Clover Homes FAQs

Every Clover Home comes with a carefully curated range of high quality standard inclusions designed to give you exceptional value and lasting quality. These include features such as:

Face brick exteriors for durability and timeless appeal

Tiled or Colorbond roofing to suit your style and budget

Aluminium windows with 6mm toughened glazing as standard for strength and energy efficiency

Modern fixtures and fittings throughout your home

Beyond the essentials, you’ll have the flexibility to customise your finishes, façade, and floor plan so your home reflects your lifestyle and vision.

We believe in clear, upfront value, which is why we provide a full inclusions list for complete transparency. You can view it here: See our standard inclusions →

At Clover Homes, we believe in transparency from the start, no nasty surprises, just clear expectations. Our building contracts are prepared to cover as much as possible, typically including:

Approval costs – obtaining DA or CDC approval for your new home or duplex.

Construction costs – the full build, including site works, service connections, and structural elements.

Internal finishes – everything inside the home such as kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, lighting, and air conditioning.

Some items are usually outside the standard contract (though we can arrange them for you if preferred), such as:

• Demolition of the existing home
• Tree removal (if required)
• New concrete driveway
• Landscaping and fencing
• Swimming pool construction
• Solar panels

Yes. At Clover Homes, we provide clear, fixed-price building contracts so you can move forward with complete financial peace of mind. All inclusions and costs are set out transparently, so there are no hidden surprises along the way.

We use the NSW Residential Building Contract for New Dwellings issued by the Housing Industry Association (HIA) one of the most widely recognised and trusted contracts across NSW.

If you’d like to see how it works, we’re happy to share a sample contract for you to review before committing.

Every block of land is unique, which means even if two homes are identical, the site costs can differ. “Site costs” refers to the additional work and materials required to prepare your land for building. Some common examples include:

Soil type – different soils (sand, clay, saline, or acid sulphate) affect the thickness of the slab, the amount of steel reinforcement, and the depth/type of piers needed.

Land levels – whether the block is flat or sloping determines how much excavation, retaining, or benching is required to create a level building platform.

Rock removal – if bedrock is present, it may need to be excavated to make way for foundations or drainage.

Connections & services – linking your home to water, sewer, gas, electricity, and NBN. Sometimes existing pipes need upgrading, or special works like sewer encasement are required.

Site access – busy roads, narrow streets, or overhead powerlines can add costs for traffic control, special permits, cranes, or alternate construction methods.

Safety requirements – items such as perimeter fencing, sediment control, scaffolding, and temporary pool covers to meet regulations and keep the site safe.

Because no two sites are the same, site costs can vary significantly. At Clover Homes, we identify these as early as possible so you have clarity upfront and can avoid nasty surprises down the track.

Whenever it rains, water runs off your roof, driveway, and paved areas. This stormwater needs to be carefully managed so it doesn’t cause flooding or damage to your property or neighbouring homes.

A stormwater system typically includes:

- Gutters and downpipes

- Rainwater tanks

- Surface drains and pits

- Absorption trenches or retention basins

- On-Site Detention (OSD) tanks – either above or below ground

A hydraulic engineer is a specialist consultant who designs this system to meet council regulations, soil conditions, and flood risks.

In newer estates, stormwater infrastructure is often already in place, making connection simple. However, in older Knock Down Rebuild areas, existing council systems are usually under pressure. This means each new home or duplex must include its own stormwater management solution, often an OSD tank.

On more challenging blocks, especially those lower than the street, it may even be necessary to arrange an easement with a neighbour to run stormwater pipes through to the rear street.

At Clover Homes, we never leave stormwater as an afterthought. We plan for it from the very start, working closely with our trusted engineers to ensure your home is both compliant and protected, while avoiding delays or unexpected costs later.

In most cases yes! Clover Homes specialises in knockdown rebuilds, duplex developments, and custom homes designed to make the most of your land. Whether your block is narrow, sloping, irregularly shaped, or has unique site challenges, our team will work with you to unlock its full potential.

Every site is different, so the best way to confirm is with a preliminary site review. Simply share your property address with us, and we’ll assess your block against council requirements, zoning, and site conditions to give you clear guidance on what’s possible.

If there are circumstances where your block isn’t suitable, we’ll be upfront with you from the start so you can move forward with confidence

At Clover Homes, we take a forward-thinking approach to compliance, so you’ll understand the site and building restrictions upfront avoiding costly surprises later.

If you already have documents such as a contract of sale, survey plan, title, flood report, or bushfire report, please share them with us. Our team will review your block in detail and check the requirements for approval, whether that’s through a Council DA (Development Application) or a CDC (Complying Development Certificate) with a private certifier.

From there, we’ll guide you through the best outcome for your project, explaining the pros and cons of each approval pathway so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Your initial consultation is completely obligation free; it's simply a chance to understand what’s possible on your block before committing.

Building on a main or busy road does come with extra challenges from delivery trucks and cranes accessing the site to bus stops, parking restrictions, street trees, and low-hanging power lines.

At Clover Homes, we manage these situations regularly. Our team will assess your site carefully and put in place a workable plan to ensure construction runs smoothly and safely, with minimal disruption. No matter the location, we’ll find a practical solution that allows your build to move forward with confidence.

Flood-affected sites simply need more planning up front. In some cases, the impact is minimal; in others it may require specific design responses for example raising finished floor levels (FFL) with a suspended slab, adjusting site levels, or upgrading drainage and materials.

To determine what’s feasible and avoid surprises, we’ll gather and review the right information early:

• Detailed/contour survey with AHD levels
• Council flood information or Flood Certificate / Flood Planning Level (FPL)
• Hydraulic engineer advice (flood behaviour, overland flow, OSD/stormwater strategy)

From there, we’ll guide you step-by-step to a compliant, buildable solution:

• Design response: siting, FFLs, driveway/garage thresholds, landscape levels, and materials suited to the flood context.
• Stormwater & drainage: on-site detention (OSD) and overland flow paths designed with your hydraulic engineer.
• Approval pathway: flood controls can trigger additional requirements and often necessitate a DA rather than a CDC—we’ll advise the best route for your site.
• Budget & timeline clarity: we’ll flag any allowances linked to flood requirements upfront so you have clear expectations before committing.

Bushfire risk is measured by a BAL rating (Bushfire Attack Level), ranging from BAL-Low through to BAL-FZ (Flame Zone). A qualified consultant will confirm your property’s rating. Clover Homes can build in areas up to BAL-40, subject to site review, and we’ll work with consultants to ensure your home meets all bushfire safety requirements.

The cost of your new home or duplex depends on several key factors, including:

• Site conditions & compliance – things like sloping land, stormwater requirements, bushfire or flood zones, and site access.
• Locations- the local council authority regulations requiring work zones, permits, split deliveries and compliance
• Design – the size, complexity, façade style, and materials chosen.
• Inclusions & specifications – the level of finishes, fittings, and features you’d like in your completed home.

As a guide:

• A smaller 3-bedroom duplex, with straightforward site conditions and simple façade/inclusions, typically ranges between $1.2M – $1.4M.
• The majority of our projects, with larger footprints and upgraded inclusions, fall between $1.5M – $1.9M.
• More complex or higher-end custom projects can require budgets in the $2M – $3M range.
• At Clover Homes, our motto is “We build it like it’s ours” and that philosophy starts from the very first conversation. We take the time to understand your needs, your block, and your budget so we can provide clear, transparent pricing and guide you toward the best possible outcome.

Absolutely. Every Clover Homes design is flexible and customisable. From selecting your façade style to reworking internal layouts or upgrading inclusions, our design consultants will help you personalise your home so it truly reflects your lifestyle.

At the start of every project, we create a comprehensive design brief with you. This is where we capture all the key things that matter most whether it’s the layout of a home you’ve seen for sale, an inspiring façade from social media, or a standout feature like a staircase or kitchen design you’ve always dreamed of. Our goal is to bring your ideas to life and integrate as much of your vision as possible into your new home, ensuring the result is one you’ll love for years to come.

Yes, we can. We’ve built many homes from client-supplied plans and are happy to work with your design.

Simply send us your plans and we’ll start with a review to ensure the design is practical, compliant, and well-suited to construction. From there, we can give you an initial ballpark price range so you have an idea of costs early on.

If everything aligns, we’ll then prepare a fixed-price tender (a tender fee applies), giving you clarity and certainty before you fully commit to building with us.

Absolutely. At Clover Homes, we take budget management seriously and work with you to ensure your project stays financially on track.

Our team has extensive experience in value engineering finding smarter ways to design and build without compromising on quality. This can include:

• Optimising the design to make it more efficient while still meeting your goals
• Exploring alternative materials and construction methods that achieve the same outcome at lower cost
• Comparing different brands and product options to maximise value for money

We understand that building a home or duplex is often the biggest financial investment of your life. That’s why our process is transparent and proactive so you can stretch your budget further while still achieving a home you’ll be proud of.

At Clover Homes, we see ourselves as your partner in the journey. Our goal is simple: deliver the best possible outcome for your block, lifestyle, and budget without hidden costs or nasty surprises.

When large trucks, cranes, and machinery arrive at a building site, it can create potential risks for pedestrians, drivers, and neighbours if not properly managed. That’s where traffic control comes in.

In many cases, we may need to temporarily block a lane or manage traffic flow while materials are delivered or lifted into place. To do this safely and legally, we engage a licensed traffic control company who provides:

• Written traffic management plans
• Street signage, cones, and barriers
• Licensed traffic controllers (“lollipop workers”)
• Temporary traffic lights or lane closures if required

On some sites, we also apply to Council for a Works Zone, a reserved section of street parking dedicated to construction vehicles. This ensures safe and efficient deliveries and requires Council approval and fees.

Traffic control is not only a legal requirement, it’s also part of how Clover Homes ensures your build is carried out safely, responsibly, and with minimal disruption to the community.

At Clover Homes, we follow a clear and structured progress payment schedule, so you always know what to expect. Payments are made at key stages of construction, with each stage linked to a percentage of the overall contract value.

The standard schedule under the NSW Residential Building Contract for New Dwellings (HIA) is:

We’ll give you advance notice before each stage is reached, along with an invoice for the progress payment. This allows you to plan ahead with confidence and certainty.

The progress payment schedule may vary depending on the scope of work. For example, if your build includes full-brick construction, demolition, a swimming pool, or other major components, additional milestones or adjusted percentages may be included in the contract. We’ll always explain these upfront so there are no surprises.

If you’d like more detail, we’re happy to provide a sample contract and tailored payment schedule for you to review before signing.

Yes. At Clover Homes, we provide weekly email updates from your site supervisor, including what was completed that week, what’s planned next, and progress photos so you can see your home taking shape.

You’re also welcome to arrange site visits at any stage. We even conduct pre-electrical walkthroughs on site before installation begins, giving you the opportunity to review and adjust your electrical plan before work commences.

This way, you’ll always feel informed, involved, and confident throughout the entire build journey.

Yes, we take care of the entire approval process for you, including DA (Development Applications), CDC (Complying Development Certificates), compliance checks, and all required documentation. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, so you don’t have to worry about paperwork or red tape.

Some items, however, are outside the standard building contract (such as subdivision, demolition, driveways, or major landscaping).

We’re just as excited as you are to get started. Before construction begins, we need to complete the Pre-Construction phase, which includes finalising plans, securing approvals, and completing required reports.

The timeframe depends on your approval pathway:

• CDC (Complying Development Certificate): typically 5–6 months from tender acceptance to site start.
• DA (Development Application): may take longer, often an additional couple of months.

If you already have approved plans, we may be able to begin sooner depending on our schedule. To ensure every project gets the focus it deserves, we limit the number of construction starts each month. This allows us to give each client the proper care and attention needed to deliver a high-quality home.

We know the construction phase is one of the most exciting parts of the journey and naturally, you’ll want to see your home taking shape. However, building sites can be dangerous, so for your safety (and by law) you must always be accompanied by a Clover Homes representative.

Throughout the build, we’ll invite you on site at key milestones so you can inspect progress and ask questions. If you’d like to visit more often, simply arrange an appointment with your site supervisor, who will be happy to guide you through safely.

This way, you stay involved and confident, while we make sure safety is never compromised.

If you plan to subdivide your duplex so each dwelling can be sold separately, this is a separate process not included in the building contract. Subdivision (Strata or Torrens Title) involves approvals, surveys, applications to Council or a private certifier, and lodgement with NSW Land Registry Services. Additional works such as separate utility connections (water, sewer, gas, electricity) are also required.

Because this process can be complex, we strongly recommend engaging a surveyor early in the design phase to align subdivision requirements with your construction timeline. This avoids costly delays and extra holding costs.

While we don’t manage subdivision directly, our team will guide you, provide recommendations, and help you plan ahead so the process runs as smoothly as possible.

You can get started by:

• Calling us on 1300 618 311
• Emailing sales@cloverhomes.com.au
• Filling out the Contact Us form at the bottom of the website page

From there, we’ll arrange a consultation to learn more about your land, requirements, and budget. We’ll then guide you through each step from design and pricing through to approvals so you know exactly what to expect.

At Clover Homes, our focus is on making the process straightforward and building your home with the same care and attention as if it were our own.