Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to your common building questions, from budgeting to contractors and more about kastell.
Our mission is to empower clients through education and innovation, turning the renovation process into a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Based in Sydney, we offer comprehensive renovation services across the entire Sydney metropolitan area.
Kastell was founded by Cameron and Kate, a dynamic husband-and-wife duo who bring together extensive experience in construction and a solid foundation in tech product strategy.
Our focus is on empowering customers through education, streamlining processes, and leveraging advanced technology to deliver seamless, value-rich renovation experiences.
Kastell specialises in a wide range of renovations, including full-home transformations, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, extensions, and knockdown rebuilds. We tailor our services to meet the needs of families, downsizers, and investors.
At Kastell, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service, clear and transparent communication, and superior craftsmanship. To us, every client matters—you’re never just a number.
No problem! Cam will walk you through design ideas and options that align with your goals, helping you create a clear, actionable plan. Whether you're still exploring ideas or ready to dive into the design process where here to guide you.
Gather any ideas, sketches, or photos that can help us better understand your vision.
You'll collaborate with Cam, our co-founder, to explore your goals, budget, and timeline. With this insight, he’ll create a comprehensive action plan designed to bring your vision to life and ensure its continued success.
Schedule a quick call with Cam to get your questions answered, or book a detailed consultation with our founder for personalised guidance. Contact us through our website or give us a call to get started today!
We work closely with you to create a renovation plan that fits your budget while maintaining high-quality results. Options include milestone-based payments and cost-effective design solutions to meet your financial expectations.
No, all costs are fully transparent and clearly outlined upfront to ensure there are no surprises. We don’t believe in hiding fees to win your business—that’s simply not how we operate.
Absolutely! We specialise in cost-effective strategies and creative solutions to deliver quality results within your financial constraints.
Our budgets evolve throughout the planning process. Drawing from past experience, we create estimates that reflect real-world costs and refine them based on the project's scope, materials, labor, and any additional requirements. We collaborate closely with you to ensure the budget aligns with your priorities and goals.
Yes, we offer high-level cost guidance that adapts and evolves as your project develops.
Absolutely! Our team excels at crafting personalized renovation plans tailored to your vision and budget. We focus on innovative solutions and cost-effective strategies, ensuring exceptional quality every step of the way. A limited budget shouldn’t stand between you and your dream space—let us bring it to life!
Transparency and trust are at the heart of every renovation project we undertake. That’s why we provide a comprehensive, upfront contract that clearly outlines all costs and expenses. Unless unforeseen issues arise after demolition, the agreed-upon contract price will remain unchanged.
Kitchen renovations often deliver the highest return on investment (ROI), thanks to the kitchen's pivotal role in daily life and its ability to increase a home's value with modern appliances and high-quality finishes.
Our cost estimates are comprehensive and transparent, including materials, labour, permits, and any additional expenses. We will itemise everything in detail so you have a clear understanding of where your budget is allocated.
The cost varies based on your location and specific requirements, but a knockdown rebuild is often more cost-effective than extensive renovations. Renovations can uncover unexpected expenses, while a knockdown rebuild offers better budget predictability. Moreover, it allows you to design a modern, energy-efficient home tailored to your needs, eliminating the compromises that often come with purchasing an existing property.
A full kitchen renovation usually takes 2 to 3 weeks, though the timeline may vary if structural changes are required to modify the space. During the planning phase, we’ll provide a detailed and realistic schedule to help you stay organized and prepared every step of the way.
We follow strict building codes and WHS regulations to ensure the safety of clients and contractors while maintaining top-quality standards. A site manager oversees the construction process, conducting regular inspections to address issues early and keep workflows efficient.
We understand that sometimes, plans may change or new ideas may arise during the construction process. Our team is flexible and can accommodate changes in most cases. However, any significant design changes may affect the timeline and budget of your project.
We understand that plans can evolve, and we strive to accommodate changes where possible. Any adjustments to the original scope will be discussed with you, including any potential impact on cost and timeline, to ensure transparency.
Approvals may be necessary based on the type of renovation you’re planning. External modifications to your home typically require approval.
This depends on the extent of the renovation work. For smaller-scale projects, it’s often feasible to remain in your home with minimal disruption. However, for extensive renovations, you may need to arrange temporary accommodation for your comfort and safety.
The duration of a home renovation depends on the scope and complexity of the project. On average, a full home renovation can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. We provide a clear timeline during the planning stage to ensure you’re well-informed.
Timelines can vary depending on factors like design complexity, permit approvals, and site preparation. On average, a knockdown rebuild takes 12–18 months from the initial consultation to move-in day. Our team provides a clear, detailed timeline during the planning phase to ensure transparency and set realistic expectations.
A knockdown rebuild is the process of demolishing your existing home and constructing a brand-new one from the ground up. This approach offers complete design freedom and the opportunity to incorporate modern features. In contrast, renovations work within the limitations of your current structure, often restricting design options and potentially leading to hidden costs due to unforeseen issues with older materials or systems.
Unfortunately, living on-site during a knockdown rebuild is not feasible due to safety concerns and the nature of construction work. However, our team will provide a clear timeline and regular updates to help you plan your temporary accommodation.
We take project timelines seriously. By meticulously scheduling each task in our project management software and monitoring progress daily, we ensure everything stays on track. Our approach emphasises proactive planning, regular team check-ins, and detailed site assessments to identify potential challenges early and minimise disruptions.
Yes, our process accommodates mid-project changes. Simply submit a change order through our Buildern platform, and we’ll assess its feasibility. We’ll also provide clear communication about any potential impacts on costs or timelines.
Cam will be your primary point of contact from start to finish, though you may also engage with other members of our team throughout the process.
You’ll have access to our project management software for real-time updates and regular progress reports through calls and emails.
We handle all required approvals to simplify the process and ensure full compliance.
DA (Development Application) is a formal approval process involving council assessment for larger projects, while CDC (Complying Development Certificate) is a faster, simpler approval for projects that meet pre-set standards. We guide you in determining the best approach for your renovation.
Of course! We’re happy to accommodate your preferred materials or suggest options that complement your design while meeting our quality standards.
We offer 3D renderings and detailed plans to help you visualise the final outcome.
With years of experience, Cam has worked on a wide range of designs that can be seamlessly integrated into your vision. We’re also happy to collaborate with external design consultants to create a custom design that perfectly captures your style, vision, and specific needs.
We understand the inconvenience of losing access to your bathroom, That's why we prioritize completing renovations as quickly and efficiently as possible. On average, a bathroom renovation takes 2-3 weeks, depending on the project’s complexity. During this time, we collaborate with you to ensure alternate amenities are arranged for your convenience.
We are committed to delivering seamless results. Through careful planning, thoughtful design, and the use of high-quality materials, your extension can integrate effortlessly with your existing structure.
Not necessarily. Our team works to minimise disruptions, and many clients remain in their homes during construction. However, we’ll discuss your specific situation during project planning to ensure your comfort.
This process may involve temporarily rearranging furniture, ensuring clear and safe access to living spaces, setting up the designated work area, and verifying that all necessary utilities are accessible. Our team will walk you through each step, providing clear and detailed guidance along the way.
Most properties are suitable for a knockdown rebuild, but factors like block size, zoning laws, and local council regulations can impact feasibility. During our consultation phase, we’ll conduct a thorough assessment of your property to ensure it meets all requirements and aligns with your vision.
Unfortunately, living on-site during a knockdown rebuild is not feasible due to safety concerns and the nature of construction work. However, our team will provide a clear timeline and regular updates to help you plan your temporary accommodation.
Yes, we’ll follow up after 90 days to schedule your maintenance inspection. During this visit, you can point out anything that needs to be repaired or addressed.
Absolutely! we offer comprehensive maintenance plans and are always available for any future renovations or updates you may need. We value our relationships with clients and look forward to helping you with your home for years to come.
We take great pride in our work and back it with comprehensive warranties designed to give you complete peace of mind. Our coverage includes a 2-Year Non-Structural Defects Warranty, addressing issues such as peeling paint, faulty fixtures, or minor water leaks that could affect the building's quality or usability. Additionally, a 6-Year Structural Defects Warranty, safeguarding you against major issues like foundation problems, severe wall cracks, or significant roof leaks that could compromise the building's safety or livability.
We provide a comprehensive handover process, carefully identify any defects, and create a clear action plan to address them. Following this, you'll enter a three-month maintenance period, during which we will resolve any defects that may arise by the end of this timeframe.
Absolutely, we actively engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest updates to the BCA and Australian Standards.
We focus on clear communication and effective resolution strategies to address concerns swiftly and amicably.
Yes, everything is negotiable. We have a special conditions section in our contract where we can tailor it to meet any requirements you may have.
Yes, we are fully insured, covering all aspects of our work. This includes contractor's insurance, public liability coverage of up to $20 million, professional indemnity insurance, and workers' compensation. Rest assured, you’ll receive full confirmation of our coverage before our first consultation.
The standard HIA building contract outlines the agreement between the builder and owner, detailing the scope of work, contract price, payment terms, timelines, and warranties. It includes provisions for variations, dispute resolution, insurance requirements (such as Home Building Compensation insurance), and both parties’ responsibilities. The contract specifies inclusions and exclusions, allows for extensions of time, and provides a statutory 5-day cooling-off period for the owner. It ensures compliance with NSW regulations, protecting both parties with clear terms on defects liability, dispute handling, and termination conditions.
We continuously evaluate industry trends and listen closely to customer feedback to ensure we incorporate the latest advancements into our products and services. This approach allows us to stay ahead of the curve, meet evolving customer needs, and deliver innovative solutions that exceed expectations.
We offer a range of remote services, including virtual consultations, digital design reviews, and online project updates, to ensure seamless collaboration from anywhere.
Builders relying on pen and paper often struggle with inefficiency and delays. Our approach leverages modern tools to enhance accuracy, streamline workflows, and improve communication, delivering a seamless and efficient experience.
We’re passionate about technology and committed to working with you to integrate innovative solutions like automated lighting, climate control, and advanced security systems.
We utilise project management platforms like Buildern for our end to end project management check it out here - https://buildern.com/
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