If you’ve had plans done by an architect or building designer and the build price has come back way over budget, stop for a second.
Don’t throw the design out just yet.
There is a very good chance it can be fixed.
At NHBB, this is exactly what we do. We’ve built a proven track record across Perth taking projects that have blown out and getting them back on track without starting again. Right now, we are seeing more of it than ever.
The photos and images shown here is a real example of a project that came to us over budget. Same home, same overall design intent, just reworked properly so it could actually be built within budget.
This is happening across Perth every week.
Clients come to us with architect designs, independent building designer plans, and fully custom homes that are ready to go. Then the pricing comes in and it is nowhere near where it needs to be.
One hundred and fifty thousand over, three hundred thousand over, sometimes more.
By that point, most people feel stuck.

Let’s Be Fair About Architects and Designers

This is not about blaming architects or designers.
They are very good at what they do. They design homes that look incredible, suit your lifestyle, and maximise your block.
But from being on the building side for years, here is the reality.
They are not pricing construction every day. They are not dealing with trade shortages in Perth, brick supply issues, or constant changes in build rates.
So cost control is not always front of mind during design. That is where the gap starts.

Why Designs Blow Out in Perth

From what we see every week at NHBB, it usually comes down to a few key things.
There is no real builder input during design, so decisions are made without live pricing guiding them. It works on paper, but not when it hits a builder.
The brief grows during the process. To be fair, clients play a role here as well. You start with one idea, then it evolves. Higher ceilings, bigger spaces, more glass, better finishes. Before long the home has grown but the budget has not.
Construction costs have moved. Perth is still dealing with trade shortages, supply pressure, and rising costs. What something cost a year ago is not what it costs today.
And often the home is not designed to be built efficiently. Complex rooflines, structural steel, and non standard construction all add up quickly.

Where Most People Go Wrong

At this point, most people are told to start again, increase their budget, or strip the design back and lose what they liked about it.
None of those are great options.
And in most cases, they are not necessary.

Most Designs Can Be Fixed

This is what most people do not realise.
If the design is good, it can usually be brought back into line without starting again.
You just need the right approach.
That is where NHBB comes in.
We sit between design and construction, which is exactly where these problems need to be solved.

How NHBB Gets Projects Back on Track

We can redraw and optimise the design, even if you do not have CAD files. We simplify structure, improve build efficiency, and remove unnecessary cost while keeping the overall design intent.
We align everything with real builder pricing. Because we are working with builders every day in Perth, there is no guessing. Everything is based on what it will actually cost to build.
We match your project with the right builder. Not all builders suit all homes, and knowing who to go to makes a big difference in both pricing and outcome.
We manage the process end to end, so you are not stuck going back and forward between designer, architect, and builder.

From Experience, This Is the Critical Moment

Most blown out projects are recoverable.
Most people just do not know how to fix them.
And the earlier you deal with it, the better the outcome.

If This Sounds Like You

If your architect or designer plans are over budget, if you have had pricing come back too high, or if you are unsure what to do next, then you are exactly who we help.

Before You Scrap Your Design, Do This First

Send your plans through.
We will give you a straight answer on what is driving the cost, what can be fixed, and what it should realistically cost to build in Perth.
No fluff, no guessing, just real advice based on experience.

Book a Plan Review with NHBB

Do not throw your design out just yet.
There is a very good chance we can get it back on track, and we have done it many times before.

Why This Matters in Perth Right Now

There is a lot of noise online about building in Perth. Plenty of generic advice, plenty of sales talk, and not a lot of real guidance from people actually in the middle of projects every day.
This is where NHBB is different.
We are not just another builder, and we are not just a designer. We sit in between, which means we see where projects go wrong and more importantly how to fix them.
And that is what we are building NHBB to be known for.

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About the Author

Tristan Kirkham | Managing Director

Tristan has managed some of Australia’s major building companies, both project and private. His commitment to customer service and providing market leading communication product for the home building industry has led to a role as regular Judge in the HIA Green Smart, HIA Kitchen & Bathroom Awards and the major Housing Awards. Winning multiple awards throughout his career in the housing industry, he is dedicated to improving the industry standards and practices. Tristan's vision is to provide a better way to build homes for all parties.