ABSOLUTE HOMES
Building Variations Explained: What You Need to Know
Building a home is an exciting journey, and along the way you may find yourself wanting to make adjustments — whether that’s rethinking part of the floor plan, upgrading finishes, or adding extra features. These changes are called variations, and while they’re a normal part of the process, it’s important to understand how they work, when to make them, and what impact they can have on your budget and timeline.
What is a Variation?
Building a home is exciting — and it’s normal to have new ideas or tweaks along the way. Maybe you’ve spotted a clever storage solution, realised an extra power point would be handy, or found the perfect bathroom vanity that wasn’t in your original plan. These adjustments are called variations, and at Absolute Homes, we treat them as part of the journey to create a home that fits your lifestyle perfectly. Put simply, a variation is any change you make to your signed building contract.
You can request a variation at almost any point in the build, but the earlier it happens, the smoother (and more affordable) it usually is.
Where Variations Fit in Your Build
Most changes happen during the pre-construction and selection stages, when you’re choosing colours, finishes, and fixtures. This is the easiest time to make adjustments — they’re straightforward, quick to implement, and cost-effective.
Important: Once construction begins, we are unable to make structural or design plan changes. At that point, only some product or finish selections can be changed. This keeps your build on track and avoids delays.
How Absolute Homes Handles Variations
We’ve designed a clear, client-focused process so you always know what to expect:
- Build Book: Every client receives a Build Book detailing inclusions and options, so expectations are clear and surprises are avoided. You’ll also work with an interior designer who will guide you through your selections, and you are welcome to visit our suppliers to explore even more options.
- Dedicated Project Coordinator: You’ll work directly with a coordinator during the stage where selections are finalised. They’ll outline all requested variations in a Variation Schedule, so you’ll always be clear on pricing.
- Transparent pricing: If you downgrade or remove something, it’s credited. If you upgrade or add features, costs are added — all settled in your final build payment.
- Timeframe: While your plans are going through the design phase, you’ll have approximately 4 weeks to finalise your selections. After your selections are signed off, any changes made will incur a $250 admin fee. No hidden costs.
Why Timing Matters
- Pre-consent / selection stage: Quick, easy, and cost-effective.
- During construction:
Only product or finish changes can be made. Structural or design plan changes aren’t possible. Later changes may involve extra coordination, supplier orders, or timeline adjustments — which is why we emphasise making decisions early.
Keeping Variation Costs Under Control
- Plan thoroughly before signing off on selections.
- Ask questions — your Project Coordinator is there to guide you.
- Get every change documented with costs and impact clearly outlined.
- Make changes early whenever possible — it keeps the build on schedule and your budget on track.
Why Build with Absolute Homes?
We’re a local, family-owned company based in Darfield, building homes across Canterbury. We take pride in delivering homes that are warm, affordable, and built to last—and we genuinely care about your experience. From your first enquiry to the day you move in, we’re with you every step of the way.