything will go smoothly. We can proceed with your project once you receive building approval and move into your dream home.
• At Unique Built, we’re hands-on contractors heavily involved in the building process. We encourage our clients to collaborate with us early for an accurate project timeline and minimal interruptions for their peace of mind and reassurance.

​

Set Realistic Timeline Objectives
Banotek recommends setting realistic, achievable project goals. The likelihood of construction delays and serious issues increases if you set tight, inflexible deadlines. Unfortunately, those delays can strain your financial resources. You can avert those interruptions by setting realistic goals.
When you work with Banotek, we will consider potential construction delays and help you understand what we can accomplish within your desired timeline. This strategy helps prepare clients for unforeseen circumstances and establishes realistic project time frames.

Adaptability
At Banotek, we understand that remaining stagnant and inflexible can hinder your construction goals. That’s why adaptability has been our mantra for over four decades. Our dedicated, hardworking team is always ready to adapt and adjust so your project remains on schedule, no matter the circumstances.

Working as a team we must be ready to adapt and adjust when the situation calls for it. For instance, we inform clients whenever structural changes are necessary to meet their projected timelines.

If they are amenable, we will proceed with the proposed adjustments, offering them reassurance and comfort that they’re in capable hands.

Banotek monitor the progress of the construction work daily and track it against contracted timeframes.

We communicate any delays or disruptions to the owner as soon as possible.

​

​

Do you assist with permits and council approvals?

Yes, Banotek builders can offer advice with obtaining council approvals for construction and renovation projects. 

​

Here's a more detailed explanation:
Builder's Role: 
Banotek Builders Sydney understand the complexities of the permit and approval process and can assist you through it. 



Council Liaison: 
Banotek can liaise with local councils to ensure your project complies with regulations and obtain the necessary development approvals.

Understanding Regulations: 
We can advise you on whether your proposed work requires council permits and help you navigate the relevant regulations.

Owner-Builder Considerations: 
If you are acting as an owner-builder, you'll need to obtain the necessary permits and ensure compliance with building codes and regulations.

NSW Fair Trading: 
NSW Fair Trading provides information about owner-builder permits and responsibilities.

City of Sydney: 
The City of Sydney provides information on construction permits and approvals, including liaising with the construction sector and approving works in public spaces.

Building Certification: 
The City of Sydney is responsible for approving and controlling building activity on private land and public spaces, including inspecting building works and approving temporary structures.

Exempt Development: 
Some low-impact developments, like decks or garden sheds, may be exempt from requiring council approval. Contact Banotek and we can offer advice on approved works.

Internal Renovations: 
Whether you need council approval for internal renovations depends on the nature and extent of the work, and it's crucial to understand the regulations. We can also assist with this advice.

​

​

Will I have a dedicated point of contact during the build?

Yes. Both Neal and Jackson will be available throughout the build process and completion to ensure you are always informed of the progress of your dream build.

​

​

Do you offer fixed-price or cost-plus contracts?

Yes. We will work with your budget and contract preference to supply the best possible value for your project. Below are the main differences between the contracts.

​

Fixed Price Building Contract
The building contract has a fixed lump sum price for all specified building works including the builder’s margin and G.S.T.  This is the most common and widely used form of building contract because it gives you a fixed end price to budget for. However, the fixed price can change due to building variations, time delays outside the control of the builder and any costs that have been excluded from the contract price.
 

Pro-tip: a fixed price contract is only as good as the plans and specifications.  If there are lots of gaps in the documentations, the contract price won’t be fixed for very long.
 
Cost Plus Building Contract
The Cost Plus building contract has an estimated final price based on the agreed “scope of works” which is made up of the cost of building works plus a nominated builder’s margin percentage.  Throughout the project, Banotek will disclose all the building costs (i.e. provide copies of all invoices) and add the builder’s margin on top of all costs. This type of building contract is often used if it is too difficult to establish a “fixed price” at the time of quoting due to a number of unforeseen cost items or very complex design details.  
 
One factor that will determine which building contract you should use is if the building works and the contract are going to be administered by a registered architect.  Some contracts do not require an architect’s involvement.​