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

Building a home is an exciting journey, but with so many moving parts, clients often have questions about how the process works. To provide clarity, we sat down with our Project Manager, Maggie, who plays a key role in ensuring every project runs smoothly. In this interview, she answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the selections process, including our Interior Design Studio, Lighting Design Studio, Home Automation Studio, our E&S Trading Appliance and Plumbing Studio, Online Client Portal, job updates, site inspections, variations, and weekly progress reports.

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

A: My role is to keep everything on track and make sure clients have a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout their home-building journey. I coordinate with our construction team, designers, suppliers, and clients to ensure everything is progressing as planned. I also oversee the scheduling of job updates, site inspections, and any variations that arise. My goal is to keep clients informed and engaged every step of the way so they feel confident in the process.

Q: The selections process can be overwhelming for clients. How do you make it easier?

A: We’ve designed our selections process to be as streamlined and enjoyable as possible. Rather than clients having to visit multiple suppliers across town, they can make all their interior colour selections in one place at our Gallerie Interior Design Studio.

Here, they’ll work with our expert interior designers to choose everything from flooring and tiles to cabinetry and fixtures. The studio showcases premium materials, so clients can see, touch, and compare different options in person. Our designers help guide them through the selection process, ensuring their choices align with their design vision, budget, and lifestyle.

Q: Can you tell us more about the Lighting Design Studio and Home Automation Studio?

A: Lighting and automation are key elements that can truly elevate a home.

• Lighting Design Studio: Our lighting specialists help clients create a lighting plan that enhances the aesthetics and functionality of their home. We look at layering ambient, task, and accent lighting to ensure each space is well-lit and inviting. Clients can explore a range of options, from feature pendant lights to recessed LED solutions.
• Home Automation Studio: This is where we introduce clients to smart home technology, from automated lighting and climate control to security systems and home entertainment. Whether they want a fully integrated smart home or just a few key automation features, we tailor solutions to their needs.

By incorporating these elements early in the process, we ensure they’re seamlessly integrated into the home’s design.

Q: How does the E&S Trading Appliance and Plumbing Studio enhance the client experience?

A: Selecting appliances and plumbing fixtures is a huge part of designing a home, and our partnership with E&S Trading makes the process seamless. Clients can visit our E&S Trading Appliance and Plumbing Studio, where they have access to premium kitchen and laundry appliances, tapware, sinks, and bathroom fittings.

With expert advice from E&S specialists, clients can compare brands, features, and finishes to ensure they choose products that meet their functional needs and aesthetic preferences. From high-performance ovens to luxurious freestanding baths, we help clients find the perfect balance between style and practicality.

Q: How does the Online Client Portal help clients stay updated on their build?

A: Our Online Client Portal is one of the best tools we offer for keeping clients informed throughout construction. It provides 24/7 access to:

• Job updates – Regular progress reports so clients can see how their home is coming together.
• Job photos – We upload site photos, so clients can visually track progress.
• Selections & documents – Clients can review their design choices, plans, and contract details at any time.
• Financials – Payment schedules and variation approvals are all easily accessible.
• Communication – Clients can send messages and receive updates directly through the portal, keeping everything in one place.

This level of transparency helps clients feel in control and eliminates the need for constant phone calls or emails to check on progress.

Q: How often do you provide job updates, and what do they include?

A: We provide weekly updates to ensure clients are always in the loop. Each update includes:

• The current stage of construction.
• What’s happening on-site that week.
• Any upcoming milestones or decisions needed.
• Progress photos.

These updates are sent through our Online Client Portal, making it easy for clients to check in on their build from anywhere.

Q: Can clients visit the site during construction?

A: Absolutely! We arrange site inspections at key milestones, such as:

• Frame stage – When the framework is up, so clients can see the structure before walls go in.
• Lock-up stage – When the exterior is complete, allowing a walkthrough before internal works begin.
• Final walkthrough – Before handover, to ensure everything is perfect.

For safety reasons, we do require site visits to be pre-arranged, but we’re always happy to schedule a time for clients to come and see their home taking shape.

Q: What happens if a client wants to make changes during construction?

A: Changes during construction are common, and we manage them through variations. If a client decides they want to upgrade a finish, add a feature, or make an adjustment, we provide a detailed variation quote outlining costs and any timeline impacts.

Once the client approves the variation via the Online Client Portal, we proceed with the changes. We always aim to accommodate client requests while keeping the project on track.

Q: What’s your best advice for clients to ensure a smooth building experience?

A: My top advice is:

1. Be proactive with selections – Locking in choices early helps avoid delays.
2. Stay engaged with updates – Use the Online Client Portal to keep track of progress.
3. Communicate openly – If you have questions or concerns, reach out. We’re here to help!
4. Trust the process – Our team is experienced in delivering high-quality homes, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Building a home is a journey, and we want our clients to enjoy the experience. By working closely together and maintaining clear communication, we ensure the process is exciting, rewarding, and stress-free.

At Beachstone Homes, we’re committed to delivering a seamless, transparent, and enjoyable home-building experience. If you have any questions about selections, job updates, site visits, or variations, feel free to reach out – Maggie and our team are here to help!