FAQ's
What makes Thorne Group different than other builders?
At Thorne Group it’s our reputation that sets us apart. Many clients return to us for subsequent builds due to our expertise, award-winning quality and exceptional service based on family-values.
Decades of experience goes into each project. Our team brings together a rare combination of hands-on construction and site expertise as well as sound financial governance— delivered as a highly personalised, wraparound service that clients love.
Our construction team is led by Construction Director - Gavin Morrow, with each project assigned a dedicated Project Manager responsible for managing and delivering your project on time and to plan, along with a site foreman overseeing day-to-day operations on site.
Then there’s our skilled builders — the same team that stays on your project from start to finish maintaining a high degree of accountability and responsibility for the outcome.
What we do and where we can really add value, goes far beyond building.
We can price your plans if they’re already drawn or support you through the design process if you’re just starting out.
Our preference is always to be involved from the beginning, working collaboratively with your architect or one of our trusted design partners. Think of it is a concierge service — a free early-stage advisory process that helps shape a smoother, more cost-effective project right from the outset
This is where we can add the most value:
-
Optimising materials and labour
-
Avoiding costly rework
-
Protecting your budget without compromising design
That said, if you already have plans, we’re happy to price them. Think of us as your construction partner — involved early, offering insight, and delivering with care.
-
As architectural builders we do not offer fixed plans. Every home we build is architecturally designed, bespoke and tailored to suit the site, budget, and lifestyle of our clients.
We are happy to share with you examples of homes that we have constructed along with plans and pricing.
In our experience, set plans can often lead to higher costs once adjustments are made to suit the site or client needs. Custom design — done right — can actually save time and money by working with the site, not against it.
We believe the best outcomes come from pairing the right team to the right project. This is why we offer flexibility in finding the right fit for your project.
We work closely with a select group of trusted architects and designers and are happy to recommend one that suits your style. We’re equally happy to collaborate with your chosen architect or interior designer. Essentially it is one stop concierge service so you can still have one point of contact throughout your entire journey should you wish. We are with you from the start to support you for the duration of your project to ensure you get the best result possible.
Absolutely! We can join you at whatever stage of the journey you are at - working in collaboration with your architect to provide pricing and input on construction methodologies and feasibility, to ensure the most efficient use of materials and labour.
While many of our projects are high-end, complex architectural builds, we also build smaller, space-optimised homes with the same level of care and attention to detail.
We focus on delivering unique, high quality and expertly constructed homes, regardless of size that meet your budget and brief.
Comparing builders can be like comparing apples with oranges. Another builder’s price might appear cheaper but what is important is understanding what’s included in their pricing and what is not allowed for.
At Thorne Group we believe in being upfront and realistic about costs and taking a ‘no surprises’ approach. We don’t price to win the job - we take an all-inclusive approach to pricing to deliver it properly — to the standard we’d expect in our own homes.
Our comprehensive Building Proposal is designed to provide a realistic ‘all inclusive’ cost estimate for your project.
In fact, we’ve had clients return to us after going with a cheaper quote, only to discover their final cost far exceeded our estimate. Once excluded items and delays were factored in, it wasn’t the deal they thought it would be.
We believe in transparency. Our comprehensive Building Proposal provides a detailed breakdown of costs, with every allowance and inclusion (and exclusion) explained.
For clients who want extra peace of mind, we suggest engaging an independent Quantity Surveyor to price the project independently We welcome that level of scrutiny.
We also encourage you to speak to our previous clients. Ask them how their final cost compared to the original quote. That’s where the real story is.
The most common type of contract is Charge-Up (cost plus) which means you are paying only for the labour and materials used.
With a Charge-Up contract we guarantee:
-
A fair and transparent project estimate at the outset
-
A clear approval process for handling variations
-
Monthly budget tracking and reporting
We also offer Fixed Price Contracts for clients who are needing price certainty or are concerned about price escalation.
-
We have our own site teams — dedicated, skilled, and led by experienced foremen with 20+ years of hands-on knowledge. We also work with long-term subcontractors who understand our systems, standards, and expectations.
Because our teams stay on one project from start to finish, there’s full accountability and pride in the outcome. It is that level of commitment and craftsmanship that sets our builds apart.
You can be as involved as much or as little as you’d like to be — but you won’t need to chase updates.
You’ll have access to a private web-based client portal, where you can access documents, check the project schedule, keep up to date on progress and view photos as your new home takes shape – all at the click of a button. Whether you’re based locally or overseas, you will always know what’s happening and what’s coming next.
Lead times vary depending on the scale and complexity of each project.
We only take on a limited number of projects each year so we can give each one the attention it deserves. Involving us in the design phase of your project ensures we have your project scheduled to start as soon as possible once consent is issued.
Feel free to get in touch for an honest conversation about what’s possible.
Construction timeframes can range from 8-12 months for a small home to 18-24 months or more for a large complex build project.
What is important though is that we take the time upfront to plan properly and schedule each step, tradesperson and milestone. This means fewer hold-ups, smarter sequencing, and a smoother process once the build begins.
And, once the schedule is locked in, we provide you with full visibility right through to move in date.
What sets Thorne Group apart? You feel part of a family, an exclusive club. People who have Thorne houses are very happy to talk about their experience with nothing but praise
Robin & Sarah
(Built 3 times with TG)
We had a very good experience. We couldn’t have asked for a better build. We had so much trust in them, we were confident they weren’t fleecing us”
Ken & Gaye
Their reputation is very good, if we mention we have a Thorne Group house, people say ‘good choice’. I believe it adds value to our home and will to the sale price if/when we sell.
Kurt
Everyone onsite has an obvious respect for this company and want to do an excellent job to continue with that relationship.
Nic & Steve
I am proud to say that Thorne Group has done 3 builds for me! I had the privilege of top-class service, from start to finish nothing was ever a problem. I would not build with anyone else Thorne Group all the way
Vicky
We are delighted with the high-quality standard of finish in the house. Other builders, friends and family, regularly comment on it. We still get people knocking on our door wanting to know who built our house.
Steve & Brenda
