Clients have big dreams, architects create amazing designs, but builders often come in too late. By the time a builder sees da-approved plans, the construction costs are often far from the original estimates, leading to budget blowouts and stalled projects.

IS THE BUILDING INDUSTRY BROKEN?

This leaves clients with only plans, architects frustrated, and builders under immense pressure to make it work. It’s a cycle that isn’t working for anyone.

We’re here to change that. Let’s involve builders early, by getting us engaged in the design stage. By collaborating from the start, we can create a feedback loop that leads to stronger partnerships and more successful projects that can actually be built at a realistic price.. This is our "paid as consultant" approach.

MY ARCHITECT SAID IT WOULD COST THIS MUCH…

A common question I get from clients is, “My architect said it would cost this much—why is your estimate so much higher?” This puts everyone in a tough spot—clients unsure who to trust, builders feeling questioned, and architects potentially feeling they’ve let their clients down. With over 20 years in the industry, I’ve learned that pricing a build is complex and full of variables. Residential projects are unique, and estimating costs involves much more than square meter rates. Builders, with access to recent data, can provide more accurate cost insights, but it’s crucial to collaborate early in the design phase. Working together ensures a realistic budget and allows the client to build the design they’ve dreamed of, without compromising the project’s integrity.

WHAT’s THE SOLUTION?

We love good design and working with architects, but we believe builders need to be more integrated into project teams. Involving your builder early ensures they bring practical knowledge and cost insights to the table. By collaborating from the start, we can provide accurate cost assessments, practical feedback, and help avoid budget surprises later.

Our integrative approach offers several benefits:

• We provide realistic price estimates based on data from recent projects in the area.

• Builders offer insights on market trends, material availability, and project timelines.

• Early ballpark figures are refined as the design progresses, ensuring no shocks when the formal quote is

HOW TO WORK WITH US

We work with architects and clients on a paid-as-consultant basis, independent of the building contract. This service strengthens relationships and lays the foundation for a successful project.

Our Paid-as-Consultant Process:

• Cost: $3,500

Deliverables:

Existing Property/ Site Inspection:
X1  Site Inspection to asses:

Existing Enfrastructure:
We will inspect your existing site to assess service availability:
1. Water Services
2.Telecommunications
3. Inground stormwater
4. Natural Gas
5. Inground electrical

We will also review: 
a.Access
b.Construction Suitability
c. Site Service confirmation (on request)
D. Neighbour Review ( to determine access)
E.  Existing House inspection
F.  Asbestos Identification
G. Existing House engineering/ suitability
H. Water/ termite Damage
I. Wiring

New Design Consultation:

• Early-stage cost assessment + 2 iterations

• 3 Design consultations (based on completed project data)

1. 1 during schematic design

2. 1 at design completion

Meeting 1: During schematic design—assess floor size, construction system, finishes, site access.

Meeting 2: After architectural plans—provide early cost assessment, one iteration to refine design choices.

Project Cost Proposal 
 

A formal quote post-DA or after engineering completion

Meeting 3: Post-DA—formal quote with tendered costs, two iterations for design or quote adjustments.