Episode 06: Keep Your Custom Home on Budget with Early Contractor Involvement (ECI)

70 out of 10 custom home designs never make it to site - and the biggest reason is avoidable. In this episode, builder Simon Clark explains the #1 mistake homeowners make: engaging a designer or architect without bringing a builder in early. Simon shares a war-story from his early career (the “square-metre rate” tender) and lays out a smarter path: Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) at the most critical time in your design process.You’ll learn how a reputable builder prices properly (not guesswork), builds a detailed spec and bill of quantities, and value-manages materials and selections so you can move into planning and interiors with cost certainty. He also covers why “free tenders” backfire, the real hours it takes to estimate thoroughly, and how ECI lets you test a builder out before you commit to a six or seven-figure build.What you’ll take away:When the best time is to involve your builder via an ECI agreementWhat a good ECI delivers: comprehensive pricing, spec, BOQ, value-managementWhy “free” tenders and square-metre rates can lead you down the garden path to disappointment and frustrationThe true cost of delays vs. a $5k–$10k ECI agreement that could save you $100,000How ECI boosts buildability, budget control, and confidence from paper to siteWho it’s for: Homeowners, architects/designers, and anyone planning a renovation or new custom home.If you'd like to know more, please reach out to Sustainable Homes Melbourne or call us on 1800 683 697.