Our approach · The PAC process
The builder in the room before the first line is drawn.
Our pre-construction consultancy brings client, architect and builder together from the start, so your design is tested against your budget at every decision, and the home you sign off on is the one that gets built.
70%
of architecturally designed homes never make it to construction.
INDUSTRY ESTIMATE
Why the builder comes first
Most designed homes come back over budget because the builder arrives last.
The usual sequence is design first, price later. A builder is handed finished plans that were never costed as they were drawn, the number comes back hundreds of thousands over budget, and the architect and builder blame each other. The homeowner is left in the middle.
The PAC process inverts that order. Hallbar is engaged for Patrik’s pre-construction expertise before a design exists, cost is tested against your budget as the concept develops, and nothing gets drawn that cannot be built for the money you have. Early collaboration between builder, architect and client saves time, reduces risk and delivers a better result.
The roadmap
Five steps from first meeting to handover.
- 01
Client connection and site evaluation
We meet on site with you and your architect to walk the block, talk through what you want from the home and how you like to work. Fit matters to both of us: Patrik is looking to understand your priorities and whether they line up with how Hallbar builds and communicates.
WHAT YOU GET
A clear read on fit, and a shared starting point before any money is spent on design.
- 02
Architect collaboration to concept plans
Patrik works alongside your architect, or introduces a partner such as Catherine Packard, as the concept takes shape. At each step he gives feasibility input so the design is achievable and cost-effective from a construction point of view.
WHAT YOU GET
A concept plan the three of you have agreed can be built.
- 03
Preliminary estimate
Hallbar reviews the concept plans and design elements and prepares a preliminary estimate, using data from past and current projects, industry allowances and current market pricing.
WHAT YOU GET
A realistic financial picture before the design is finalised, and the confidence to progress to detailed plans.
- 04
Itemised proposal and design refinements
You can then engage Hallbar to prepare an itemised fee proposal, which includes up to three rounds of design refinements and pricing reviews. Products, engineering and subcontractor pricing are sourced to the exact specification, so general allowances and unknown costs are kept to a minimum.
WHAT YOU GET
A structured breakdown of costs, inclusions, exclusions and scheduling that becomes the foundation of your building contract.
- 05
Contract, build and handover
With the design resolved and approvals in place, we sign a formal HIA or MBA contract and construction begins, with Patrik on site through to handover. You follow every stage in Wonderbuild and talk to Patrik directly.
WHAT YOU GET
The person who shaped the budget builds the home, and stands behind it.
What it means for you
The benefits of bringing the builder in early.
Minimising risk
Clarity on feasibility, and on how your budget lines up with construction costs, before you commit to the approvals process and to construction.
Refinement before execution
Design and structural details are resolved in pre-construction, so the build itself runs smoothly, with fewer variations and costly on-site adjustments.
A number built from data
Estimates are built from project-specific costings and industry data, not rules of thumb, so the figure you plan around is a real one.
Collaboration and expertise
One team, with clear communication and expectations from the outset, and a strong alignment of values between you and Hallbar.
Because Hallbar is engaged for the pre-construction work rather than pricing finished plans for free, Patrik’s advice stays independent and in your interest.
Where to start
Ideally, before you appoint an architect.
Hallbar’s ideal client comes to us first, so the build is framed around budget and performance before any design exists. If you already have an architect, or a set of plans, we can still step in: Patrik will align with your architect and review what exists against your budget.
Either way it starts with a conversation, not a quote. Tell us about your site, your plans and where you are in the process, and Patrik will talk you through whether it is a fit.
Start the conversationQuestions we are asked
Before you get in touch.
Do I need an architect before I contact Hallbar?
No. The ideal time to talk to Hallbar is before an architect is appointed, so Patrik can frame the build around your budget and performance goals from the outset. If you already have an architect, Patrik aligns with them early, so client, architect and builder work as one team from the first concept.
What if I already have finished plans?
Patrik will review your existing plans against your budget and advise on constructability and performance. If the design and the budget are far apart, the PAC process gives you a structured way to refine the design with pricing in view, rather than starting again or stripping out the things that mattered to you.
What is a preliminary estimate?
A preliminary estimate is a realistic costing of your concept plans, prepared before the design is finalised. It draws on data from Hallbar's past and current projects, industry-specific allowances and current market pricing, and it is the last step before an itemised fee proposal and design refinement.
What is in an itemised proposal?
An itemised fee proposal is a detailed costing that sources current products, engineering and subcontractor pricing to the exact specification of your design. It sets out costs, inclusions, exclusions and scheduling, includes up to three rounds of design refinement and pricing review, and forms the foundation of the building contract.
Is passive house standard on every Hallbar build?
Passive house principles go into every Hallbar build as far as the brief and budget allow: airtightness, insulation, thermal performance and ventilation for indoor air quality. Patrik is a certified passive house tradesperson, and fully certified passive house builds are available for clients who want the full standard.
What contract do you build under?
Construction proceeds on a formal HIA or MBA fixed-price contract, signed once the design is locked and approvals are in place. The itemised proposal is what makes that price reliable: the scope and the costs are resolved before the contract, not discovered during the build.
Start the conversation
Let’s build the home that takes care of you.
Whether you have a block and a brief, or just the beginnings of an idea, we would be glad to hear about it. Tell us a little and Patrik or Treena will be in touch within one to two business days.
We work by enquiry only. There’s no call centre and no phone queue, just a considered conversation with the people who will build your home. info@hallbarprojects.com.au