Home building FAQs
Everything you need to feel confident about building with Arcadia. Can’t find your answer? Our team is always happy to help.
Building with Arcadia
How much does a custom home with Arcadia cost?
It depends on your design, block and inclusions. Entry-level custom homes start from around $400k to $450k, and our live price lists include site costs, so you can compare properly.
How long does the build process take?
Design usually takes 2 to 6 weeks, depending on revisions, and building approval is lodged around week ten. We confirm construction timing at your consultation. See our build process.
Do you build on sloping or difficult blocks?
Yes, regularly. We design and build on sloping blocks, narrow lots and difficult blocks, including sites with over 600mm of fall that many volume builders won’t take on.
What areas do you build in?
The Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay, from our Caloundra office. On the coast it’s mostly custom homes and knockdown rebuilds. In Moreton Bay it’s more first homes and acreage.
Inclusions & pricing
What is included in your fixed-price contract?
Your fixed-price Master Builders contract is issued once engineering, colours and plans are final. Your Essential, Signature or Premier inclusions set the standard items.
Are your prices truly fixed?
Your contract price is fixed once engineering, selections and plans are final. Early pricing includes site costs, and if engineering finds a site issue, we tell you before you sign.
What isn't included in the base price?
Site costs are included. With Essential inclusions, the driveway, flyscreens, dishwasher and external concrete are left out to add later. Signature and Premier include more.
Do you offer progress payments?
Your payment stages are set out in your building contract, and we walk you through each one before you sign, so you always know exactly what’s due, when it’s due and why.
Home designs & customisation
Can I make changes to a home design?
Yes. Like-for-like tweaks to standard designs are free, semi-custom changes go through our in-house draftsperson, and three plan versions are included. Browse our home designs.
Can you build a fully custom design?
Yes. Bring a sketch, a photo or a list of must-haves, and our in-house draftsperson designs your custom home from scratch, priced with site costs and built by our carpenters.
Do you have display homes I can visit?
Yes. The Casa Luna at Lilywood is open Saturday to Wednesday, 10am to 4pm, and the Arlo in Palmview is open by appointment. See our display homes page for addresses and details.
How do I choose colours and finishes?
At a dedicated appointment with our in-house colour consultant. Hayley leads our design and styling, and your choices are based on your Essential, Signature or Premier inclusions.
Custom & knockdown rebuilds
Do you build custom, one-off homes?
Yes. Most homes we build are custom homes or knockdown rebuilds. Each one is drafted in-house for your block and brief, then built by our own carpentry crews. See custom homes.
What's involved in a knockdown rebuild?
We assess your site, finalise your design, handle approvals, arrange demolition and build through to handover, so you keep the street you love. See our knockdown rebuild page.
Can you build on my existing block?
Most likely, yes. Vacant lot, older house, sloping site or acreage, we assess your block first and design to suit it. Tell us the details when you book a consultation.
After your build
What warranty do you provide?
Your warranty cover is set out in your building contract. Before you sign, we take you through exactly what it covers, how long each part runs and who to call if something comes up.
How does the handover process work?
You get weekly updates in your client portal through the build. Once final inspections and quality checks are done, we walk through the finished home with you and hand over the keys.
Who do I contact after moving in?
Contact our Caloundra office through our contact page with your address and question, and we’ll point you to the right person for anything you need after moving in.
We're here to help
Can’t see your question here? Send us a message with a few details about your block or your build, and our Caloundra team will come back to you with a straight answer.