.svg){kind=logo}
/ what you need to know
We realise and understand the huge amount of questions you have and through 2 decades in the industry we have also seen the many mistakes made and the traps along the way.
AVOID THE 'DESIGN TREADMILL
Most people when starting an extension for their home contact an architect. While this seems a logical starting point, it can often be a poor choice. Architects will often jump straight to an agreement that includes detailed working drawings. These can regularly cost well over $12,000-$14,000.
Consider this common scenario; You give the architect your brief and budget. You work closely with them on your design and detailed refinements, and finally settle on a design, often weeks down the track.
The architect will then arrange engineers to complete structural plans, costing you another $5,000-$7,000. You finally then send the plans to builders to quote and weeks later you receive a quote, maybe 2, only to see that you are tens of thousands over your firm budget. Naturally, you go back to the architect to fix, only for them to ask for yet more money. More often than not, the many unwanted compromises and changes to the design are still not enough to bring you back to your budget.
By this stage you could have spent well over $20,000 for what often becomes nothing more than very expensive paper. This can be heartbreaking. At Haven advocates we utilise our buying power to negotiate fixed price concept design agreements with a range of architects and drafters. We are able to guide you through this design stage to ensure your budget expectations are in line with what is being designed.
We then have the designs independantly costed and if they are over budget, we are able to revisit the concept designs and bring them back in line with your budget.
All of this before you invest in expensive technical drawings and plans.This service alone could save you many thousands of dollars.
Projects
Years of experience
Sq meters realised
In savings
/ values
We've got this
You can relax in the knowledge that while you may only do this once or twice in your lifetime, we've done it 100's of times.Our aim is to provide you with a comprehensive, 1 on 1 service that not only takes the stress and workload out of your extension, but can also save you a lot of money at the same time.
Save Money
Firstly, by obtaining an independent and full cost breakdown of your project, using the best available software prior to contacting prospective builders, we are in the best position to negotiate the best and fairest price possible for your project. This results in genuine cost savings and because we take no commissions or fees from builders, the savings are passed on to you.
Save Time
Deal with 1 person, not 10.It is easy to underestimate how difficult it can be to get quotes from quality builders. Quoting requires the builder to dedicate many hours of work and takes them away from what they do best. More often than not you are left to waste a huge amount of time chasing and chasing, only to find they are over budget & not available when you need them. Let Haven Advocates enable you to have quality builders fight for your business.
More Choice
There are many builders that offer the "Start to finish" option but often you are being locked into one builder and one architect, with limited options to shop around or compare quotes. Many of these builders are paying sales people 6-7% commission as well as huge monthly marketing budgets that in the end, you are paying for.
/ members
Managing Director
/ faq
Who do Haven Advocates work for?
We work exclusively for homeowners. Our role is to represent your interests throughout the building or renovation process and provide independent guidance from planning through to completion.
We work for you!
Will you work with my local council?
Yes. We have worked with almost all councils and will manage the approval process on your behalf from start to finish. We liaise directly with council officers, certifiers, and relevant consultants to help ensure your application progresses as smoothly and efficiently as possible, while making sure your voice is represented throughout the process.
Are you affiliated with any builders or architects?
We all only have a finite amount to spend. We get that, and too often we see homeowners given poor advice and unrealistic budget expectations resulting in wasted time and money on plans that will never meet your budget. During our initial free consultation, we will discuss your needs to ensure what you want and need, can be built for your budget.
Is Haven Advocates a building company?
No. We do not build or design homes. We act as an independent advocate and project guide, helping homeowners make informed decisions and manage the process more effectively.
How is Haven Advocates different from a project builder?
Project builders often require early commitment and limit your options. We help you explore options, understand costs, and compare builders before you commit, giving you greater flexibility and control.
Do you work with both renovations and new builds?
You will have a consistent, experienced point of contact who understands your project from start to finish, rather than being passed between multiple people.
Who will I be dealing with throughout the process?
No. We will never accept payments or commissions from any service provider, supplier or builder involved in your project. This ensures that the savings created by leveraging our huge buying power are passed on to you.
Why was Haven Advocates created?
Haven Advocates was established to address common issues homeowners face when building or renovating, including unclear pricing, early commitments, limited choice, and misaligned incentives. Our goal is to create fairer, more transparent outcomes for homeowners.
Is this service only for large or complex projects?
No. While we regularly assist with complex projects, our services are just as valuable for smaller renovations where budget clarity and risk management are equally important.
