Frequently Asked Questions

Your Complete Guide to Building and Renovating on the Gold Coast

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General Questions

JL Coastal Projects is a Gold Coast-based building company founded by Matt Little and Sam Jasper. We specialise in home renovations, commercial fit-outs, and custom building projects throughout the Gold Coast region.

We service the entire Gold Coast region, including:

  • Broadbeach
  • Burleigh Heads
  • Palm Beach
  • Robina
  • Varsity Lakes
  • Mermaid Waters
  • Main Beach
  • Southport
  • Hope Island
  • Helensvale
  • And surrounding areas

Yes, we are fully licensed and insured builders. Our QBCC license is current, and we carry all necessary insurances including public liability insurance.

Project Planning & Process

  • Bathroom renovations: 2-4 weeks
  • Kitchen renovations: 3-5 weeks
  • Full home renovations: 8-16 weeks
  • Commercial fit-outs: 4-12 weeks

We provide detailed timelines during the quotation process.

Yes, we manage all necessary council approvals and permits for your project. This includes:

  • Development applications
  • Building approvals
  • Planning permissions
  • Engineering certificates when required

Yes, we have experience working with body corporate properties across the Gold Coast. We handle all necessary approvals and ensure compliance with body corporate regulations.

Costs & Quotes

While costs vary based on specific requirements, here are general ranges:

  • Bathroom renovations: $15,000 – $35,000+
  • Kitchen renovations: $20,000 – $50,000+
  • Home renovations: $50,000 – $200,000+
  • Commercial fit-outs: Price varies based on square meterage and requirements

Yes, we provide detailed fixed-price quotes once we’ve thoroughly assessed your project requirements. This ensures transparency and helps you budget effectively.

Yes, we follow the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) guidelines for deposits:

  • Maximum 10% deposit for projects under $20,000
  • Maximum 5% deposit for projects over $20,000

Weather & Construction

We plan projects accounting for Gold Coast weather patterns:

  • Weather-proof materials suitable for coastal conditions
  • Flexible scheduling during storm season (November-April)
  • Protected storage for materials
  • Proper waterproofing and moisture barriers

We build weather contingencies into our project timelines and communicate any weather-related delays promptly. Most internal work can continue during wet weather.

Materials & Quality

We use high-quality, coastal-appropriate materials including:

  • Moisture-resistant materials for bathrooms
  • Marine-grade materials where necessary
  • Australian-standard compliant products
  • Trusted supplier partnerships

All materials are selected for durability in Gold Coast’s coastal environment.

Yes, you can supply your own materials and appliances. However, we recommend discussing this during planning as it may affect warranties and project timelines.

Warranties & After-Service

We provide:

  • 6-year structural warranty (QBCC requirement)
  • 12-month warranty on workmanship

Yes, we provide:

  • 3-month check-up after completion
  • Prompt response to any warranty issues
  • Regular follow-up to ensure satisfaction

Investment & Property Value

Regulations vary by Gold Coast region:

  • Coastal zones: Special wind ratings required
  • Canal properties: Specific setback requirements
  • Mountain areas: Slope stability considerations
  • Flood zones: Elevated construction requirements

Key variations include:

  • Main Beach/Surfers: Height restrictions
  • Burleigh: Heritage considerations
  • Hope Island: Waterway setbacks
  • Sovereign Islands: Specific design guidelines

We handle all council requirements and approvals.

Heritage requirements for areas like:

  • Southport: Character preservation
  • Labrador: Federation style maintenance
  • Coolangatta: Coastal heritage elements
  • Bundall: Historical property considerations

Important flood-related factors:

  • Property-specific flood levels
  • Required floor heights
  • Material selection for flood-prone areas
  • Insurance implications
  • Drainage requirements

Local Knowledge

Based on current Gold Coast market trends:

  • Kitchen renovations typically return 80-120% of investment
  • Bathroom updates can add 4-8% to property value
  • Outdoor living spaces are particularly valuable, often returning 100-150% of investment
  • Adding a pool can increase value by 5-10% in premium Gold Coast suburbs

For Gold Coast rental properties, we recommend:

  • Durable, low-maintenance kitchen updates
  • Modern, water-efficient bathroom renovations
  • Climate-appropriate outdoor areas
  • Added storage solutions
  • Split system air-conditioning

These improvements typically increase rental yield by 7-15%.

Key considerations include:

  • Written approval required for structural changes
  • Noise restrictions (usually 7am-5pm weekdays)
  • Designated delivery and waste removal times
  • Protection of common areas
  • Insurance requirements
  • Specific requirements for high-rise buildings

We handle all body corporate communications and approvals.

Timeline estimates for investment properties:

  • Cosmetic renovation: 2-3 weeks
  • Single room renovation: 3-4 weeks
  • Full apartment renovation: 6-8 weeks
  • House renovation: 8-12 weeks

We can fast-track renovations between tenants to minimise rental income loss.

Budget Planning

Typical cost allocations:

  • Labor: 35-45%
  • Materials: 30-40%
  • Fixtures/Fittings: 15-20%
  • Permits/Approvals: 5-8%
  • Contingency: 10%

Common hidden costs include:

  • Council application fees
  • Engineering reports
  • Temporary accommodation
  • Storage costs
  • Updated electrical/plumbing
  • Asbestos removal (if required)

Cost-saving strategies:

  • Stage the renovation
  • Choose materials wisely
  • Maintain original layouts
  • Bundle projects together
  • Plan thoroughly to avoid changes
  • – Consider timing (off-peak seasons)

Every project is unique, but there are some location-specific factors that can influence costs:

Beachfront Suburbs (e.g., Main Beach, Broadbeach, Palm Beach):

  • Additional considerations for salt-air protection
  • Specific council requirements for coastal zones
  • Higher-grade materials needed for coastal conditions
  • Extra wind rating requirements

Canal Properties (e.g., Isle of Capri, Paradise Waters):

  • Special foundation considerations
  • Waterproofing requirements
  • Specific council approvals for waterfront work
  • Additional site access planning

Hinterland Areas (e.g., Mudgeeraba, Tallebudgera Valley):

  • Different climate considerations
  • Varied terrain challenges
  • Generally more straightforward council requirements
  • Often more flexibility with design options

Standard Suburban Areas (e.g., Robina, Varsity Lakes):

  • Standard building requirements
  • Typical council processes
  • Regular access considerations
  • Standard material requirements

Note: We provide detailed quotes based on your specific project requirements, not just your location. During our initial consultation, we’ll discuss any location-specific factors that might affect your project and work with you to find the best solutions within your budget.

Let's Bring Your Vision to Life

As Gold Coast locals, Matt and Sam understand what makes a renovation project successful in our unique environment.

Whether you have detailed plans or just initial ideas, we’re here to help guide you through the process. Contact us today for an honest discussion about your project.

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