What Sydney Homeowners Need to Know Before Committing to a Custom Build or Renovation
A couple recently came to me with a stunning set of plans for their Inner West renovation. Natural light, open-plan living, warm finishes — everything you’d expect from a dream family home.
But the cost?
More than $300,000.00 over budget.
And the most heartbreaking part? They had no idea until the plans were done, the DA was in progress, and their hopes were pinned on something they couldn’t afford.
At that moment, the energy in the room changes. Excitement turns to doubt. And a question begins to echo:
“Why didn’t someone tell us sooner?”
Why Beautiful Plans Often Lead to Budget Bombshells
Architects are masters at space, flow, and aesthetic. They’ll take your vision and make it shine. And often, they’ll suggest upgrades you didn’t even think of — an attic, heated flooring, custom concrete storage under the house.
But here’s the problem: cost is rarely part of the conversation.
Most architects aren’t trained to design to a budget. Their job is to fulfil the brief, not calculate the cost.
So what you end up with is a beautiful design, but no real idea what it’s going to cost until it’s fully drawn up, submitted, and handed to a builder.
And by that point, it’s often tens — or even hundreds — of thousands over what you were expecting.
Let’s talk numbers:
What Cost $600K Four Years Ago Now Costs $1M
In the last four years, Sydney’s construction costs have surged between 35 and 45%.
Why?
- A shortage of skilled trades post-COVID
- Fewer young people entering the trades
- Skyrocketing material costs
- A market flooded with ultra-premium products — from imported tile ranges to $1,000.00 tapware and architectural glazing systems
Which means: what cost $600K just a few years ago could now cost $1M.
And unless someone is guiding your selections and scope as you go… you won’t notice the blowout until it’s too late to adjust the sails.
Why “Let’s Just Remove a Few Things” Doesn’t Actually Work
You might think: “No problem, we’ll just cut a few things to bring the cost down.”
But reversing a plan that’s already been completed, emotionally embraced, and approved?
It’s a much harder road than most people expect.
You’re not just tweaking numbers.
You’re unravelling a vision. And that’s where it starts to feel personal.
Now, you’re being told to remove the second living area. Or flatten the roofline. Or lose that incredible storage solution under the stairs.
And it stings.
Not because you’re being “too precious”— but because no one gave you a framework to keep your dream and your budget walking in sync.
How Smart Homeowners Avoid This Entire Nightmare
It’s simpler than you think. But it requires starting with the builder, not the architect.
Here’s the playbook we use at HDMB for clients who want to protect their vision and their budget:
1. Start with a Realistic Budget Conversation
Before you sketch a single wall, define your comfort zone. Include contingencies. Be honest.
2. Involve a Builder Before You Lock In Design
We can help shape the brief with cost-awareness built in — so you’re not designing blind.
3. Price Check the Concept Before You Go Deep
Once you have the layout, pause. Let us give you an early estimate before you move into detail.
4. Choose Selections With Eyes Wide Open
Those pendant lights? Gorgeous. But everything adds up. Let us flag the things that tip the scale.
This isn’t about limiting your dream.
It’s about making sure the home you fall in love with is the one you actually get to build.
What It Feels Like When You Get This Right
When your builder and your architect work in tandem, you get the best of both worlds:
- A design that excites
- A budget that makes sense
- A process that flows
Instead of working backwards, you’re moving forward with clarity and momentum.
You’re not scaling back — you’re building up, on solid ground.
And that’s the kind of experience every custom build and renovation should deliver.
You Deserve More Than a Beautiful Plan.
You Deserve a Realistic One.
If you’re holding a stunning set of drawings — but haven’t checked if they match your budget — it’s time.
Not to panic. Not to throw it all away.
But to get clarity, while there’s still time to course-correct.
Because every day you delay that check-in, you risk emotional disappointment, financial stress, or both.
Your dream home shouldn’t feel like a burden. It should feel like a win.
Of course, this is just one of the common pitfalls we help homeowners navigate every day.
That’s why we created a free guide to walk you through the most important things to know before committing to your custom renovation or build:
7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home
Inside, you’ll find:
- The most common (and costly) design traps
- How to avoid scope creep without sacrificing style
- The timing mistakes that blow out budgets
- And why your builder should be involved before you even sketch a floorplan
Click here to download your free copy
Because the sooner you start with the right approach, the sooner your dream home becomes your real home — without the regret.
Learn more about Jay and David’s Story. HDMB are proud APB and HIA members, dedicated to guiding you through every step of your renovation journey.
