FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Straight answers to the questions every homeowner asks before starting a major project.
Are you Registered Builders?
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Yes. Michael is a Registered Builder with the VBA, registration numbers DB-U 42818 and CDB-U 56465, and has been since Demardi was founded in 2013.
Why is it important to work with a Registered Builder?
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A registered builder has met the VBA's training, insurance and conduct standards, must hold domestic building insurance on works over $16,000, and is accountable to a regulator. It's the basic protection every Victorian homeowner should insist on for a major project.
How quickly can you start?
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We run a limited number of projects at any one time. Typical lead time from signed contract to construction start is 8-16 weeks, depending on design stage and council approvals. We'll be honest about timing on your first call.
How long will my major renovation or build project take?
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Most full home renovations and custom homes run 9-14 months on site, plus design and approvals beforehand. Programs are confirmed in your contract and tracked in your client portal.
Will the Demardi team be doing the work?
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Our in-house construction team, carpenters, site managers and apprentices, runs the site day to day, supported by long-term trade partners we've worked with for years. You'll know exactly who is on your project.
Who will be my contact at Demardi during the build?
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You'll have a dedicated supervisor on site and a project coordinator in the office, both reachable directly. Anthony stays across every project at the director level.
Are you comfortable working with other trades?
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Absolutely. We regularly work alongside specialist trades clients want to bring in, and with architects, designers, joiners and stonemasons of the client's choosing.
Do you use the same trades for each project?
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Wherever possible, yes. Many of our subcontractors have worked with us for 5-10 years. Consistent trades is one of the biggest reasons our finish quality stays consistent.
Do we need a building permit?
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Almost certainly. Major renovations, extensions, custom homes and knockdown rebuilds all require a building permit, and most also need a planning permit. We manage the entire approvals process for you.
Can I visit the site while you're building?
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Yes, by arrangement with your supervisor for safety reasons. Your client portal also gives you photo updates and milestone tracking so you can stay across the build between visits.
Should I work with an Architect or Designer prior to contacting a Builder?
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Not necessarily. Plenty of our clients come to us before any drawings exist. We'll match you with the right designer or architect from our trusted collaborator network, selected to suit your brief, investment and vision.
Which Melbourne suburbs do you build in?
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Demardi builds across Melbourne's premier suburbs and the Mornington Peninsula, including:
- Inner East: Canterbury, Hawthorn, Hawthorn East, Kew, Kew East, Camberwell, Balwyn, Balwyn North, Deepdene, Surrey Hills, Mont Albert, Mont Albert North, Glen Iris, Ashburton
- South East: Toorak, Malvern, Malvern East, Armadale, Brighton, Caulfield, Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Chadstone, Ashwood
- Middle & Outer East: Doncaster, Doncaster East, Templestowe, Templestowe Lower, Bulleen, Nunawading, Blackburn, Blackburn North, Blackburn South, Mitcham, Box Hill, Box Hill North, Box Hill South, Burwood, Burwood East, Vermont, Vermont South, Forest Hill
- Leafy East & Outer Fringe: Warrandyte, Warrandyte South, Donvale, Park Orchards, Ringwood North, Croydon North, Wonga Park, Mooroolbark, Chirnside Park
- North East Corridor: Eltham, Eltham North, Research, Kangaroo Ground, Lower Plenty, Rosanna, Viewbank, Macleod, Ivanhoe, Ivanhoe East, Eaglemont, Greensborough
- Inner North & Inner City: Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Clifton Hill, Carlton, Carlton North, Northcote, Thornbury, Preston, Abbotsford, Richmond, Fairfield, Brunswick, Brunswick East, Essendon, Essendon North, Strathmore
- Inner South & Southbank: Southbank, South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor, St Kilda, Albert Park, Middle Park, Port Melbourne, South Melbourne
- Mornington Peninsula: Mount Martha, Mornington, Mount Eliza, Dromana, Safety Beach, McCrae, Sorrento, Portsea, Blairgowrie, Red Hill, Flinders, Merricks, Main Ridge
We also take on projects in surrounding suburbs. We take on a select number of projects each year, so if your suburb isn't listed here, it's worth getting in touch to check availability. You can also browse our completed projects to see the kind of work we've delivered across these areas.
Do you take on projects outside your usual service area?
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Our focus is on high-end renovations, extensions, design and build and knockdown rebuilds across Melbourne's premier suburbs and the Mornington Peninsula, generally for projects in the $1 million to $3 million range. If your project sits outside this footprint, get in touch and we'll let you know honestly whether it's a fit.
Next Step
Still have questions?
We take on a limited number of projects each year. Tell us about yours and let’s see if we’re the right fit. You don’t need to come in with all the answers. We’ll help you understand the best next step for your project.