Frequently asked questions

With our design and build approach, we manage the entire process from early design concepts through to key handover. Our team works closely with you to develop a custom design, take care of approvals, refine colours and product selections, and deliver your new home.

Build-only is an option for clients who already have plans from an architect or designer. We apply our construction know how to optimise how your plans come to life ensuring the finished home performs well and feels great to live in day to day.

We take a detailed approach to quantifying materials, gathering quotes, and preparing a comprehensive specification, so you have full clarity on what’s included in your build.

We deliberately limit the number of homes we build at any one time. This means Marco, our director, is involved in every project hands-on. It also means our trades are not spread thin across too many sites.

We start with a conversation about your block, your budget and how you want to live in the home. There is no obligation and no cost. It gives us enough context to let you know whether we are the right fit and what the next steps would look like.

We love to show clients through their homes during the build process. We will organise planned visits at key stages of the build so you can admire your new home vision becoming a reality. Drop-ins aren't typically permitted for safety reasons, but organised on-site visits are more than welcome.

Every home is different, so costs vary depending on size, site conditions, finishes and performance targets. As a general guide, our projects typically start from around $700,000 for construction.

We are transparent about pricing from the beginning and will give you a realistic range early in the process, before you commit to anything.

Not as much as people often expect. Many of the performance improvements can come from considered design decisions, such as orientation, window placement, and insulating materials. We balance budget and energy efficiency goals to give you the best possible outcome for your home.

Over time, homes with higher thermal performance reduce your energy costs and provide a more comfortable living environment year-round.

The initial conversation is free and without obligation. If you decide to proceed, the design phase has its own fee structure which we explain clearly before you commit.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) rates a home's thermal performance on a scale from 0 to 10 stars. It measures how much heating and cooling energy a home needs to stay comfortable. The current minimum requirement in Australia is 7 stars. Our homes regularly achieve 8 to 10 stars.

Passive solar design uses the orientation of the home, window placement, shading and thermal mass to regulate temperature naturally. In Perth's climate, this means capturing winter sun for warmth and blocking summer sun to reduce overheating, without relying heavily on mechanical heating or cooling.

They are related, but distinct. Passive solar design is a set of principles that uses orientation, glazing, and thermal mass to reduce energy demand. It is flexible and completely customised to your project.

Passivhaus (or Passive House) is a specific building standard developed in Germany, defined by strict performance targets for heating and cooling demand, airtightness, and overall energy use. It also requires third-party certification and testing.

We like to combine elements of both approaches to create a tailored solution for your home and the way you live.

In a conventional brick veneer home, the brick is on the outside and the timber frame is on the inside. Reverse brick veneer flips this, placing the thermal mass (brick or block) on the inside of the insulation. This allows the internal mass to absorb and release heat slowly, helping to stabilise indoor temperatures throughout the day.

Thermal mass refers to the ability of a material to absorb, store and release heat. Dense materials like brick, concrete and stone have high thermal mass. When placed correctly inside the insulated envelope of a home, thermal mass helps regulate indoor temperatures by absorbing warmth during the day and releasing it slowly at night.

uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) windows use a multi-chambered plastic frame that provides excellent thermal insulation. Unlike aluminium, uPVC does not conduct heat, which helps prevent energy loss through the window frame. When paired with double or triple glazing, uPVC windows significantly improve a home's thermal performance and acoustic comfort.

We build across the Perth metropolitan area. We have built homes in suburbs like Woodlands, Floreat, North Perth, Wembley Downs, South Perth, Kensington, Como, Manning, Ardross, and surrounding areas. If you are unsure whether your location is within our range, get in touch and we can discuss it.

Yes, we offer a build only service for clients who have their own plans from an architect or designer. As with all projects, we review them for thermal performance and apply our construction knowledge to help them translate into a great build.

Our team provides regular updates throughout construction, so you know what's been completed and what's coming up. As a small, hands-on team, we're always here to help and love to bring you into the joy of building with some Norde celebrations along the way.

We collaborate with an award-winning interior design team who guide you through a comprehensive prestart selection process, covering all key areas before your build begins. From cabinetry layouts and power point locations to final finishing touches, their expert guidance ensures no detail is overlooked. This ensures our on-site team has everything needed from the outset, helping streamline the build process and keep things running smoothly.

Yes. Norde Homes is a member of the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and a registered builder in Western Australia. We have received HIA awards for our work, including recognition at the 2024 Perth Housing Awards.