Our Custom Home Building Process

At Waddell Projects, we understand that building a custom home is an exciting, transformative journey. As custom home builders in Brisbane, we focus on delivering homes that reflect your unique lifestyle and aspirations. Our process is designed to be straightforward and transparent, ensuring that you are informed and involved from start to finish.

Here’s an overview of how we turn your vision into a reality:

Initial Consultation and New Client Information Form

Your journey begins with an initial consultation, where we gather important details about your vision, goals, and expectations. To kick things off, we ask you to complete our New Client Information Form, which helps us understand your preferences, budget, timeline, and other key factors.

This form ensures that we’re aligned from the outset and helps us better understand your needs, so we can tailor our services to your specific requirements.

Reviewing Your Information

Once we’ve received your form, our team will review your responses carefully. We’ll reach out to you directly to discuss your project in greater detail and clarify any aspects of your vision.

This step is crucial in ensuring that your goals align with our services and capabilities, allowing us to offer you the best possible advice and guidance moving forward.

Site Visit and Feasibility Assessment

If your project looks viable, Clint, our Director, will arrange a site visit to assess the location and gather more details. This meeting allows us to understand the topography, design possibilities, and any site-specific challenges.

Whether you’re building from scratch or undertaking a renovation, the site visit helps us gauge the space and provides valuable insights into how to proceed.

Planning and Preparation

If you haven’t already done so, we’ll help you prepare the necessary plans for your new home. Whether you need help with architectural design or other preparations, we’ll guide you on the steps required to move forward. If you already have plans in place, we’ll ensure they align with your goals.

This step is key to making sure everything is in place before we proceed with pricing and construction.

Estimate Options

Once we’ve gathered all the necessary details, we’ll provide you with two estimate options:

  • General Estimate: A broad estimate based on similar projects and initial details. This gives you a rough idea of the costs involved, for example, $200k per side (depending on the scope and complexity of the project).
  • Detailed Estimate: A more comprehensive breakdown of all costs, including materials, labour, permits, and other factors. This estimate ensures you understand exactly what to expect financially and allows us to fine-tune your project’s budget.

  • Both options help you set clear expectations and provide transparency on costs.

Contract Signing

After reviewing the estimates and finalising any details, we move forward with the contract signing.

This formalises the agreement and sets out the specific terms of the project, including timelines, payment schedules, and the scope of work.

Once everything is agreed upon and the contract is signed, we can prepare to begin the building process.

Construction Begins

With the contract in place, we officially kick off the construction phase. Our experienced team works tirelessly to bring your vision to life, ensuring that every detail is handled with care and precision.

Throughout construction, we maintain clear communication, updating you regularly on progress through our easy-to-use client portal. We aim to make the building process as smooth as possible, ensuring that you are always informed and engaged.

Understanding the Importance of Designing a New Home

Designing a new home is more than just choosing a floor plan—it’s about shaping the way you live every day. Your home should work for you, reflecting your lifestyle, needs, and future goals. A well-planned new home design ensures every space is functional, comfortable, and built to last.

Why Thoughtful Home Design Matters:

🗸 It makes every space work for you – A well-designed home flows effortlessly, making daily routines easier and maximising every square metre.

🗸 It lets your home grow with you – Whether you’re planning a family, need a home office, or want adaptable spaces, smart design ensures your home evolves with your life.

🗸 It lets you live comfortably and efficiently – Thoughtful placement of windows, insulation, and energy-efficient materials keeps your home comfortable year-round while reducing costs.

🗸 It brings your vision to life – Custom design means personalisation at every level, from open-plan living areas to cosy retreats that suit your style.

🗸 It builds with the future in mind – A well-designed home isn’t just about today—it adds long-term value and appeal, whether you stay for years or eventually sell.

By taking the time to plan your new home builds carefully, you create a space that enhances your daily life while ensuring beauty, functionality, and value for years to come.

How to Choose the Right Design for Your New Home

Choosing the right design isn’t just about aesthetics. With so many new designs for homes to consider, it’s crucial to focus on what matters most for you and your future. With the right approach, designing a new home becomes an exciting journey—one that results in a home built just for you, both now and in the future. Here’s how you can make the best choice:
  1. Consider How You Live
Your home should reflect your lifestyle, not just look good on paper. Do you need open-plan living for entertaining, a quiet retreat for work, or extra space for a growing family? The best designs make life easier, ensuring every space serves a purpose.
  1. Make the Most of Your Block
Your land plays a big role in how your home functions. Maximising natural light, capturing breezes, and considering outdoor space can improve comfort and efficiency. A well-thought-out design works with your surroundings, not against them.
  1. Balance Style with Practicality
A beautiful home should also be functional. Think about storage, room flow, and everyday usability. Will your kitchen layout work when cooking for guests? Is there enough storage to keep things organised? The right design blends style with smart solutions.
  1. Plan for the Future
Your needs will evolve over time, so your home should, too. Whether you’re planning a family, need flexible workspaces, or want a layout that suits you as you age, a future-proof design ensures your home remains the perfect fit for years to come.
  1. Stay True to Your Vision
Your home is personal. Whether you love modern minimalism or timeless charm, your design should reflect your style and what makes you feel at home. Thoughtful choices create a space that’s uniquely yours.

Custom Home Design Trends for 2025

The way we design homes in 2025 is all about balance—style meets function, sustainability blends with innovation, and every space is designed to enhance daily life. With Brisbane’s climate, evolving lifestyles, and advances in homebuilding shaping the future, these trends redefine what a new home can be.

Built for Brisbane’s Climate
Homes designed for Brisbane’s subtropical conditions prioritise natural cooling and ventilation. High ceilings, louvred windows, and well-positioned outdoor living areas help regulate temperature, reducing reliance on air conditioning while keeping interiors comfortable year-round.

Backyards That Feel Like an Extra Room
Outdoor spaces are becoming seamless extensions of the home rather than just an afterthought. Large sliding or bi-fold doors lead to alfresco areas with outdoor kitchens, built-in seating, and integrated lighting. Thoughtful layouts and landscaping create perfect spaces for relaxation and entertaining.

Smart Home Integration
Technology is playing a bigger role in everyday living, with homeowners embracing smart home features for convenience and efficiency. Automated lighting, climate control, and security systems offer remote control and energy management, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Natural Textures with a Contemporary Twist
Materials that bring warmth and character into the home are on the rise, but with a contemporary touch. Timber, stone, and natural fibres are paired with sleek finishes and minimalist designs, creating warm, sophisticated spaces that are both timeless and modern.

Flexible and Adaptable Spaces
Modern homeowners are looking for designs that can grow and change with their needs. Open-plan layouts, multi-use rooms, and clever storage solutions ensure that spaces remain practical and versatile as lifestyles change.

Maximised Natural Light
Bringing in as much natural light as possible is key to creating bright, airy interiors. Floor-to-ceiling windows, skylights, and glass doors flood interiors with daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting and enhancing the connection between interiors and the outdoors.

Striking Architectural Details
Bold design elements are making an impact, adding personality and uniqueness to custom homes. Curved feature walls, dramatic entryways, and custom shelving highlight craftsmanship, ensuring each home stands out with individuality.

Design Options and Inspiration

Not sure where to start? We get it—designing your dream home can feel overwhelming. As experienced Brisbane new home builders, we’re here to guide and inspire you. Whether you have a clear vision or need help exploring ideas, we’ll introduce you to a range of design styles, layouts, and smart solutions that suit your lifestyle and budget.

From modern minimalism to timeless elegance, we help refine your ideas, integrating the latest trends, high-quality materials, and space-saving innovations. If you already have a vision in mind, we’ll work with you to enhance and tailor it to make sure your home is not just beautiful, but built for the way you live.

Your custom home should reflect who you are, and we’re here to bring that vision to life.

Why Choose Us?

Choosing the right custom home builder in Brisbane is crucial to ensuring that your new home is everything you envision. Here’s why Waddell Projects is the ideal choice for your project:

  • Expertise: With years of experience in custom home building, we have the skills and knowledge to handle even the most complex projects.
  • Personalised Service: We take the time to understand your needs and tailor every detail of your home to suit your lifestyle and preferences.
  • Transparency: We believe in clear communication and will always provide you with honest, upfront information about costs, timelines, and any challenges.
  • High-Quality Craftsmanship: We use only the finest materials and work with the most skilled tradespeople to deliver exceptional homes built to last.
  • Client-Focused Approach: We value collaboration and work closely with you to ensure that your new home reflects your unique vision, from concept to completion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The timeline can vary depending on the complexity of your design and other factors. Typically, a custom home project takes between 8 and 12 months to complete.

Not necessarily. If you don’t have architectural plans, we can guide you through the design process or recommend trusted architects to help.

The cost will depend on factors such as the size, design, materials, and location of your home. We provide both general and detailed estimates to ensure you have a clear understanding of your budget.

Yes! In addition to building custom homes, we also specialise in home renovations and extensions, transforming existing spaces to better suit your needs.

Absolutely. We’re committed to your satisfaction long after construction is complete. We offer ongoing support to ensure you’re happy with your new home.

Ready to Build Your Dream Home?

If you’re ready to start your custom home building journey, we’re here to help. Our expert team at Waddell Projects is dedicated to delivering high-quality, personalised homes in Brisbane that perfectly suit your needs. Let’s bring your vision to life!

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward creating your dream home.