Building a home in Perth shouldn’t feel like a series of compromises. But when you go with a project builder, that’s often what you get.

Their cookie-cutter designs are plonked onto blocks without much thought about how they’ll fit the land — or your lifestyle.

This usually results in awkward layouts, steep retaining walls, or a house that doesn’t take advantage of essentials like sunlight and airflow.

And before long, you’re left thinking, “Nah, this just doesn’t work for me.”

Take Mike and Chloe, For Example

They were thrilled when they found a sloping block in Perth’s hilly outskirts. With views stretching out over the treetops, it felt like the perfect place to grow their family.

Wanting the process to be as fast and straightforward as possible, they went with a project builder. The design seemed solid, and the price felt manageable, so they signed the contract and got started.

But the Trouble Began Right Away

Because the design wasn’t suited to the slope of their block, the builder had to add massive retaining walls to create a level foundation. This not only added thousands to their budget but also swallowed up a chunk of their yard.

Soon after, another issue cropped up: the retaining walls created a steep incline up to the front door. The builder’s solution? Ten narrow stairs leading from the driveway to the entry. At first, they thought they could live with it… until Chloe’s parents came to visit.

The stairs turned out to be exhausting, making every trip to the front door feel like a workout. Other guests began commenting on the awkward design decision, too, and over time, the steep climb became a daily source of regret and frustration.

Inside, the Problems Were Just as Glaring 

The layout didn’t make the most of their block’s stunning views and natural light, leaving rooms dim and uninspiring. What’s more, the kitchen was crammed awkwardly into a corner, making it feel disconnected from the rest of the living space.

Mike and Chloe had built a house, sure — but it didn’t feel like a home. And it fit the block like a square peg in a round hole.

So what could they have done differently?

Build Custom From Day One

A custom homebuilder doesn’t crowbar a generic design into your block. They work with the land you’ve got, turning what might seem like challenges into opportunities. It’s about designing a practical, liveable home that feels like it belongs.

Here’s how quality builders tackle the job:

Approach #1: They give you clear, upfront pricing. With project homes, every little tweak can send costs spiralling out of control, especially on tricky sites. Whether it’s moving a wall, adjusting the roofline, or adding storage, changes come with hefty markups, often running into thousands extra. That’s because project builders charge a higher margin for alterations, turning what seemed like a budget-friendly option into a costly exercise. Good builders, on the other hand, dig into the details upfront, factoring in things like drainage, custom footings, and any engineering adjustments your block might need, so you’re not hit with surprises halfway through.

Approach #2: They work with you, not for you. Quality builders don’t just hand you a catalogue of cookie-cutter layouts and call it a day. Instead, they dig into the details that matter to you. Maybe you want your kitchen to be the heart of the home, with room for guests to gather while you cook. Or maybe you need extra storage tucked into your living spaces because you’ve got kids (and all the chaos that comes with them). They’ll listen to how you live and shape the design around it.

Approach #3: They adapt to your block. A good builder doesn’t see land as a problem to fix — they see it as a starting point. Sloping block? No worries. They might suggest a split-level design with an undercroft garage or extra storage to make the most of the slope without needing big retaining walls or awkward stairs. Unusual shape? They’ll work out ways to use every square metre wisely. It’s all about designing a house that works with your block, not against it.

Approach #4: They manage sunlight and airflow. Perth’s heat can be relentless, so it’s not just about letting the sun in; it’s about controlling it. Great builders consider where the sun rises and sets, using shading, eaves, and thoughtful window placement to avoid turning your house into a sauna. They’ll also position windows and doors to catch the Fremantle Doctor, so you can stay cool without relying on the aircon all day.

The Takeaway? “Near Enough” Isn’t Enough

Project homes might seem like the easy choice at first, but they often come with compromises and regrets — and a hefty bill to fix them later. Custom homes, on the other hand, are designed around your land and your lifestyle, creating spaces that not only work but feel like home.

But there’s more to building a home in Perth than just picking a custom builder, which is why we’ve put together this free guide for you to download:

Build with Confidence – 7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home

It’s packed with practical advice to help you steer clear of homebuilding pitfalls and build a home you’ll love.

*Disclaimer: Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals. These stories are based on real events, and any resemblance to actual persons is coincidental.