FAQs - Gallaghers Homes

FAQs

Clear answers, given with care

Building or renovating a home is a significant decision, often made once in a lifetime. The questions below reflect what we’re most often asked by clients at the beginning of their journey. If your question isn’t answered here, we’re always happy to talk things through.

General

Do you work with specific architects and interior designers?

Yes. We collaborate with a carefully curated group of long-standing architectural and interior design firms. These partners are selected for their depth of judgement, technical expertise, and shared commitment to timeless design and craftsmanship. Clients are introduced to recommended partners and select the team best aligned with their vision, priorities, and working style.

Why does Gallaghers Homes work with external design partners rather than an in-house team?

From a client perspective, independence matters. Long-standing external firms bring decades of pattern recognition across sites, budgets, municipalities, trades, and client personalities. They are able to challenge assumptions, advocate for design integrity, and prioritise long-term outcomes without internal commercial pressure. This independence consistently leads to stronger early decisions and homes that age gracefully rather than chasing trends.

How involved is the Gallaghers Homes team throughout the project?

We remain closely involved from the earliest planning conversations through construction and post-completion support. Our role is to guide the process, coordinate the team, oversee quality, and ensure decisions align with the original vision and standards established at the outset.

How do you approach budgeting and cost control?

Financial stewardship is foundational to our process. We establish clear budget frameworks early and provide transparent cost projections aligned with design ambition and site conditions. Throughout the project, budgets are reviewed regularly to support informed decision-making and minimise surprises.

How long does a typical project take?

Every project is different. Timelines depend on scope, complexity, site conditions, municipal approvals, and design decisions. We prioritise clarity and realism over speed, providing thoughtful schedules that evolve as the project progresses.

Custom Home Building

Do you build both inner-city and acreage homes?

Yes. We build custom homes in established inner-city neighbourhoods as well as on acreage and estate properties. Each home is designed in direct response to its setting, orientation, and how it will be lived in.

Can you build on land we already own?

Absolutely. Many of our clients already own land. We encourage early site review to inform design feasibility, budgeting, and overall project strategy.

How custom is a ‘custom home’ with Gallaghers Homes?

Fully custom. Every home is designed from the ground up to reflect your lifestyle, priorities, and long-term goals. We do not use standard plans or templates.

When do interior designers become involved in the process?

Interior designers are typically introduced once the architectural direction is established. This ensures interior decisions are cohesive, intentional, and aligned with the overall design vision and construction approach.

How do you ensure the home will remain timeless over time?

We prioritise proportion, material integrity, craftsmanship, and thoughtful detailing over short-term trends. Decisions are guided by longevity and cohesion, ensuring the home feels relevant and refined for decades to come.

Luxury Renovations

What types of renovation projects do you undertake?

We undertake full-home renovations, major additions, and carefully considered transformations. Renovation projects are approached with the same level of care, planning, and craftsmanship as our custom homes.

How do you approach preserving the original character of a home?

Renovation begins with understanding what should be preserved. We work closely with architects and designers to respect a home’s original character while enhancing functionality, flow, and longevity.

Can clients live in their home during a renovation?

In some cases, yes. This depends on the scope, complexity, and sequencing of the work. We discuss this early in the planning phase to ensure safety, comfort, and realistic expectations.

How do renovations differ from new builds in your process?

While the principles remain the same, renovations require additional investigation, coordination, and flexibility. Existing conditions, structural constraints, and sequencing considerations are carefully managed to reduce risk and disruption.

How do you manage unforeseen conditions during renovation projects?

Renovations can reveal unknown conditions once work begins. Our approach emphasises early investigation, transparent communication, and thoughtful decision-making so issues are addressed responsibly and collaboratively.