Building costs keep rising. I understand why you shop around for quotes. I expect you to. Getting multiple quotes is smart. Going with the cheapest one is where things go wrong.
I want to share a story from my own experience as a builder on the Central Coast NSW. I share it because I think it will save you money, time and stress.
The $60,000 Lesson
A couple of years ago I worked closely with a client planning a knock down rebuild on the Central Coast. We spent weeks together refining her plans. She was honest with me. She said she wanted to build with me but my quote was $60,000 over her budget. She went with a cheaper builder. I respected her decision then and I respect it now.
Two years later, her house was finished.
Two years. For a 228 square metre home. A build like hers takes 5 to 6 months with the right builder.
Here is the part nobody talks about. While she waited, she paid rent. Over those two years, her rent bill matched the $60,000 she saved on the quote. The saving vanished. She also carried two years of stress, delays and uncertainty. I would not wish her experience on anyone.
Why Cheap Quotes Cost More
In my experience, some builders price low to win the job. Then the variations start. Nine times out of ten, the cheap quote leaves things out. You find out mid-build, when walking away is no longer an option.
Variations happen on every project. Clients change their minds. You start shopping for tiles and finishes, fall in love with something beautiful, and your budget slips. This is normal. A good builder plans for it and talks you through it upfront. A cheap builder counts on it.
What the Real Cost of a Build Includes
Your budget is bigger than the contract price. When comparing quotes for a custom home or knock down rebuild, add up:
- Rent or holding costs during the build. Every extra month costs you thousands.
- Variations. Ask each builder what triggers one and what is included in the base price.
- Timeline. A 6 month build and a 24 month build are not the same product, even at the same price.
- Stress. Hard to price. Easy to underestimate.
How to Choose a Builder on the Central Coast
Do your homework before you sign anything:
- Investigate the builder. Check completed projects, licences and references.
- Ask what is included in the quote. Line by line. Site costs, finishes, fixtures, allowances.
- Ask about the timeline. Get it in writing. Ask what happens if it blows out.
- Trust your gut. You will work with this person for months. A good feeling matters.
The right custom home builder on the Central Coast will answer every question without hesitation. If a builder dodges your questions on inclusions or timelines, keep looking.
The Bottom Line
The cheapest quote is never the cheapest option. Do your homework, and the dearer quote often becomes the cheapest outcome. Faster build. Fewer surprises. No rent bleeding your savings dry. See the standard we hold ourselves to in our completed projects.
Planning a knock down rebuild or custom home on the Central Coast? Ask me the hard questions. I welcome them.
Common Questions
How long should a knock down rebuild take on the Central Coast?
For a typical 200–250 square metre home, around 5 to 6 months with the right builder. If a builder can't commit to a written timeline — or the job stretches past a year — that's a warning sign.
Why do cheap building quotes end up costing more?
Cheap quotes usually leave things out. You discover the gaps mid-build as variations, when walking away is no longer an option. Add rent or holding costs during a delayed build and the saving disappears quickly.
What should I check before choosing a builder?
Check completed projects, licences and references. Ask what's included in the quote line by line — site costs, finishes, fixtures and allowances. Get the timeline in writing, and ask what happens if it blows out.
