Before you hire an Architect…
Book a FREE one on one deisgn consultation today!
The hidden risks of using an Architect for your new home (and what most homeowners discover too late)
If you're planning to build a new home, your first instinct might be:
“I need an architect.”
But here’s what many homeowners don’t realise…
For most knockdown-rebuild and new home projects, hiring an architect can add complexity, cost blowouts, and months of delay — without improving your final outcome.
This guide will help you understand:
When an architect makes sense
When it doesn’t
And why most everyday family homes don’t require one.
Click here to book your FREE design Consultation today!
(Valued at $5000)
"New Build Co - Knockdown & Rebuild"
"Jason and his crew at New Build Co are a very professional outfit that go out of there way to make your planning and building experience go smoothly.
Jason is very helpful and goes out of his way to make your experience an enjoyable one from house design right through to colour selection where Maria really knows her stuff
Over all our experience with Jason was a very smooth one and
Would highly recommend"
Dominic L
6 things to consider.
1
Architects design — Builders deliver
Architects are trained to design.
Builders are trained to build.
That might sound obvious, but here’s the issue:
Many architectural designs are created without full construction cost awareness.
The result?
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Beautiful plans
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Impressive concepts
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Unrealistic budgets
Homeowners often fall in love with a design — only to discover it’s 20–40% over budget when priced.
2
You pay twice (Sometimes three times)
With an architect-led process, you typically pay for:
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Concept design
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Design development
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Construction drawings
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Engineering coordination
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Tender documentation
Then you take those plans to builders to quote.
If quotes come back too high (which is common), you then pay for redesign.
That’s two design fees.
Sometimes three.
3
There’s no budget control during design
Most architects work on a percentage of build cost or fixed design fee.
That means:
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They are not financially responsible for cost overruns.
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They are not locked into your construction budget.
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They are not the ones absorbing variations.
Builders, on the other hand, must price and deliver the home.
When design and construction are separate — accountability is separated.
4
Over-design =
Over-spend
Architectural homes often include:
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Complex rooflines
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Excessive glazing
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Structural steel
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Custom detailing
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Non-standard construction methods
These features look impressive — but dramatically increase cost per square metre.
For many families building on their block, the goal isn’t to win design awards.
It’s to:
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Maximise value
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Stay on budget
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Move in on time
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Avoid stress
5
The timeline blowout nobody talks about
Architectural design alone can take:
6–12 months before building even starts.
Then comes:
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Engineering
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Planning approvals
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Builder tendering
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Revisions
By the time construction begins, you could be 12–18 months into the process.
Design & construct builders streamline this dramatically.
6
The safer alternative: Design + build under one roof
For most knockdown-rebuild projects, a builder-led design process makes more sense.
Why?
Because:
✔ The design is created within your real construction budget
✔ Buildability is considered from day one
✔ Engineering is integrated early
✔ Pricing is transparent
✔ You deal with one accountable team
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No finger-pointing.
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No redesign surprises.
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No blown budgets.
When should you use an Architect?
To be fair — architects are valuable for:
Highly bespoke luxury homes
Unique or complex sites
Landmark or statement homes
Projects requiring advanced design innovation
But for standard residential builds on suburban blocks?
A builder-led approach is typically more practical, efficient and cost-controlled
The real question isn’t “Do I need an Architect?”
Architects absolutely have a place.
If you’re building a $3M architectural statement home on a complex site — yes.
But if you're knocking down a house in the suburbs and building a functional, high-quality family home?
You likely don’t need one.
You need a builder who understands design, cost, and construction — together.
It’s:
Do I want a design-first process…
Or a budget-first, buildable solution?
If you want clarity, cost control, and a smooth path from old house to new home — start with the team who will actually build it.
Claim your FREE design consultation.
Before you spend thousands on plans or commit to a builder, book a 1-on-1 design consultation with the team at New Build Co.
In this session we will help you:
✔ Understand if your block is suitable for a knockdown rebuild
✔ Estimate the real cost of building your new home
✔ Identify opportunities to maximise your block and layout
✔ Avoid the common mistakes homeowners make when starting their project
For a limited time, we’re offering this consultation FREE for the first 20 clients. (Valued at $5000)
Spots are limited.
Click below to book your FREE design Consultation today!
Let’s explore what’s possible on your block.
If you’re considering a knockdown and rebuild project in Melbourne, start with a conversation.
We’ll assess your block, discuss your goals, and outline what a custom rebuild could look like — clearly and honestly.
Your location stays the same.
Everything else gets elevated.
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