When you’re building your dream home, the last thing you want is to get stuck with a builder who cuts corners, hides costs, or locks you into contracts too early.
We get it, the building process can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re just starting out. But knowing what to look out for can save you thousands (and a whole lot of stress).
Here are five red flags to watch out for when comparing builders in Perth and what a good building experience should look like instead.
1. Signing a Builder/Finance Contract at Quote & Sketch Stage
Some builders or consultants may ask you to sign a Builder/Finance contract even before you’ve finalised your design or signed your PPA (preparation of plans agreement) or sketch/quote documents.
At this stage, you should only be in the preliminary phase. Exploring quotes, sketches, and site assessments, not locking yourself into a legally binding build contract.to subdivide the land or title, making it a simpler and more affordable path to dual occupancy.
What to do instead
Make sure you’re only paying for pre-construction services (e.g. siteworks quote, floorplan sketch, soil test, contour survey). A reputable builder won’t pressure you into a full build contract until all key details including plans, pricing, and finance, are confirmed.
2. “Too Good to Be True” Prices (With Zero Inclusions)
If a price seems way too low compared to other builders, chances are, it probably doesn’t include much.
We’ve seen ads promoting house and land for $300k that don’t include siteworks, fencing, flooring, or even a driveway. These are often base prices only designed to reel you in before the real costs stack up.
What to do instead
Always ask for a full turnkey quote or at least a detailed specification of what’s included and what’s not. Better yet, work with independent consultants (like us!) who can compare quotes across multiple builders so you’re not being sold a dream on paper.
3. Rushed Sales Tactics (“Sign Now or Miss Out”)
Pressure selling is a classic red flag. If someone’s pushing you to sign on the spot or telling you that “the price goes up tomorrow”, hit pause.
This tactic is used to rush you into a contract before you’ve had a chance to properly compare, research, or get advice.
What to do instead
A good builder (or consultant) should give you time and space to ask questions, get second opinions, and make informed decisions, not push you through a funnel.
4. Lack of Transparency Around Site Costs
Siteworks can vary dramatically depending on your land and some builders will try to downplay or hide these costs until it’s too late to back out.
We’ve seen contracts where clients were hit with unexpected $30k+ siteworks bills because the “allowance” didn’t match the actual soil conditions. Or the provisional sums did not include the crossover, soak wells or other things like temporary fencing if needed.
What to do instead
Do your research and speak with an experienced consultant who knows the ins and outs of site works. Always ask for provisional siteworks estimates based on soil and contour data on other surveyed land in the same vicinity. Numbers can still change later as site works is a provisional sum to start with but we need to keep these changes to a minimum and be aware of any possibilities. Fixed siteworks can be a great option as many builders offer this for green titled land.
5. No Flexibility with Design or Changes
Some builders offer package deals that look shiny at first glance but once you want to tweak the design, they hit you with massive variation fees or flat-out say no, it’s too tricky.
A builder that won’t allow any flexibility probably isn’t putting your needs first.
What to do instead
Look for builders who offer customisation options, or better yet, work with a building consultant who can match your wishlist with the right builder from the start. Here at Emily Rose Homes we make design recommendations based on how you and your family live in your home and your budget. We love innovative design!
How Emily Rose Homes Does It Differently
We’re not here to pressure you, upsell you, or lock you into contracts you don’t understand. As independent building consultants, we help:
- Compare quotes across multiple trusted builders
- Help you understand every step before you commit
- Break down costs clearly (including siteworks and upgrades)
- Guide you from sketch to site at your own pace
- Protect your interests and help you make smart decisions
