An Interview with Our Project Manager: Navigating The Home Building Process with Confidence

Key Takeaways

• A structured selections process helps make the many decisions involved in a custom home more manageable
• Interior design, lighting, appliances, plumbing and home automation are coordinated before they are required on site
• The Online Client Portal provides one central place for important project information, selections, updates and communication
• Changes during construction are assessed, documented and approved through a formal variation process
• Early decisions, clear communication and good coordination between clients, consultants and the construction team help keep a custom build running smoothly

Q: Maggie, what does your role as Project Manager involve?

A: A big part of my role is coordinating all the different pieces that need to come together as a project progresses. There are clients, designers, consultants, suppliers, trades and our construction team all contributing information at different stages, so good organisation and communication are really important.

I help coordinate project documentation, selections, client communication, variations and the information our construction team needs as the home moves through the build. I also help clients understand what is happening, what decisions are coming up and what we need from them so that we can keep the project moving.

Q: The selections process can involve a lot of decisions. How does Beachstone Homes make it easier for clients?

A: The key is having a structured process rather than asking clients to make hundreds of individual decisions without guidance. Our clients work through their selections with experienced consultants who help them create a consistent design across the whole home.

Our Gallerie Interior Design Studio covers many of the major interior and exterior selections, including flooring, tiles, cabinetry, colours, finishes and other important details. Clients can see and compare materials in person while working with an interior designer who understands their overall design direction and budget.

We also coordinate specialist consultations for areas such as appliances, plumbing fixtures, lighting and home automation. Breaking the process into structured stages makes what could otherwise be an overwhelming number of decisions much more manageable.

Q: How do lighting and home automation fit into the selections process?

A: These are areas that are much easier to resolve before construction reaches site rather than trying to add them later.

The lighting consultation looks at how each space will actually be used and considers general lighting, task lighting, feature lighting and the overall atmosphere of the home. It gives clients an opportunity to think beyond simply where downlights should go.

Home automation is similar. Clients can consider options such as automated lighting, blinds, climate control, security, access and entertainment systems depending on the level of technology they want in their home.

Coordinating these systems early allows the required electrical work, cabling and other infrastructure to be incorporated properly into the construction documentation and build.

Q: How are appliances and plumbing fixtures selected?

A: Appliances and plumbing fixtures are another important part of the selections process because they influence both the appearance and functionality of the home.

Our clients have access to specialist consultants who can take them through appliances, sinks, tapware, baths, basins and other plumbing fixtures. They can compare products, finishes and features while considering how each selection fits with the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry and overall interior design.

Having these selections properly documented is also important for construction. Different products can affect cabinetry, plumbing locations, electrical requirements and installation details, so we want that information coordinated before it is required on site.

Q: How does the Online Client Portal help clients throughout their project?

A: The Online Client Portal gives clients one central place to access important information about their project rather than having everything spread across emails and different documents.

Depending on the stage of the project, clients can access information such as plans, specifications, selections, correspondence, photos, project updates and financial information. It also provides a record of decisions and communication throughout the build.

For a custom home, where there can be a large amount of information to keep track of, having that central record makes the process much easier for both the client and our team.

Q: How do you keep clients informed once construction begins?

A: Clients naturally want to know what is happening with their home, particularly when there are stages where a lot of work is occurring behind the scenes but the visual progress may not be as obvious.

We provide regular communication throughout construction so clients understand the current stage of their build, recent progress and what is coming next. Progress photos and project information can also be shared through the Online Client Portal, allowing clients to follow the build even when they are unable to visit the site.

Just as importantly, if we need information or a decision from the client, we try to communicate that early so there is enough time to resolve it without unnecessarily affecting the construction program.

Q: Can clients visit their home during construction?

A: Yes. We understand that seeing the home take shape is one of the most exciting parts of the building process.

Site visits need to be coordinated with our construction team because an active building site has safety requirements and different trades may be working there at the time. By arranging visits in advance, we can make sure the site is safe and that the appropriate person is available to walk through the home with the client.

There are also particular stages where a walkthrough can be especially useful because clients can see elements of the home before subsequent work covers them or before the project moves into its next major stage.

Q: What happens if a client wants to change something during construction?

A: Changes can happen during a custom build, but it is important that they are properly documented before work proceeds.

If a client requests a change, our team first reviews what is involved. Depending on the variation, that can include additional materials and labour as well as changes to drawings, engineering, consultant documentation, permits or work that has already been completed or ordered.

We then document the variation, including the applicable cost and any relevant implications, so the client can review and approve it before the change is carried out. Having a formal variation process protects both the client and builder and helps ensure everyone is working from the same information.

Q: What can clients do to help their project run smoothly?

A: Making selections and decisions by the required dates is one of the biggest things clients can do to help. Construction involves a lot of forward planning, and products often need to be ordered well before they are physically required on site.

I would also encourage clients to stay engaged with their project information and ask questions whenever something is unclear. It is much easier to resolve a question early than make assumptions and discover later that everyone had a different understanding.

Most importantly, remember that there is a whole team working behind the scenes. Building a custom home is a detailed process, but good planning, communication and collaboration make the experience much more enjoyable.

At Beachstone Homes, our project management process is designed to give clients clear guidance from selections and preconstruction through to construction and handover. If you’re considering building a custom home on the Mornington Peninsula, Bayside or Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, contact our team to discuss your project.

ABOUT BEACHSTONE HOMES

Beachstone Homes is an award winning custom home builder specialising in bespoke Design & Build homes across the Mornington Peninsula, Bayside suburbs and Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

Our integrated approach combines custom design, interior design, cost planning and construction expertise under one roof to help clients move from vision to certainty with confidence.