Two Hammers Construction Blog
Should I Start With a Designer or a Builder? Here’s What You Should Know.
So—you’ve decided to build or renovate? How exciting! You’ve found the most perfect block and want to build your dream home, Or you need more space? Maybe the kids are growing, or there is another on the way….... Or maybe you’ve got a doer-upper but you don’t want to move because the location is perfect? Maybe you need a granny flat? Whatever it is, you’re ready to go from thinking about it to actually doing it.
And then you hit The Big Question:
Do we call a designer first… or a builder?
It’s a great question—and one we get all the time.
The short answer?
You can do either. But there are some important things to consider that could save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.
Why starting with a builder can be a smart move
As builders who specialise in custom high-performance homes, major extensions and renovations, we’ve seen too many people spend thousands on a design… only to discover it’s double their budget to build. Ouch.
When you engage your builder early to consult during design, you get:
Budget guidance as the design evolves (before it’s set in stone)
Buildability advice—what looks dreamy on paper might not make sense on your site
Access to collaborative designers and architects we trust
A smoother planning, approval, and build process
It’s not about controlling your project—it’s about supporting it from the start, so you don’t have to backtrack later.
But what if we already have a designer?
Totally fine! We work with lots of great external designers. But it’s still a good idea to get a builder involved early-ish, especially before final drawings are locked in.
That way, we can:
Help with cost estimating
Spot any tricky details or structural issues
Help save your hard-earned budget to where it provides you the most value
Make sure what’s being drawn is achievable within your timeframe and budget
What about paying twice?
A few people have asked us, “If I pay a designer and then come to you, will I have to redo it all?” And the honest answer is: sometimes yes. But often no. It depends on how experienced the designer is with actual builds in our region, and how well they’ve aligned with your goals. We’ve seen clients go through design 3 or 4 times before they came to us, loosing thousands of dollars on the way. It breaks our heart. honestly, it does!
That’s why we always recommend choosing a designer who either:
Has worked closely with a builder before, or
Is happy to collaborate with us along the way
So, what’s the best next step?
If you’re feeling unsure, give us a shout. We’re happy to chat, even if you’re at the very beginning. We’ll point you in the right direction, even if it’s not through us.
No pressure. No jargon. Just straight-up advice from people who’ve been doing this a while.
After all, this build is going to be part of your life for the next 1–2 years. You want the right team around you from day one.
Need help with your renovation or extension? We do work from Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup, Margaret River and Augusta (and everywhere in between).
We’re Two Hammers Construction—your local bespoke builder with a love of great design, craftsmanship, and helping people build something they’re proud of. We build the best it can be built.