If you are one of the thousands of homeowners in the Northern Rivers holding a Resilient Homes Program (RHP) eligibility letter, or if you are still waiting to apply, we have an urgent message:
The clock is ticking
While the program feels like it has been running for a long time, the NSW Reconstruction Authority has set hard deadlines for the final phases. If you do not have your Scope of Works quoted and approved by these dates, you risk missing out on up to $100,000 in government funding to protect your home.
At Artisan Designer Constructions, we are currently working with local clients to turn their government grant offers into actual, finished construction projects. Here is what you need to know to ensure you don’t miss the boat.
The government has confirmed strict closure dates for the Northern Rivers. These are not flexible:
Applications Close: You must submit your new application for Resilient Measures (Retrofit or Raise) by 31 March 2026.
Completion Deadline: All building works must be fully completed and invoiced by 31 March 2027.
Why this matters now: Construction takes time. Between finalizing a design, getting council approval (if required), and scheduling the build, 12 months can vanish quickly. If you want your home raised or retrofitted by the 2027 cutoff, you need to engage a builder today.
Many of our clients in the Tweed, Byron, and Lismore shires are confused about the difference. Here is the builder’s perspective on what these grants actually cover.
Grant Estimate: Up to $100,000 (plus potential co-contributions).
The Work: This involves physically lifting your liveable floor level above the assessed flood level.
The Artisan Approach: This is a major structural change. We manage the engineering, the re-stumping (often using steel posts for longevity), and the reconnecting of services. It’s the ultimate protection, but it requires significant planning.
Grant Estimate: Up to $50,000.
The Work: This isn’t about stopping the water; it’s about making sure the water doesn’t ruin your home.
Key “Resilient” Upgrades we install:
Water-Resistant Wall Linings: Replacing Gyprock with Villaboard or other fibre-cement sheetings that can be hosed down.
Flooring: Swapping carpet or floating timber for polished concrete, tiles, or hardwood that can survive submersion.
Electricals: Moving power points and switchboards higher up the walls (above the flood line).
Storage: Installing hollow-core doors and raising kitchen cabinetry on legs (or using marine-grade ply).
This is where most homeowners get stuck.
To release your grant money, the NSW Reconstruction Authority requires a detailed Scope of Works and a formal quote from a licensed builder. You cannot just guess a figure.
If your quote is vague, or if it includes “non-eligible” works (like adding a deck that wasn’t there before), your application will bounce back, wasting valuable time.
We understand the specific requirements of the NSW Reconstruction Authority. We don’t just build; we help you navigate the process:
We look at your Home Assessment Report (HAR) to see what the government has approved.
Quote: We provide a detailed, itemized quote that separates "Resilient Measures" (funded by the grant) from any private renovations you might want to do at the same time.
Build: We execute the work to the specific code required for flood-prone areas in the Northern Rivers.
The funding is there to secure your future and the value of your property. But once the March 2026/2027 dates pass, this window closes forever.
Are you ready to start your Scope of Works? Contact Artisan Designer Constructions today. We are local, we are licensed, and we are ready to help you rebuild stronger.
Reference: Official dates and guidelines sourced from the NSW Reconstruction Authority Resilient Homes Program.
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