This is one of the most important questions to ask any builder before signing. Water ingress during a second-storey build is not a theoretical risk -- it's an inevitability if the site isn't managed properly. At Alberse Homes, all downstairs plaster and floor coverings are removed and replaced as a matter of course, because experience has taught us that no matter how well a site is protected, water finds a way in. The result is that our clients move back into a home that looks brand new downstairs -- not one that shows the evidence of months of construction above it.

Most second-storey extensions at Alberse Homes take between four and seven months from breaking ground to handover, depending on the scope of the build, the complexity of the structural work, and the level of finish specified. David will give you a realistic timeline at the first consultation based on your specific project -- not an optimistic estimate designed to make the decision easier.

If anything shifts during construction -- weather, material delays, unforeseen site conditions -- you'll hear about it early, with enough notice to adjust your accommodation arrangements rather than scrambling at the last minute. The client portal means you always know where things stand, so the timeline never catches you off guard.

Every Alberse Homes client has access to a dedicated client portal -- updated regularly with photos, notes, and progress reports throughout the build. You can see exactly what's happening on your site at any time, whether you're in temporary accommodation nearby or further afield. David communicates early when anything shifts, so you're never left wondering and never caught off guard.

Integration starts before the plans are drawn. David gets involved early to ensure the designer chosen for your project understands how to build a second storey that integrates -- not just one who can produce something that looks good on a screen. Roofline, proportions, structural logic -- these need to be right before anything goes to planning. If they're not, the result is the outcome every family dreads: a second storey that looks exactly like what it is. For clients who already have plans, David will review them with exactly this question in mind before construction begins.

The Early Works Agreement formalises the relationship at the beginning of the design and planning stage. It sets out clearly what David will do for you in the early stages, what it costs, and what you can expect. It's not a large commitment -- it's a structured starting point that ensures the early feasibility and design work is properly resourced, and that both parties are clear on what happens next before any significant money is spent. For a build as complex as a second storey, having that structure in place early is how you avoid the expensive ambiguity that causes problems later.