What You Need To Know Before Building Or Renovating

When you're getting ready to build a custom home or start a major renovation, questions are bound to come up. Whether you're building your dream home from the ground up, refreshing an older kitchen or bathroom, or planning to extend for a growing family, clear information can make a huge difference.

This FAQs page is designed to give you direct, no-fuss answers to the most common questions clients ask us across Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley. We’ve covered everything from our building process to what’s included in your quote.

General Information About Our Services

At Charlie Howard Constructions, we provide residential construction services tailored to suit your unique lifestyle and goals. Whether you're starting from scratch with a custom home or updating your current space with a bathroom renovation, we’ll guide you from the first conversation through to completion.

We specialise in:

- Custom Home Builds

- Kitchen Renovations

- Bathroom Renovations

- Home Extensions

We work across Shepparton and most areas in the Goulburn Valley. If you already have plans prepared, we can build from those. If you need help designing, we collaborate with architects and designers to create one-of-a-kind homes. And if you're already working with a designer, we'll gladly integrate them into the process.

Custom Home Builds

Building a custom home is one of the biggest investments most people make in their lifetime. It’s about more than four walls and a roof. It’s about designing a home that genuinely reflects your lifestyle. We listen first, then plan, build and manage a smooth process from start to finish.

Each build starts with a conversation about what matters most to you. We consider design, structural needs, energy performance and budget. Once we understand your goals, we handle permits, trades and every detail to get construction underway.

Most builds take several months depending on site conditions, design complexity and whether any changes are requested while the job is in progress. Our materials and methods are selected carefully to suit the Shepparton climate, maximise efficiency and deliver long-term comfort.

If you need to adjust something during construction, we’ll talk it through, update the pricing if necessary and keep things moving with minimal disruption.

Renovations And Extensions

Renovating or extending your home can change how you live day to day. Whether it’s a more open kitchen, a larger bathroom or an extra room for the kids, we plan every job around your lifestyle and long-term goals.

We take care of a wide range of projects, from replacing outdated cabinetry and bathroom fittings to reworking the entire layout for better functionality. We begin by understanding what you want, then develop a plan that meets current safety and building standards.

For extensions, we manage the entire job from sketching ideas through to handing over the keys. That includes navigating the local council permit process here in Victoria. If your extension impacts the energy performance or structural design of your home, we’ll make sure it aligns with all current regulations.

A small renovation might take just a few weeks, but larger extensions will naturally require more time. We’ll give you a realistic timeframe up front so you’re fully prepared.

Pricing And Quotes

A common question we’re asked is: how much will it cost? That depends on your site, plans and personal specifications. We offer fully itemised quotes so you know what’s included and why.

We meet with you first to understand exactly what you need, then prepare a detailed quote that includes:

- Site preparation

- Structural materials

- Labour

- Building approvals and permits

- Project management

- Fixtures and fittings

Our aim is to avoid hidden costs by being transparent from day one. If something unexpected comes up, we’ll always discuss it before moving forward.

Process And Communication

We keep things simple and people-focused. You start by getting in touch for a no-obligation chat. From there, we learn what matters to you and share what’s possible based on your goals and budget.

You’ll have one dedicated point of contact throughout, so you’re never chasing updates or left wondering. We keep you informed by phone, email or onsite meetings as needed.

Timelines are shared early and refined as the project progresses. If a delay ever happens due to weather or external contractors, we’ll tell you straight away and adjust the schedule as needed.

Quality And Warranties

We take pride in quality craftsmanship backed by real industry protection. Every completed project comes with a structural warranty in line with Victorian standards.

Only qualified, licensed trades are used on our projects. We never cut corners or bring in unreliable workers. Your home deserves professional attention from day one.

Permits And Approvals

We manage permits and documentation so you don’t have to worry about council paperwork. From working drawings and energy ratings to engineering plans, we make sure everything’s submitted and tracked properly.

Timelines for approvals vary depending on your council and build complexity, but we follow up proactively to keep things progressing.

Still Have Questions?

It’s absolutely normal to have questions at every stage of the build journey. Whether you’re browsing options or nearly ready to kick things off, reliable information helps you move forward with certainty.

We want to make the building process feel approachable from day one, so nothing holds you back. If you're ready to take the next step and want answers you can trust, don’t wait. Explore our home builder FAQs in Shepparton now and get the clarity you need to move forward confidently with Charlie Howard Constructions. Let’s make your building journey smoother, starting today.