Frequently Asked Questions

Services

Yes. AlphaQ is a design and construct company. When a client approaches AlphaQ during the early stages of the project, we can help optimise the project construction cost and ensure a seamless build process from start to finish. One of the common mistakes clients can make is when they do not engage a builder early. This could result to making amendments to drawings, ending up costing more, or even derailing the project later on.


AlphaQ can plan and design in a way that construction costs will be maximised and building issues can be mitigated. From town planning to the project completion, you will be guided by AlphaQ's Estimation, Investment, and Construction teams, and you can enjoy the peace of mind in knowing that your project is in highly capable, trustworthy hands all throughout the process.

No. As specialists in new builds of dual occupancy and multi-unit residential developments, we choose to focus on projects that we do best. This allows us to do our highest level of work and deliver unmatched value for our clients' construction costs.

As a custom builder, we do not have a display home. We understand that each project is as unique as each client so we choose to focus our efforts and investments in making sure the final outcomes of each project we undertake surpass the individual client's expectations.

If you would like to visualise and get a feel for the level of workmanship we could provide, please speak to our Business Relationship Manager and she will discuss the possibility of visiting our near to completed construction site.

Established in 2008, AlphaQ has an extensive experience in designing and building both affordable and high-quality multi-townhouse projects for hundreds of clients across Melbourne Metro.

Our team is composed of highly skilled experts in their field and all of whom work towards our commitment to provide unmatched service. We make it a priority to listen to and learn from each of our clients, allowing us to continuously hone our craft and become excellent at what we do, for over a decade.

AlphaQ has been building in the following councils in Melbourne, Victoria: Monash, Glen Eira, Stonnington, Hobsons Bay, Brimbank, Banyule, Manningham, Hume, Whitehorse, Kingston, Bayside, Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley, Moreland, Darebin, Knox. Should you have land you are planning to develop in another area not listed above, reach out to us for an enquiry.

Build Cost and Estimation

Every build is different---the size, specifications (standard, mid to high-end luxury), site condition, the complexity of the design. Every project is unique so there is no specific set pricing per square. However, our estimation team could assist in providing a preliminary estimate of the construction cost at the early stages of your project, using your town planning drawings and a pre-selected range of finishes.

There are two kinds of estimates that AlphaQ can provide, depending on which stage you are in your project's development process: a preliminary estimate and a full estimate. We can provide a preliminary estimate within 3 working days and a full estimate within 4 weeks after reviewing all your building permit documents.

We would require your endorsed town planning drawings.

We would need the endorsed town planning drawings, soil test report, working drawings, energy rating report, and engineering documents. We would also need to thoroughly understand your specifications before our estimation team could proceed with the preparation of the full estimate.

A soil report is an official document issued by independent geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists which assesses the properties of your soil. The report is based on undertaking several tests in order to classify the soil type and bearing capacity to recommend appropriate foundation type for your new home.

Yes. With a paid quote, you will be assured of getting an accurate and competitive pricing because it will allow the builder to dedicate their time to request for quotations and negotiate with suppliers for the best price. In turn, the builder could propose cost saving options to help you maximise your construction cost.

Construction Timeline and Process

Once the contract is signed and the building permit has been issued, the AlphaQ team's high level of organization and efficiency make it possible to commence construction work straight away, from as little as 3 weeks.

It would depend on a number of factors, but generally, a straightforward project for a dual occupancy townhouse can be completed within 8 months and a 3-unit townhouse can be completed within 10 months.

Despite thorough planning and efficient coordination of our teams, there are still various reasons for delay that are out of our control such as inclement weather, site soil conditions, or asbestos found on site. What we try to avoid, as much as possible, are delays caused by variations or upgrades. If during the construction process, the client decides to make changes to the fixtures or design, this could cause major setbacks to the schedule.

Absolutely. We will be happy to show you around the site but we would require a 48 hours' notice so that our Building Manager Carmen can arrange for a site supervisor to guide you through the site visit.

To facilitate the changes you wish to implement on your initial plan, we would require a written request from the client to be submitted to AlphaQ for approval. If the changes are allowable, our team will apply the additional cost and changes in scheduled completion into the contract. Once the client approves this, only then can AlphaQ proceed.

At AlphaQ, we provide a seamless and transparent communication process between our team and the client. To ensure that you will be kept abreast of the progress of your build, you will receive a construction photo and progress report every fortnight using an interactive platform where clients can communicate with our construction admin team. We will also send a Progress Claim once a particular stage is completed.

Having a single point of contact is essential in making sure that you will always have your concerns addressed by our team regardless of which stage of the project you are in. When you first reach out to AlphaQ, you will be guided by our Client Relationship Manager whom you can contact for any enquiries at the beginning of your project. Once the construction commences, you can contact our building manager Carmen throughout the construction process.

Insurance and Warranty

We offer a three months maintenance period. Within 90 days if there are any defects encountered, our team will rectify the issues. After which, all our builds are covered by a 10-year structural warranty.

During the construction, it is covered by the Builder Construction Insurance. On the day of settlement when the keys are handed over to the client, the client needs to have its own Building Insurance.

We offer the following warranties: a post-handover inspection after 1 month, a 3-month defect liability period, and a 10-year structural warranty.

Development and Investment

Property development is a profitable business. Just like starting any other venture, there are multiple criteria you need to consider when selecting a development site. These criteria are not standalone but are connected with each other and we are here to help you understand their relationship.

  1. Budget for the entire project. The full potential is only realised when reaching a milestone. Generally during the process it's important to have a budget to finalise the drawing, construction, sale, and subdivision.
  2. Location or the underlying force of demand and supply. A property in a well-maintained neighborhood, accessible by public transport, near good schools and amenities is always desirable. In conjunction with the population growth, the demand will be driven higher. Properties with these characteristics always have potential for redevelopment.
  3. Planning control. Local planning regulation will dictate the potential design. The best design should be a balance between project budget, characteristic of the area and satisfying the council's requirements.

If you approach AlphaQ at the very start of your project, our investment team is highly capable of giving you sound advice and assist you in preparing a feasibility report.

Most building contracts include provision for prime cost items and provisional sums. A prime cost item is a reasonable allowance in the contract for the supply of necessary items not yet finally selected, for example taps, tiles or door furniture.


A provisional sum is an allowance in the contract for the cost of foreseeable necessary work, including the supply of materials not fully described or detailed at the time that the contract commenced, for example service connections, rock excavation or external works.