Frequently asked questions.
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We’re based in Mapleton and focus on projects across the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland — from coastal areas such as Noosa, Maroochydore, and Caloundra to towns like Maleny, Montville, and Nambour. We also work with clients in Brisbane who are looking for bespoke, design-led homes and major renovations.
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Yes. Round Hill Projects is fully licensed with the QBCC and carries comprehensive insurance. More than that, we pride ourselves on professionalism, transparency, and care — so you can feel secure every step of the way.
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Many of our projects begin with an architect already engaged, but we also collaborate with trusted local architects and designers when clients need end-to-end support. For us, design is at the heart of every beautiful build.
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Yes—all of our work is covered by the statutory warranties required under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). These warranties protect you for structural work, waterproofing, and workmanship for set periods after your build or renovation is complete.
In addition to the formal QBCC cover, we stand by our own craftsmanship. That means:
Defects inspections at handover and follow-up as needed
Aftercare support for advice on maintenance and materials
Our personal commitment to making sure your home performs beautifully for years to come
For us, a project doesn’t end at handover—we’re here to support you long after you’ve moved in.
General
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Architects may structure their fees in different ways—some charge a percentage of the total project cost, while others offer a fixed fee for defined stages such as concept design. We can help connect you with the right approach and the right architect for your project.
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Yes, in most cases. New homes always require building approval, and some sites also need development approval (for overlays such as bushfire, flooding, or heritage). Renovations and extensions that involve structural changes or heritage homes usually require approval too. We take care of this process on your behalf.
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Straightforward building approvals can take 2–4 weeks. More complex development approvals may take longer, depending on the council and site specifics. We build this into your project timeline so there are no surprises.
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Consider slope, soil conditions, orientation for light and breezes, and zoning rules. We often walk prospective sites with clients before purchase to give advice on build potential and challenges.
Planning your build
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Every home is unique, but most of our builds start from $3,000 per m², with more complex or premium projects exceeding $4,500 per m². We’ll give you a transparent estimate early on and keep budgets clear throughout.
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From first sketches to handover, most projects take 10–14 months. We provide a detailed schedule and regular updates so you’ll always know what’s coming next.
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Yes. We embrace the challenge of steep blocks, bushland sites, and coastal properties. These often allow for creative, distinctive homes that respond beautifully to their setting.
Custom homes
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We specialise in large-scale renovations and extensions, including:
Restoring and upgrading Queenslanders
Modernising older homes
Adding new wings or upper levels
Opening up living spaces with light-filled extensions
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Yes. We ensure new levels blend seamlessly with the existing structure and deliver the extra space your family needs without sacrificing outdoor living.
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Yes—we specialise in Queenslander and workers’ cottage renovations. These homes are iconic to our region and require a careful, design-led approach to preserve their character while making them work for modern life.
Here’s what makes Queenslander renovations unique:
Raise and build under: Many families lift the home to create an entirely new level of living, unlocking space without losing heritage charm.
Blending old with new: VJ walls, fretwork, and timber floors can sit beautifully alongside open-plan kitchens, modern bathrooms, and energy-efficient systems.
Structural quirks: Queenslanders often need stump replacements, floor levelling, and careful integration of new plumbing, wiring, and services.
Connection to place: Decks, split levels, and landscaping can transform a traditional Queenslander into a contemporary home that flows between inside and out.
At Round Hill Projects, we bring deep experience to this style of work—respecting the craftsmanship that makes Queenslanders special, while reimagining them as practical, light-filled, and inspiring homes for the decades ahead.
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Item deQueenslander renovations can vary significantly depending on scope, structure, and finishes. As a guide:
Mid-range finishes: Renovations that include a mix of raising or extending, updated kitchens and bathrooms, and a balance of character restoration with modern upgrades often fall in the range of $250,000–$400,000.
High-end finishes: Projects with premium joinery, bespoke details, full raise-and-build-unders, or major reconfigurations can range from $500,000 upwards.
What really drives cost are things like:
Raising and building under vs. extending on the same level
Structural repairs (stumps, floor levelling, rewiring, plumbing)
Choice of finishes, joinery, and bespoke details
Heritage overlays or council requirements
At Round Hill Projects, we work across a wide spectrum of projects—our specialty is helping bring your vision to life within your budget. We’ll guide you on where to invest for the most impact, and where smart design choices can keep costs under control while still delivering a stunning result.scription
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The cost of an extension depends on the size, complexity, and finishes, but here are some practical ranges:
Adding a bedroom or small living area: From around $80,000–$150,000, depending on whether it’s within the existing footprint or a new addition.
Adding a bathroom or ensuite: Typically $50,000–$100,000, influenced by plumbing requirements, finishes, and fittings.
Ground-floor extension (multiple rooms or living spaces): Often $150,000–$300,000+, depending on size, layout, and how seamlessly it connects to the existing home.
Second-storey addition: Usually starts from $250,000 and can exceed $400,000+ for larger spaces or higher-end finishes.
Costs are shaped by factors such as:
Structural requirements (foundations, framing, integration with existing house)
Access and site conditions
Choice of materials and level of finish
Any council approvals or planning overlays
At Round Hill Projects, our focus is on understanding how you want to use the space and guiding you on how to achieve the best result within your budget.
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In many cases, yes—you can remain in your home during a renovation or extension. It depends on the scale of work and how it impacts key areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
Here’s how we approach it:
Smaller renovations or single-room extensions: Often allow you to stay at home with only minor disruption.
Larger projects or structural work: May require temporary adjustments—such as relocating bedrooms or living areas while work is underway.
Major renovations or Queenslander raise-and-build-unders: Sometimes make it more practical to move out for part of the project for safety and convenience.
Our priority is minimising disruption to your daily life. We’ll work with you to plan staging, site safety, and scheduling so you can stay at home wherever possible—and if moving out is the best option, we’ll give you plenty of notice and advice.
Renovations & extensions
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It all starts with a conversation. We’ll take the time to get to know you, understand your vision, walk through your site or existing home, and talk about what matters most to you. From there, we’ll map out the process ahead so you have a clear picture of what to expect. Many clients like to meet us at the Round Hill Retreat in Mapleton—Alex Grant’s own home and a showcase of the design and craftsmanship we bring to every project—while others prefer us to come to them. Either way, the first step is about ideas, inspiration, and beginning the journey together.
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Yes—we manage all the approvals, certifications, and permits required for your build or renovation. This often includes:
Building approvals: To confirm your plans meet structural and safety codes.
Development approvals: Sometimes required if your property falls under a zoning overlay, such as bushfire, flood, or heritage, or if you’re raising and building under a Queenslander.
Certifications and inspections: Coordinated with certifiers and engineers to keep your project fully compliant.
We work regularly with councils across South East Queensland, including Sunshine Coast Council, Noosa Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council, and Brisbane City Council. Knowing the ins and outs of these local frameworks means we can streamline the process and keep things moving, saving you time and hassle.
Our role is to take the complexity off your plate—so while we handle the paperwork and approvals, you can stay focused on the exciting parts of designing and building your home.
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Yes—you’ll receive a detailed project schedule once plans are approved. We map out each stage of the build, from site preparation and foundations through to framing, fit-out, and final handover.
To keep you fully in the loop, we provide:
Progress reports so you know what’s happening on site
Photos and milestone updates to track how your home is taking shape
Regular check-ins so you can ask questions, make decisions, and feel part of the journey
Every project is different, but clarity is something you can always expect. Our goal is to make the process transparent and stress-free, so you always know what’s coming next and when to look forward to key milestones—right up to move-in day.
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That’s entirely up to you. Some clients love to be hands-on—choosing finishes, discussing design details, and visiting site regularly. Others prefer to step back and let us manage the details on their behalf with their architect or designer.
Whichever approach feels right for you, we’ll make sure you’re always:
Informed with regular updates, reports, and photos
Included in key decisions about design, materials, and finishes
Supported with clear guidance when choices need to be made
Our role is to give you confidence in the process. Whether you want to be involved every step of the way or just kept in the loop at milestones, we’ll shape the experience to suit your style.
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Handover isn’t the end of the journey—it’s the beginning of living in your new home. After handover, we:
Conduct a thorough defects inspection to make sure everything is finished to the standard you expect.
Provide maintenance guidance so you know how to care for your home and materials over time.
Stay available for support if any questions or issues arise after you’ve moved in.
Many of our clients continue to keep in touch long after the project is complete. For us, it’s not just about delivering a build—it’s about building relationships and watching your home and lifestyle evolve for years to come.
The building process
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Yes. We apply passive solar design principles, insulation, cross-ventilation, and smart material choices to create homes that are naturally comfortable and energy-efficient. We can also integrate solar, rainwater, and battery systems.
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We recommend materials that balance durability, sustainability, and beauty—always chosen with the local environment in mind.
Coastal homes: Salt air and humidity can be tough on finishes, so we suggest marine-grade steels, hardwoods, treated timbers, and protective coatings that resist corrosion and wear. Lightweight cladding and louvre systems also help with ventilation and keeping interiors cool.
Hinterland properties: Sloping sites and bushland settings often mean bushfire overlays, so we use fire-rated materials where required, combined with robust foundations and natural finishes that blend with the landscape. Insulation and glazing choices also help maintain warmth in cooler hinterland winters.
Everywhere in between: Across both regions, we focus on materials that last—stone, timber, and sustainable composites—paired with finishes that complement the local environment and your design vision.
Every recommendation is tailored to your site, your lifestyle, and the story you want your home to tell. The goal is always the same: a home that feels at ease in its setting, performs beautifully year-round, and endures for generations.
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Yes—we often recommend and use sustainably sourced, local materials. This not only reduces environmental impact but also supports regional suppliers and craftspeople.
Some of the sustainable and local options we can integrate include:
Timbers from responsibly managed Australian forests
Recycled or reclaimed materials such as hardwoods, bricks, and stone
Local stone and aggregates that reduce transport impact
Eco-friendly insulation and finishes designed to improve energy efficiency
Every project is different, so we’ll work with you to choose materials that align with your design vision, budget, and values. Our goal is to create homes that are both environmentally conscious and built to last.
Sustainability & materials
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Yes—we provide fixed-price contracts once design and engineering are complete. This means you’ll know exactly what’s included before construction begins, with clear allowances for finishes and fixtures.
A fixed-price contract gives you:
Certainty about the overall cost of your build or renovation
Transparency with detailed inclusions and exclusions set out from the start
Peace of mind that there won’t be hidden surprises once work is underway
While variations can occur if you change the scope or upgrade selections during the build, we make sure every adjustment is clearly explained and costed before proceeding. Our focus is on giving you confidence in both the process and your budget.
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The cost of building or renovating a home can vary depending on several key factors. The main ones we look at are:
Site conditions: Slope, soil type, and drainage can all influence the level of engineering and foundations required.
Access: Steep driveways, narrow streets, or limited access for machinery can increase complexity.
Design complexity: Bespoke details, intricate architectural features, or unusual shapes often require more time and craftsmanship.
Size and scope: The overall floor area and whether it’s a new build, extension, or major renovation will affect cost.
Finishes and fixtures: Premium materials, custom joinery, and high-end fittings naturally sit at a higher price point than more standard selections.
At Round Hill Projects, we’re upfront about how these elements influence your budget. Our role is to help you balance ambition with practicality—offering advice on where to invest for the most impact and where smart choices can help keep costs under control.
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While we don’t provide finance directly, we can connect you with trusted brokers and advisors who specialise in construction loans and renovation finance. These experts understand the unique requirements of staged payments, progress draws, and council approvals, which can make financing a build different from a standard home loan.
We’ll happily introduce you to professionals who know the local market and can guide you through options that suit your project and budget. Our role is to make sure you’re supported not just during construction, but right from the start of your journey.
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Financing a renovation or new build is a little different from a standard home loan. Most clients use a construction loan, which allows funds to be released in stages as work is completed. While we don’t provide finance directly, we can connect you with brokers who specialise in construction loans and understand the process of staged payments, council approvals, and builder contracts. This makes the process smoother and gives you confidence right from the start.