FAQs

View our most frequently asked questions below.

As a local Adelaide builder based in Adelaide, South Australia, we get asked many different questions from our clients. We do our best to keep each client informed and answer every question they may have. If any question has not been answered on this page, contact us directly through our contact form and hear from us directly.

General

Below are some of our more frequently asked questions. If you still have more questions, don't hesistate to call us or use our contact form.

  • What areas do you service?

    We are based in Adelaide, South Australia and service all metropolitan areas. Please give us a call or contact us if you have any questions about the area you live in.

  • How long have you been in business?

    NDK Constructions was established in 2021 and Nick, the director and founder, has been in the industry for over 10+ years. Nick brings experience from companies around Australia and places quality as the forefront of the business.

  • What services do you offer?

    At NDK Constructions, we offer a range of specialised services from Residential, Commercial, Insurance and Aged Care related projects. Check out each service page to learn more about what we offer. If you are looking for high quality finishes with on-time delivery, contact us today.

  • What insurance must be provided?

    As a builder in South Australia, we have all insurances that are required by law. For example, we have indemnity insurance for residential buildings which protect our clients in any worst case scenarios. We follow all protocols rigorously to ensure our clients know they are dealing with a trusted business.

  • Do I need development approval before starting work?

    The majority of construction work in South Australia requires development approval. We can assist you in the process of gaining approval or you may already have it yourself. Letting us know what stage you’re up to helps us better understand your current situation.

  • Who will supervise my building work?

    Nick or any other nominated person on the NDK Construction team with the correct registration will supervise the project. All supervisors on the team have active and up-to-date registrations along with a wealth of experience and knowledge.

  • Do you hold a current South Australian building work contractor licence?

    Yes, it is legally required for us to carry a building work contractor licence. Not only us but any subcontractors we use hold these licenses as required by law in South Australia.

Residential

Below are some of our more frequently asked questions. If you still have more questions, don't hesistate to call us or use our contact form.

  • What approvals do I need before building a new home?

    Development approval is required which includes both planning and building consent. There are specific situations where minor works may qualify as “accepted development” requiring only building consent but all criteria must be met.

  • How long does the council approval process take?

    As a rough estimate and based on our experiences, planning consent can take up to 4-6 weeks, building consent around 1-2 weeks and final development approval another 1-2 weeks. These estimates are subject to change based on the different requirements of each build.

  • What building rules and codes apply to new homes?

    New homes must adhere to the Building Code of Australia (BCA), along with state-level variations and Ministerial Building Standards under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act.

  • Are there new energy efficiency or livable housing requirements?

    As from 1st October 2024, newly built homes must meet a minimum energy efficiency rating of 7-stars and silver level liveable housing design standards under NCC 2022. Click here to read more about it from PlanSA.

  • Is new land being released for residential builds?

    As per the Department for Housing and Urban Development (DHUD), the State Government in South Australia is supporting the construction of over 25,000 new homes and investing in supporting infrastructure.

  • What steps are involved in building a new home?

    There is no exact blueprint for every new home, however, the most common steps involved in our experience are the following. Buying land, securing finance, obtaining the appropriate approvals, choosing designs and finishes, finalising contracts, construction, inspections and handover. At NDK Constructions, we ensure you are well-informed every step of the way that we are involved.

Commercial

Below are some of our more frequently asked questions. If you still have more questions, don't hesistate to call us or use our contact form.

  • Do I need a building work contractor licence for commercial projects?

    Yes, a current and active building work contractor license must be held. This allows commercial works to be carried out or contracted within South Australia.

  • What approvals are required before starting commercial construction?

    Majority of commercial projects require development approval. This includes both planning and building consent. More specifically, the application must comply with Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, associated regulations and the Building Code of Australia.

  • Which building rules and codes apply to commercial buildings?

    Any commercial construction must adhere to the National Construction Code (NCC), Building Code of Australia (BCA), Ministerial Building Standards and any other relevant Ministerial Determinations specific to South Australia. Refer to PlanSA for further information.

  • How do I check if the property zoning allows my business type?

    This type of check requires confirmation with the local council. We recommend you contact the local council to check if the zoning of the property permits your intended business activities.

  • Are utilities adequate for my business operations?

    We recommend you understand what utilities are critical to meet your business needs before committing to a lease or construction project.

  • What should I do if I have a dispute with a builder or tradesperson?

    It is important to attempt to resolve the dispute directly. We put our reputation first, so if you have an issue with any of our tradesmen, we are always open to direct feedback to improve our service and resolve the problem. If you are having issues with other builders, there are separate means to resolve disputes via Consumer and Business Services (CBS) or the Small Business Commissioner of South Australia.

Insurance

Below are some of our more frequently asked questions. If you still have more questions, don't hesistate to call us or use our contact form.

  • What is an insurance builder in South Australia?

    Insurance companies offer services to fund or manage reconstruction works including but not limited to events such as storm, fire, flood damage. An insurance builder refers typically to a licensed building work contractor that undertakes these repairs.

  • Do insurance builders need special licensing?

    Similar to any builder operating within South Australia, an insurance builder must hold a relevant and valid building work contractor licence. You can verify licenses of builders via Consumer and Business Services.

  • Is a written contract required for insurance-funded building work?

    All domestic building work that is valued over $12,000 requires a written contract that details the scope of work, payment schedule and dispute resolution process. The Building Work Contractors Act 1995 (SA) mandates this requirement.

  • Who will supervise my building work?

    Nick or any other nominated person on the NDK Construction team with the correct registration will supervise the project. All supervisors on the team have active and up-to-date registrations along with a wealth of experience and knowledge.

  • What areas do you service?

    We are based in Adelaide, South Australia and service all metropolitan areas. Please give us a call or contact us if you have any questions about the area you live in.

Aged Care

Below are some of our more frequently asked questions. If you still have more questions, don't hesistate to call us or use our contact form.

  • What building codes and standards apply to aged-care home construction in SA?

    There are specific codes set that ensure safety, accessibility and livability for residents. Any aged-care home built must adhere to the Building Code of Australia (BCA) as part of the National Construction Code (NCC) and any relevant Ministerial Building Standards.

  • Are there specific design guidelines for aged-care homes?

    The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has taken the initiative to outline a National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines for the aged-care sector. The guideline promotes safe, comfortable and supportive environments for residents. To achieve this, the guidelines take into account factors such as independence participation, mobility and cultural diversity.

  • What are the Aged Care Quality Standards, and how do they affect building design?

    Aged Care Quality Standards such as dignity, choice, safety and effective care must be met for government subsidised homes. Accreditation and ongoing funding is provided only if the above standards are compliant.

  • Are there recommendations for the size or model of aged-care homes?

    Resident independence is the of the government and is encouraged via smaller, household-style models that promotes and supports a homelike environment. These types of models are recommended within the National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines but are not mandatory.

  • What costs are involved in building or operating an aged-care home?

    The cost for construction varies based on design, location and services provided. In regards to residents, fees can include accommodation costs, means-tested care fees and a basic daily fee. Subsidisations are provided to eligible facilities by the Australian Government with funding tied to meeting quality and design standards.

  • What is the process for government funding and accreditation?

    Resident needs and means assessments determine funding. To receive government subsidies, the homes must meet quality standards, be accredited and undergo regular assessments.

Contact Us

For any building services please feel free to contact us directly or with the adjacent form.