Article
Why So Many Inner West Renovations Go Over Budget — and How to Avoid It
Jun 1, 2025
Industry
"We didn’t realise it would cost that much."
It’s something we hear almost every week — from homeowners, architects, and even consultants.
And it’s almost always the same story: a client has invested in plans they love, only to discover that building them will cost $100K–$300K more than they ever expected. Frustration. Disappointment. Sometimes outright panic.
This isn’t a one-off. It’s a pattern. And if you’re planning a renovation, extension or new build in Sydney’s Inner West, it could easily happen to you.
Why Budgets Blow Out in the Inner West
We’ve been building in the Inner West for decades, and we’ve seen the same problem derail projects time and again: design and budget grow in isolation.
By the time most people call us, their plans are 80% locked in and they’ve already spent thousands on design. But no one has had the difficult conversation about budget along the way.
Then the tender returns, and the reality hits hard.
There are reasons why this problem is becoming even more common:
Volatile material costs: Prices from 12 months ago simply don’t hold anymore.
Challenging sites: Tight access, sloping blocks, heritage overlays and drainage issues are common across the Inner West.
Late builder engagement: Builders are often brought in after the plans are nearly complete, long after budget alignment should have happened.
The result? Redesigns, delays, and projects being abandoned altogether. The financial cost is high — but the emotional toll can be even higher.
The Solution: Pre-Design Feasibility by HXD
At HXD, we believe builders should step in earlier. That’s why we’ve built our Pre-Design Feasibility & Budget Alignment Report — a process designed to save clients from costly surprises and months of wasted time.
This isn’t a token add-on. It’s a working tool that gives you clarity before your plans go too far down the track. Our feasibility report helps you:
Understand what your budget can realistically achieve based on current market costs
Identify cost drivers early, like selections or structural requirements pushing the scope
Make scope decisions in context, not in panic
Avoid expensive redesigns by aligning the design with your budget from day one
A key part of this process is our Fixtures & Finishes Matrix — a detailed, visual guide built from real HXD projects that shows how different materials and selections affect cost. It helps you make smarter choices without compromising the end result.
Why This Matters
Too many great designs in the Inner West are going unbuilt because the budget conversation happens too late. We’re here to change that.
Our feasibility process gives you certainty about cost and scope before you get emotionally (and financially) invested in plans that might not be achievable. It keeps your project moving forward — and can save you tens of thousands of dollars in redesign fees and delays.
Ready to Talk?
If you’re thinking about a renovation, extension or new build, you don’t need a DA-ready plan to start the conversation.
Get in touch with us early, even if you only have a rough idea or concept sketches. We’ll help you move forward with clarity, not guesswork — and avoid the budget traps that derail so many Inner West projects.