The True Cost of “Free Quotes”

Why Pre-Construction Is a Smart Investment

Custom homes are complex. There are dozens of decisions to make before a slab is even poured. Pre-construction planning gives you the time and structure to get it right.

Here’s what it typically includes:

• Site assessment and soil testing

• Preliminary engineering and energy reports

• Detailed specification and material selections

• A realistic, staged cost plan

• Buildability review and value engineering

Energy reports (also known as BASIX reports in NSW) assess how energy- and water-efficient your home design is. They’re a legal requirement and can influence your design—things like insulation, glazing, solar, and water tanks. Getting these sorted early avoids delays and helps us cost the build accurately from the start.

This is where the real savings happen—not by cutting quality, but by designing smart and eliminating surprises before you sign a contract.

How We Handle It at FANDR

We don’t treat pre-construction like a sales tactic, we treat it like a critical phase of the build.

When you engage FANDR in pre-construction:

• You get direct access to our experience, advice, and trade pricing

• We work with your designer (or bring our own) to align vision and budget

• You finish design with absolute clarity about what your home will cost to build—and why

This process protects your budget, your timeline, and your end result.

Don’t Fall for the Free Quote Trap

If you’re building a custom home, it’s worth doing it properly from day one. That means investing a little upfront to avoid stress, cost overruns, and compromises later.

Let’s talk early, plan thoroughly, and build with confidence.