OUR SERVICES

Construction projects in Victoria often look affordable at the start — until costs begin to shift. True Cost Construction Consultants acts as an experienced, independent second set of eyes on your project. Working exclusively on the client side with zero contractor bias, we deliver clear technical reviews to help you eliminate surprises and protect your contract budget.

PRE-CONTRACT BUDGET REVIEW

Before committing to a builder, we independently review the construction estimate and scope breakdown to confirm whether listed costs are realistic and complete. This targeted audit uncovers missing items, cost underestimation, and potential variation triggers before the contract is signed.

Client Benefit: Sign your building contract with absolute confidence. 

What the Review Includes:

  • Line-by-line review of the builder’s contract estimate and cost breakdown.

  • Identification of missing scope items or unrealistic provisional allowances.

  • Highlighting of hidden contract variation risks.

  • A comprehensive written summary report detailing our findings.

  • A 60-minute consultation to walk through the analysis.

Typical Investment: $2,500 – $4,500 (Excluding GST).

Price varies depending on project size and complexity. A fixed-fee proposal is provided following an initial project discussion.

An infographic detailing the four key phases of project cost management: resource planning, cost estimation, budgeting, and ongoing cost control.

FEASIBILITY AND BUDGET ADVICE

Early, independent cost insight ensures your project concept aligns with your commercial project goals. We provide independent budget guidance during the initial planning and concept design stages to help you avoid expensive, time-consuming redesign fees later.

Client Benefit: Know the real technical cost of your project before you start.

What the Service Includes:

  • Preliminary construction cost estimating based on concept designs.

  • Independent budget guidance during early planning phases.

  • Professional advice on major cost drivers and structural project risks.

  • Practical recommendations to keep the architectural design aligned with your budget.

  • A written project feasibility cost summary.

Typical Investment: $4,000 – $8,000 (Excluding GST).

Price varies depending on project scope. A fixed-fee proposal is provided following an initial project discussion.

Two people working at a desk with laptops and papers, one person writing notes with a pen.

ONGOING COST MANAGEMENT

We provide independent cost tracking and continuous monitoring during the active construction phase. We assist clients by reviewing ongoing contractor submissions, analyzing variation claims, and protecting you against unauthorized project cost expansion.

Client Benefit: Maintain total control over contractor variations mid-build.

What the Service Includes:

  • Monthly cost reviews and active contract budget tracking.

  • Rigorous variation assessment, scope verification, and advice.

  • Proactive contract budget forecasting.

  • Attendance at key client-builder meetings for independent technical support.

  • Continuous independent guidance throughout the entire delivery phase.

Typical Investment: $1,500 – $3,000 per month (Excluding GST)

Monthly rate varies depending on project size and level of involvement. A fixed-fee proposal is provided following an initial project discussion.

A home construction project budget template showing projected and actual costs for various tasks like excavation, foundation, framing, and electrical, with color-coded status indicators and a Gantt chart of task timelines.

Let’s Secure Your Construction Budget

If you are looking for an independent review of your estimate, contract, or construction variations, we are here to protect your interests. Reach out today to discuss your project parameters and receive a tailored, fixed-fee proposal.

How It Works:

  1. Submit Details: Complete our brief project form and upload up to 5 initial files. For larger blueprint sets or architectural plans, you can email them directly to us immediately after submitting.

  2. Initial Consultation: We will arrange a brief discussion to clarify your audit scope.

  3. Fixed Proposal: You receive a transparent, fixed-fee proposal for your review.