Builder Licence 384697C DBP BUP4254812 Demolition AD214430
7 days, 7am to 7pm 0415 840 500

18 answers across 5 topics Your questions, answered.

Everything you need to know about working with a licensed Sydney builder. If your question is not here, get in touch and we will answer it personally.

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Itemised quotes, no surprise bills

General

About METCON, our licences, and how we operate.

What services does METCON provide?

We are a full-service licensed building company in NSW. Our core services include:

  • Retaining walls: timber, concrete sleeper, sandstone, gabion and engineered reinforced concrete
  • Civil & structural: underpinning, structural remediation, concrete works, formwork and steel fixing
  • Residential: extensions, first floor additions, renovations, knock-down rebuilds and granny flats
  • Commercial: fitouts, refurbishments and structural upgrades
  • Demolition & excavation
  • End-to-end project management
Is METCON a licensed builder?

Yes. Meteora Constructions Pty Ltd is a fully licensed building and construction company in New South Wales (Builder Licence 384697C). We hold all required licences and insurances for the work we carry out, including public liability and workers compensation.

You can verify our licence directly through NSW Fair Trading.

What areas in Sydney do you service?

We service all of Sydney and surrounding regions across NSW, including:

  • Western Sydney, Northern Beaches, Eastern Suburbs and the Inner West
  • North Shore, Sutherland Shire and the Hills District
  • Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong

Not sure whether we cover your area? Call us on 0415 840 500.

Do you provide free quotes?

Yes. We provide free, detailed, itemised quotes for every project. No obligation, no hidden fees.

We visit your site, assess the scope of work, and give you a clear picture of what the job involves and what it will cost. Every quote includes a breakdown of materials, labour, and any engineering or council fees.

How long does it take to get a quote?

We aim to respond to all enquiries within one business day.

For straightforward projects, we can often provide a quote after an initial phone discussion and site photos. For larger or more complex jobs, we will arrange a site visit before quoting.

Retaining Walls

Approvals, costs, materials and timelines.

Do I need council approval to build a retaining wall in Sydney?

It depends on the height and location. As a general guide in NSW:

Under 600mmUsually exempt, no approval required.
600mm to 900mmMay need a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or DA, depending on your council.
Over 900mmAlmost always requires a DA, structural engineering drawings and potentially a geotechnical report.

Rules vary between councils, so we always check the specific requirements for your area.

How much does a retaining wall cost in Sydney?

Costs vary with wall type, height, length, site access and soil conditions. As a rough guide for 2026:

Timber sleeper$250 to $450 per sqm
Concrete sleeper$400 to $700 per sqm
Sandstone$600 to $1,200 per sqm
Engineered reinforced concrete$800 to $1,500+ per sqm

Additional costs may include excavation, drainage, engineering certification and council fees. Contact us for a free, accurate quote for your project.

What type of retaining wall is best for my property?

The best type depends on your site conditions, height, soil type, budget and the look you want.

  • Concrete sleeper: the most popular in Sydney for durability and range of finishes.
  • Timber: cost-effective for low walls.
  • Sandstone: suits heritage areas and natural landscapes.
  • Gabion: great for drainage-heavy sites.
  • Engineered reinforced concrete: required for walls over 600mm or near boundaries.

We can advise on the best option during a free site visit.

How long does it take to build a retaining wall?

A standard residential retaining wall typically takes 3 to 10 working days, depending on length, height, site access, and whether excavation or engineering is involved.

Larger walls that need council approval can take longer because of the approval process, which can add 4 to 8 weeks. We provide a realistic timeline with every quote.

Residential Construction

Extensions, renovations, additions and granny flats.

How long does a home renovation take in Sydney?

It depends on the scope. Typical durations:

Bathroom3 to 6 weeks
Kitchen6 to 10 weeks
Full home3 to 6 months
First floor addition6 to 12 months, including council approvals

We provide a detailed project timeline with your quote so you know exactly what to expect.

Do I need a DA for a home extension or granny flat?

In many cases, home extensions and granny flats can be approved through a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), which is faster than a full DA.

This depends on factors like your property's zoning, heritage overlays, flood mapping, bushfire risk and the scope of the work.

We handle the approval process and can advise you on the fastest path to getting your project started.

Can I live in my house during renovations?

In most cases, yes. For smaller renovations like bathrooms or kitchens, you can usually stay in the home.

For major structural works, first floor additions or knock-down rebuilds, you may need to move out temporarily. We will advise you during the planning stage and do everything we can to minimise disruption.

Process & Costs

How we quote, what we charge, how we work.

What is included in your quotes?

Every METCON quote is fully itemised and includes:

  • Scope of work
  • Materials and specifications
  • Labour costs
  • Excavation and site preparation
  • Drainage (where applicable)
  • Engineering fees
  • Council application fees
  • Project timeline and payment schedule

There are no hidden costs. What we quote is what you pay, unless you request changes to the scope.

Do you handle council approvals and engineering?

Yes. We manage the entire process, including:

  • Coordinating with structural engineers
  • Preparing documentation
  • Lodging Development Applications or Complying Development Certificates
  • Liaising with council on your behalf

You do not need to deal with council directly. We handle it all.

What payment terms do you offer?

We use a progress payment structure, which means you pay in stages as the work is completed. This is standard practice in the NSW building industry and protects both parties.

The exact payment schedule depends on the project size and is set out clearly in your quote. We never ask for full payment upfront.

What happens if something goes wrong during the build?

Construction can sometimes uncover unexpected issues, especially on older properties or difficult sites.

If we find something outside the original scope, such as hidden asbestos, unstable soil or structural defects, we tell you immediately, explain the options and give you a clear cost for any additional work before proceeding.

You are never hit with surprise bills.

Demolition & Excavation

Permits, asbestos handling and site safety.

Do I need a permit for demolition work?

Yes, most demolition work in NSW requires approval. Internal strip-outs may be exempt in some cases, but partial and full demolition typically require a Development Application or Complying Development Certificate.

Additional requirements may include:

  • Asbestos surveys
  • Waste management plans
  • Notification to adjoining property owners

We handle all permits and compliance requirements.

Can you remove asbestos?

We coordinate licensed asbestos removal as part of our demolition and renovation services. All asbestos work is carried out by licensed removalists in line with SafeWork NSW regulations.

If your property was built before 1990, there is a chance it contains asbestos, so we always arrange appropriate testing before starting demolition or renovation work.

Talk to a builder, not a call centre.

Every enquiry is answered personally by someone who actually builds. Free and no obligation.

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