Before You Build WA

Before You Build WA BYBWA was created to help clients understand the ins & outs of their Preliminary & Building Contracts

Before You Build WA (BYBWA) is an independent Perth-based consultancy established to empower our clients with all the information needed to make decisions about building. By not being affiliated with any builders, we work 100% for our clients and their best interests. BYBWA educates and coaches our clients with all aspects of building design, compliance, contracts (avoiding unnecessary price incre

ases), and sitework allowances. With a combined 18 years of experience in the industry, we provide peace of mind to our clients knowing our team will review every detail so nothing is missed before signing your Preliminary or Building contracts. In addition to our Comprehensive Plan & Contract Review service, we also offer a Design Service to help modify existing plans or even create your own custom plan. A custom plan by BYBWA gives the combined comfort of knowing the plans have been designed specifically for you and your block, and the freedom of owning the copyright allowing the flexibility to engage the builder of your choice.

We can’t predict the future…but we CAN identify when a contract leaves you exposed to potential price increases and trus...
28/05/2026

We can’t predict the future…but we CAN identify when a contract leaves you exposed to potential price increases and trust us, there are usually warning signs.

The problem is many buyers don’t know what to look for until it’s too late.

Things like:

➡ Long finance or title timeframes
➡ Open-ended clauses
➡ Undefined allowances
➡ Making last minute structural changes
➡ Unclear site costs with no breakdowns

These can all increase your risk of future variations or price adjustments.

The good news? Once you understand the risks, you can make informed decisions moving forward and ensure your building journey is as stress free as possible.

Client Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Grateful for kind words like this.Starting the building journey can feel like a lot, so hearing that ...
26/05/2026

Client Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Grateful for kind words like this.

Starting the building journey can feel like a lot, so hearing that our guidance is bringing peace of mind this early on really means everything.

Looking forward to supporting our clients through the next stages and helping make the process feel a whole lot clearer along the way.

21/05/2026

“You need to sign now or you could lose the block”

Unfortunately, this pressure tactic happens more often than people realise. When buyers are emotionally attached to a block of land, fear can take over and rushed decisions often follow.

Before signing anything under pressure, it’s important to understand:

1️⃣ What your actual timelines are
2️⃣ Whether extensions are possible
3️⃣ What risks exist within the contract
4️⃣ What alternatives may be available

Feeling pressured doesn’t mean you don’t have options. The key is getting clarity before committing to something that may not be in your best financial interest long-term.

At Before You Build WA, we help clients understand the full picture before they sign. DM us today to book your free consult.

Can a builder pass me a price increase once I’m already on site?The short answer? It depends on the contract you’ve sign...
07/05/2026

Can a builder pass me a price increase once I’m already on site?

The short answer? It depends on the contract you’ve signed.

➡ Is it governed by the Home Building Contracts Act (under $500k)?
➡ Over $500k? Standard HIA/MBA template?
➡ Or is it a custom contract with rise and fall clauses?

The bigger issue here is signing a contract you don’t truly understand, or worse, only finding out about the conditions after you’ve spent thousands of dollars and months going through the preliminary stages.

You also need to keep in mind, it’s not always in a consultant’s interest to walk you through the finer details upfront. If you’ve never built before, you simply don’t know what you don’t know - so you don’t know what questions to ask.

This is where most people get caught.

They assume:

“Fixed price means fixed”
“The builder will absorb delays”
“Once construction starts, I’m safe”

But that’s not always how it works.

If you want real control over your build, you need to understand the risks before you sign - not when it’s too late.

If you’re unsure about your contract or want peace of mind before your build starts, contact us for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand exactly what you’re entitled to and how to protect your budget.

A Delayed Title Allowance is often positioned as a benefit, but in many cases, it’s simply you prepaying for a potential...
01/05/2026

A Delayed Title Allowance is often positioned as a benefit, but in many cases, it’s simply you prepaying for a potential price increase - particularly where the builder’s price hold period doesn’t extend through to title. It’s typically presented as a buffer to cover cost increases while you wait for your land to title, which can sound reassuring at first, but it’s important to understand how it actually works.

In most cases, these allowances are limited and not fixed. If the actual increase exceeds the allowance, the builder may still pass on the difference as a variation. If the increase is less than the allowance, you’re relying on the builder to credit it back.

That’s where the risk sits. This is why asking the right questions upfront matters:

❓Was the allowance based on a genuine forecast, or simply a figure applied to make the deal work?
❓Will any increase be calculated from when you signed, or from when the price hold period expires?
❓What happens if the allowance doesn’t cover the increase?

Understanding the fine print puts you in control of your budget, not the other way around.

Follow for clear, practical building advice to help you make informed decisions or DM us to book a free consultation.

Think your siteworks are “fixed price”? Think again. Many homebuyers assume that a “fixed price” contract means no surpr...
29/04/2026

Think your siteworks are “fixed price”? Think again. Many homebuyers assume that a “fixed price” contract means no surprises. However, when it comes to siteworks, the reality can be very different.

Often these prices are subject to assumptions about your block:

➡ Soil type and stability
➡ Drainage conditions
➡ Site levels and cut/fill requirements

If the builder’s assumptions don’t match reality, you could be facing unexpected costs, even in a “fixed price” contract.

A fixed price is only truly fixed if it accounts for your site’s specific conditions. Always review the contract’s sitework clauses carefully and ask “What assumptions are being made and how could they affect my costs?”

Don’t leave your budget to chance. Contact us for a free consultation to review your contract and make sure your “fixed price” is really fixed.

Thinking of paying a deposit on a hand-drawn design?It might feel like you’re securing your dream home, but there are hi...
27/04/2026

Thinking of paying a deposit on a hand-drawn design?

It might feel like you’re securing your dream home, but there are hidden risks that many buyers don’t see:

1️⃣ Measurements matter: Hand-drawn plans often miss brick sizes, wall thickness and structural requirements.
2️⃣ Windows & doors: Incorrect sizing can affect natural light, ventilation and compliance with building codes.
3️⃣ Functional spaces: Furniture placement, storage, and traffic flow are rarely considered in rough sketches.
4️⃣ Unexpected costs: Incomplete designs can lead to costly variations or redesigns once construction begins.

Always review a fully detailed, scaled and professional plan before paying a deposit. Early excitement shouldn’t come at the cost of practical realities.

Building a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make, a careful, informed start can save thousands and a lot of stress later.

DM us today to book your free consultation.

Lest We Forget.Today, we pause to honour the courage, sacrifice and resilience of all those who have served our country....
25/04/2026

Lest We Forget.

Today, we pause to honour the courage, sacrifice and resilience of all those who have served our country.

ANZAC Day is a reminder of the values they fought for - bravery, commitment and putting others before themselves. It’s also a time to reflect on the freedoms and opportunities we have today, including the chance to build a life and a home of our own.

To all the veterans, service members and their families, we thank you, we remember you and we will never forget.

‼️Other people’s building experience does NOT dictate yours. Just because it worked for someone else doesn’t mean it wil...
23/04/2026

‼️Other people’s building experience does NOT dictate yours. Just because it worked for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you.

Builders and sales consultants are experts at selling confidence, sharing “success stories” and showing you what worked for previous clients. However, their priorities are not always aligned with yours.

What’s good for one homeowner, their block, their lifestyle, their budget - may not be good for you.

That’s why it’s so important to ask the right questions, check the fine print and make decisions based on your circumstances, not someone else’s story.

Building a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make so make sure it’s the right fit for you, not just another sales pitch.

If you want clarity and support, contact us for a free consultation. We’ll help you make informed decisions that suit your needs, not someone else’s experience.

Reviewing your building contract isn’t just about the HIA or MBA document. That’s where a lot of people go wrong. Yes, t...
21/04/2026

Reviewing your building contract isn’t just about the HIA or MBA document. That’s where a lot of people go wrong. Yes, the HIA/MBA contract forms the legal foundation of your build, but it’s only one part of the overall agreement.

What really matters is how everything comes together because that’s what you’re actually getting:

➡ Your drawings
➡ Your specifications
➡ Your inclusions
➡ Your addenda and variations

You can understand the contract itself perfectly, but if your plans, finishes or allowances don’t align with what you think you signed up for, that’s where issues start.

In WA, we often see problems come from:

➡ Assumptions around what’s included
➡ Misalignment between design and budget
➡ Details buried in specifications

A building contract isn’t just a document, it’s the entire package and reviewing it properly means making sure everything works together and reflects your expectations, not just the fine print.

We’ve supported countless of homebuyers through their building journey and we can help you to with reviewing your contract so you know exactly what you’re getting. DM us to book your free consultation.

Address

C3/118 Railway Street, West Perth
Perth, WA
6005

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Before You Build WA posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share