Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process of working with True Built?
We follow a structured approach that starts with understanding your project, then moving into a Pre-Construction Agreement where we develop the design, align the budget, and plan the build in detail.
By the time construction begins, everything has been carefully considered.
What is a Pre-Construction Agreement (PAC) and why is it important?
The PAC (Paid As Consultant) is where the real work happens.
Instead of pricing incomplete drawings and leaving gaps that cause issues later, we invest time upfront to fully develop your project. That includes:
Working through design details
Aligning selections with your budget
Identifying and resolving potential issues early
This is how we protect your budget, your timeline, and the overall quality of your home.
Can you visit site during construction?
We understand you want to be involved — it’s your home.
To ensure safety, quality control, and efficiency, site access is managed through scheduled visits. This allows us to walk you through progress properly, answer questions, and keep everything running as it should.
It’s not about restricting access — it’s about giving you a better, more structured experience.
What is the first step to working with True Built?
Start by reaching out through our website.
From there, you’ll complete a project enquiry form so we can understand what you’re looking to achieve and whether we’re the right fit.
If aligned, we’ll guide you into the next step — moving toward a Pre-Construction Agreement where your project starts to take shape.
Should I renovate or rebuild my home?
This depends on the condition of your existing home, your goals, and your budget.
In many cases, renovations can seem like the easier option, but once you start uncovering hidden issues or trying to bring an older home up to modern performance standards, costs can escalate quickly.
We help you assess both options early, so you can make a clear, informed decision based on long-term value — not just upfront cost.
How do I know if my home is worth renovating?
It comes down to structure, layout, orientation, and how well the existing home can be improved.
If the bones are right and the layout works, a renovation can be a great outcome. If not, you may be investing heavily into something that will never truly perform the way you want it to.
We look beyond finishes and help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface.
What are the biggest mistakes people make when building a home?
The biggest mistake is rushing into construction without properly planning.
This often leads to:
Budget blowouts
Poor detailing
Performance issues like condensation and mould
The second is choosing a builder based purely on price, rather than process, communication, and values.
Getting the right team and investing time upfront makes all the difference.
When is the right time to start planning a build?
Earlier than most people think.
The planning and design phase is where the success of your project is determined. Starting early gives you time to make considered decisions, align your budget, and avoid costly changes later.
Why is my home always cold in winter and hot in summer?
Most homes aren’t designed or built to manage heat properly.
Gaps in insulation, poor sealing, and lack of consideration for orientation all contribute to a home that struggles to stay comfortable.
We focus on building homes that maintain a stable internal environment year-round — not just rely on heating and cooling.
Why do most homes develop mould — and how do we prevent it?
Mould is usually the result of unmanaged moisture and poor air movement.
Many homes trap moisture within walls or allow condensation to build up over time.
We approach construction with building science in mind — controlling air, managing moisture, and selecting materials that support a healthy indoor environment from the beginning.
Why do new homes still have condensation issues?
Because “new” doesn’t always mean “well built”.
Without proper detailing and ventilation strategies, even new homes can suffer from condensation.
We take a different approach by ensuring every layer of the build works together to manage moisture effectively.
What is a high-performance home?
A high-performance home is designed and built to be comfortable, efficient, and healthy to live in.
It maintains more consistent temperatures, manages moisture properly, and provides better indoor air quality — all while reducing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling.
How do you design a home that supports your health and wellbeing?
A healthy home isn’t something you add at the end — it’s something you design and build into the project from the very beginning.
It comes down to how the home manages air, moisture, temperature, and the materials used throughout.
We focus on creating spaces that feel good to live in every day — with consistent temperatures, fresh air, and materials that don’t compromise your health.
It’s not just about how a home looks, it’s about how it performs and how it makes you feel to live in it.
What is the difference between a standard home and a high-performance home?
A standard home is often built to meet minimum requirements.
A high-performance home goes beyond that — with better detailing, smarter design, and a focus on long-term comfort and durability.
It’s the difference between building to a price, and building to a standard.
What does it cost to build a high-quality, healthy home in Sydney?
There’s no one-size-fits-all number.
What we can say is this: building a healthy, high-performance home requires more thought, better materials, and a more detailed process upfront. That does come at a higher initial investment compared to a standard build.
But the outcome is a home that performs properly — more comfortable to live in, more durable, and far less likely to suffer from issues like mould, condensation, or poor air quality.
We focus on getting it right from the beginning, so you’re not paying for problems later.
Where does the money actually go when building a home?
A significant portion goes into the parts you don’t see — structure, insulation, waterproofing, and detailing.
These are the elements that determine how your home performs over time.
We prioritise investing in what matters most, rather than just visible finishes.
What costs do people not consider when building?
Commonly overlooked costs include:
Site conditions
Design changes during construction
Incomplete documentation
Consultant and council fees
Poor planning upfront
This is why we invest heavily in pre-construction — to identify and resolve these early.
Why do building proposals vary so much between builders?
Not all proposals include the same level of detail.
Lower proposals often leave out key elements or allowances, which can lead to variations later.
We focus on transparency and thorough planning, so you understand exactly what you’re getting from the start.