Is a knockdown rebuild worth it in Canberra?
Understanding when it makes sense to demolish and rebuild versus renovate on an established Canberra block.
Read more
Custom homes in Canberra.
Designed with intent. Built with care.
About Ottimo Homes
Ottimo Homes is a Canberra residential building company led by builder and director Alessandro Tarzia. With a Bachelor of Commerce and over fifteen years' industry experience, Alessandro combines commercial understanding with practical building knowledge and clear guidance.
Alessandro’s approach to business and leadership has also been shaped by the guidance and mentorship of Frank Porreca, President of Master Builders ACT. This relationship has strengthened his commitment to accountability, clear communication and maintaining high standards throughout every project.
Clients deal directly with Alessandro from the first conversation through to completion. He helps them understand their options, make informed decisions and move through the building process with clarity and confidence.
That personal involvement extends to planning, budgets, communication and the standard of the finished home. It creates a more direct and accountable building experience. That is what clients can expect when they build with Ottimo Homes.
Talk to Alessandro
What we build
For clients building on vacant land or creating a home tailored around the way they live. Guided through planning, selections and construction from start to finish.
Discuss a new homeFor established Canberra blocks where the existing home no longer suits the family, lifestyle or site potential. A considered approach to starting again.
Talk about a knockdown rebuildYour block may have more potential than you realise.
Canberra's Missing Middle housing reforms may allow dual occupancy or townhouse development to support family, generate rental income or make better use of your land.
Discuss your block's potentialBuilding a home is a major decision. Ottimo Homes keeps it calm, clear and personal.
Clients work directly with Alessandro throughout the project, not through layers of sales staff or project coordinators.
Ottimo Homes takes on a limited number of projects so each build receives proper attention, site presence and careful management.
Backed by Alessandro's more than fifteen years of industry experience, Ottimo Homes has completed projects across established Canberra suburbs. That experience means straightforward advice on what your block and the ACT planning rules will allow.
How we work
Your first conversation is directly with Alessandro, the builder who will oversee your project. We discuss your block, what you want to build, how you want the home to work for you, your budget and preferred timing. From there, you receive an honest early view of what is likely to be achievable and what needs further investigation. You know the next sensible step before committing money to design.
Before the design goes too far, Alessandro walks the block with you. We review the relevant planning controls and known site conditions, including slope, access, orientation, services, existing structures and trees. We also identify any surveys, soil testing or specialist advice still required. This gives the design a sound starting point and brings likely site costs into the conversation early.
Whether you bring completed plans, a sketch or simply an idea, we can start there. Ottimo can work with your architect or coordinate trusted designers, engineers, energy assessors and the certifier you appoint. We develop the documents needed for the relevant planning and building approvals. The main materials, fixtures, finishes and electrical requirements are reviewed as the design develops, together with their cost implications. This creates a clear and well resolved basis for pricing and contract.
Before you sign, we walk you through the drawings, inclusions, exclusions, allowances, contract price, progress payments and anticipated construction timeframe in plain language. You can see what is included, what is not included and what may still change as further site information becomes available or under the terms of the contract. If you request a change, its scope, price and effect on timing are documented and approved in writing before the changed work proceeds.
Alessandro oversees construction, coordinates the trades and remains your main point of contact. Your regular updates explain what has been completed, what comes next and anything affecting timing. Work is reviewed against the approved drawings and specifications, and the required inspections are coordinated at the relevant stages. At agreed points, we arrange safe site meetings so you can see the progress and ask questions.
Before handover, we walk through the home with you, explain how its key systems work and document any items requiring attention. Your handover pack includes the certificate of occupancy, relevant compliance documents, warranties, manuals and maintenance information. Any agreed outstanding items are tracked through to resolution. We want the relationship we build with you to continue long after construction is complete. If you have a question or need guidance in the years ahead, you can contact Alessandro directly. Even after the formal warranty periods have ended, Ottimo remains available to offer practical help and guidance.
Practical guidance for owners considering a new home, knockdown rebuild, dual occupancy or townhouse project in the ACT.
Understanding when it makes sense to demolish and rebuild versus renovate on an established Canberra block.
Read moreA straightforward look at the factors that influence new home and rebuild costs in Canberra.
Read moreWhat owners need to know about dual occupancy planning rules, eligibility and the approval process in the ACT.
Read moreQuestions to ask, things to look for and what matters most when selecting a residential builder in Canberra.
Read moreCommon questions
Yes. Ottimo Homes builds custom new homes on vacant blocks and in new estates across Canberra. Every project is personally managed by Alessandro Tarzia from the first conversation to handover. You can view completed new homes on our projects page.
Yes. Knockdown rebuilds are a core part of what we do, particularly on established blocks where the existing home no longer suits the family or the site. Our guide to knockdown rebuilds in Canberra covers when a rebuild makes sense.
Canberra's new Missing Middle Housing Reforms have created new possibilities for many RZ1 and RZ2 blocks. Your property may now have potential for a dual occupancy or another form of low rise housing that was not available under the previous rules. Ottimo Homes can help you explore what may be achievable before you commit to design work. Read our updated guide to dual occupancy in Canberra.
We build across Canberra, including Inner South suburbs such as Garran and Curtin, established northern suburbs like Kaleen and Lyneham, and newer areas like Taylor, Moncrieff and Denman Prospect. If you are unsure whether we cover your block, just ask.
With a smaller builder you deal directly with the person responsible for your home, not a sales office. Ottimo Homes takes on a limited number of projects at a time, so each build gets proper site presence and attention. Our advice on choosing a builder in Canberra explains what to compare.
Get in touch
Whether you have plans ready or you're still in the early thinking stage, we're happy to have a straightforward conversation about what's involved.