FAQ's: How we combine architectural thinking with buildability to deliver design-led custom homes.

At Hall & Hart, we sit deliberately between architects and volume builders. By combining architectural thinking with practical buildability, we deliver genuinely custom, site-responsive homes that are both beautiful and achievable.

We’ve designed this FAQ to help homeowners understand our approach, clarify common questions, and guide those considering a knockdown rebuild or new custom home.

Are you a project or volume builder?

No.

We’re not an architect-only practice either; but we’ve borrowed from both.

Hall & Hart sits deliberately between the two. We’ve adopted the cost discipline and supplier relationships typically seen in the volume-builder world, and applied them to genuinely custom, site-responsive homes.

We’re builders first, with design, planning and costing integrated alongside construction. This allows architectural thinking to remain grounded in buildability and financial clarity — rather than becoming disconnected from the realities of building.

When is a good time to engage Hall & Hart?

Any stage.

The earlier simply provides more clarity.

Some clients approach us before purchasing a site. Others come with early design ideas or with plans already prepared. We’re comfortable supporting projects wherever you’re starting from.

At our core, we’re builders. That experience informs every decision we make. By integrating design alongside construction expertise, we’re able to test ideas early, assess feasibility, and ensure decisions remain grounded in what can realistically be built — and at what cost.

Do you work with clients who already have plans?

Yes.

We regularly work with clients who bring existing plans or early concepts. We’ll review them collaboratively to ensure they align with your budget, site conditions and construction realities.

Where appropriate, we may suggest refinements to improve buildability, cost control or long-term performance.

Do you offer fixed price contracts?

Yes.

Financial clarity is embedded from the outset. Through early cost planning, compliance review and design coordination, we work toward a fixed-price contract before construction begins.

For us, cost is treated as a design input - not something resolved at the end.

Where do you sit in terms of cost?

Our pricing generally starts above project and volume builders, and below many architect-led pathways.

That said, every project is different, and every client has different needs. Site conditions, planning requirements and the level of design complexity all influence where a home’s price ultimately sits.

Our goal is to make custom design and construction more approachable, attainable and genuinely enjoyable — not intimidating or opaque.

Do you only work on knock-down rebuild projects?

We specialise exclusively in new homes, which means we don’t undertake renovations or extensions.

Most of our work is knock-down rebuild in established Sydney suburbs, where planning controls, site constraints and bespoke design are usually required for a successful outcome.

While knock-down rebuild is our most common project type, we’re not limited to it. What matters is that the home is designed and delivered from the ground up.

Do you design the home, or do we need our own architect?

We offer a fully integrated design and construction service.

Design, documentation, costing and construction are coordinated under one roof, reducing fragmentation and improving clarity. That said, we also collaborate with external architects where appropriate, particularly when a project benefits from a specific design partnership.

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We have a sloping or constrained site — is that a problem?

Not at all.

Sydney’s established suburbs often come with slopes, planning controls and physical constraints. We see these as design opportunities rather than obstacles, and have extensive experience working within them.

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Can you design and build pools and landscaping as part of the project?

Yes.

Both design and construction.

Pools and landscaping are considered part of the overall design response, not treated as add-ons. This allows structure, levels, services and outdoor spaces to be resolved properly from the outset.

We’re also a licensed pool builder, meaning we manage both the design and construction of pools and associated works as part of theoverall project.

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Do you have an inclusions list?

Yes — as a starting point only.

We have a starting specification that helps establish a realistic budget early and sets a clear baseline for construction methodology.

As the design develops, the specification will naturally evolve. Often, the construction methods, materials, products and suppliers may change to suit the site, home design or performance requirements.

What if we’re still deciding between renovating or rebuilding?

We regularly help families assess whether a renovation or a new home is the better long-term solution, taking into account lifestyle needs, site conditions and overall cost.

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How do we start the conversation?

There’s no one right way, start wherever feels mostcomfortable.

• ‍Have a question?
  Email us at hello@hallhart.au and our team will be in touch.
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• ‍Ready to talk next steps?
  Request a Pricing & Discovery Call to discuss your site, goals andexpectations.
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• ‍Already have a design in mind?
  Request a complimentary Design Feasibility Assessment, including apersonalised video overview of how your design works on your block.

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