Are you nervous about hidden costs or feeling out of your depth because you don’t have building industry knowledge? Worried about builders who might take your deposit and disappear or that you’ll get locked into a project that you can’t afford to finish – whether it’s a new build, renovation, granny flat build or modular home? You’re not alone. Every homeowner wants to feel in control and deserves a builder with a clear, upfront process from start to finish, and cost transparency.

Imagine Knowing the True Cost Before You Commit

Many homeowners share the same fears—cost uncertainties and trust issues can make the building process feel daunting. Concerns about overcapitalizing, budget blowouts, and whether you’re getting what you pay for can take the excitement out of building or renovating. But what if you could have total clarity upfront, and cost transparency knowing exactly what you’re financially committing to without surprises later on?

Clarity and Control, Every Step of the Way

True transparency isn’t just an industry buzzword; it’s the foundation of a reliable building process. Look for a builder with a structured, two-step approach to costing that gives you a clear financial picture upfront, so you can make decisions with confidence. From concept to construction completion, you deserve a builder who leaves no room for guesswork—just clear expectations, every step of the way.

And, by the way, transparency doesn’t have to mean an itemised list of every nut and bolt included. It’s about understanding what’s included at each stage, so you’re not blindsided by hidden costs.

The Power of Cost Transparency: How Our Two-Step Costing Process Works for You.

When choosing a builder, find one with a two-step costing approach. This process gives you clarity without drowning you in details, helping you understand the scope and value at every stage before moving forward.

Step 1: The Qualifying Build Estimate (QBE)

Once your initial concept design is complete, your builder should provide a Qualifying Build Estimate—a tailored estimate that outlines anticipated costs based on your goals and the budget you plan to invest. This estimate gives you the power to decide if your vision is financially viable as is, or if adjustments need to be made. It’s all about getting a solid plan before diving deeper into the design phase and investing more money.

Clear Overview of What’s Included: You’ll see the major cost categories—materials, labor, and key design features—so you know what’s covered and can tweak things if needed.

• Project Optimisation Options: Get insights on where you might save without losing sight of your quality or vision.
• Informed Decision-Making: You’ll understand your project’s scope, allowing you to make budget-friendly choices for the next round of drawings and selections.

For example, we recently had a client in Perth who scaled down their design by 10 square meters, saving them $35k without sacrificing the look or feel they wanted. Having this broad yet clear view early on makes a world of difference.

Step 2: The Final Detailed Proposal (FDP)

At this stage, your builder should present a fully detailed proposal that captures every aspect of the project. The Final Detailed Proposal brings together your final selections, materials, and specifications, making sure you know exactly what’s included. Here’s what a solid FDP should offer:

• Scope + Financial Certainty: A clear view of the final cost without hidden charges creeping in (though some unknowns, like asbestos or groundwork issues, may still pop up).
• Budget Assurance: See how your choices impact the budget and confirm everything aligns with your priorities.
• Reduced Risk of Surprises: By reducing the provisional sums and vague cost categories, you avoid unexpected charges down the line.

How a Transparent Process Eases Homeowner Worries

Most homeowners worry about budget blowouts, over capitalisation, and whether their builder is truly reliable. Choosing a builder with a clear, structured approach to costing helps you move forward confidently, knowing what’s included. It’s not about bombarding you with details — it’s about giving you a big-picture view and the tools to make decisions without hidden costs lurking around the corner.

Here’s what some of Perway’s clients had to say about this level of transparency:

Looking for Cost Transparency? Let Perway Guide You

At Perway, we believe you deserve clarity and peace of mind, which is why we follow this exact two-step costing process. Our clients appreciate the cost transparency, clear, upfront approach that takes away the stress of the unknown. Reach out to us today to start your project with total confidence—because your home build or renovation should be exciting, not stressful.