Not Sure Whether to Renovate, Rebuild, or Move?
Whisker Architecture produces Home Masterplan Reports so homeowners can make well-informed decisions from the start. The reports clarify scope and budget, to set client expectations. This obligation-free service ensures you have the knowledge to communicate what you want to any professional.
Bungalow Reborn Pascoe Vale, Blue Staircase
A Smart First Step: The Home Masterplan Report
At Whisker Architecture, we don’t just design beautiful homes—we help you make smart, informed decisions before committing to a major project.
The reality is that construction prices have increased in recent years, along with interest rates and the cost of living. This makes it more expensive to build and finance a project.
But most homeowners don’t build often enough to have their finger on the pulse of real construction prices—and that’s not their fault.
The industry is confusing.
From unrealistic TV shows to misleading “base prices” from volume builders, it’s hard to know what’s actually possible within your budget.
That’s why our Home Masterplan Report exists—to cut through the noise and give you real answers upfront.
The Smartest First Step Before Designing Your Dream Home
Check out our Home Masterplan Report for expert guidance before you build.
Why the Home Masterplan Report is a Smart First Step
Most people think they know what their dream home should cost. But many find out too late that their project is far more expensive than expected—after they’ve already spent tens of thousands in design fees.
We don’t want that for you.
The Home Masterplan Report helps you understand:
What’s realistic for your site, needs, and budget
How much your project is likely to cost—before committing to design fees
Whether to renovate, rebuild, or move
What timeline you’re looking at for council approvals and construction
It’s not about crushing dreams. It’s about saving you time, money, and heartache.
Sassy Pesto, Strip lighting and plywood detailing
Beaconsfield Hillside Home
The Truth About Home Renovation Costs (And Why We Tell You Early)
Many architects say “yes” to any project just to win work, even if it’s unrealistic from the start.
We don’t.
After completing a Home Masterplan Report, not all clients decide to move forward with a design project with us. The rest?
Some realise selling and buying elsewhere is a better option for their family - particularly considering the disruption of moving into a rental for 12-18 months.
Others decide they don’t want to compromise on their dream so they save and come back later or schedule it for a more convenient time. A fitting example of that is a client who’s daughter is getting married in their amazing garden - so we’ve put a hold on renovation work until after the big day!
Some see that their wishlist doesn’t match their budget or their critical timeframes and refine their vision. Another great option here is to stage your dream design - like our Banksia Renewed clients did! In this example we documented a desperately needed bathroom renovation first and then 2 years later we’re starting the renovation of the rest of the house.
A few even do a second Home Masterplan Report—because they learned so much from the first one that their vision changed! Our reports are not just a conversation between client and architect, they’re also often a clarifying conversation between partners, and a conversation between clients and financial advisors.
And that’s a good thing.
Because we’re not here to push you into a project that isn’t right for you.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes: The Home Masterplan Report vs. the Alternative
We’ve had multiple clients come to us after spending $20,000 to $80,000 with other design teams, only to realise their project was never going to work.
If that happened to us, we’d be furious too.
Instead of waiting until the tender or construction stage (when it’s too late), we help you make an informed decision from day one.
Why Homeowners Trust Us
We prioritise honesty over selling false hope
We collaborate, not dictate—it’s your home, your journey
We design homes to be built, not to sit in a drawer
100% of our clients who move forward into design, proceed to construction
We won’t tell you what you want to hear just to win a project. We’ll give you the right advice from day one—so you can make the decision that’s best for you.
Richmond Terrace, Living Room Cabinetry
Thinking About Your Dream Home? Start Smart.
Before you commit to a major project, get clarity first.
📞 Book a Free 20-Minute Clarity Call with Audrey to see if a Home Masterplan Report is right for you.
💡 Not sure whether to renovate or move? Download our free guide: “Can I Afford My Dream Home?” to help you decide.
Let’s build a better world together—one realistic, achievable, and beautifully designed home at a time.
Now booking for April 2026.
“Prescription without diagnosis is malpractice”
Every Whisker Architecture project begins with a Home Masterplan Report. It is your strategic roadmap, giving you clarity on design possibilities, budget expectations, and the practical considerations that shape your home before you commit to design or construction. By investing upfront, you save time, money, and heartache later, with advice you can trust from day one.
Inclusions
On-site Briefing Session: We walk your site together, explore how you live, and understand the goals, challenges and long-term intentions for your home.
Site & Planning Review: A clear explanation of zoning, overlays, services and any constraints that may influence your options in plain English.
Inspiration Snapshot: A curated overview of style and materials so we begin with shared visual direction.
Three Tailored Design Pathways: The Dream, The Budget and the Goldilocks, three distinct ways to shape your home based on lifestyle fit, desired outcomes and budget ranges.
Cost Comparisons: Independent cost guidance for each pathway so you understand the implications of scope, materials and construction approach.
Complete Project Budget: A forecast of consultants, approvals and contingencies for a realistic view of total project investment.
For renovation projects, existing floor plans (including realestate.com.au marketing plans) are usually sufficient. If no plans are available, a site measure may be required and will be confirmed with you before proceeding.
What Happens Next
Your Home Masterplan Report completes the Clarity and Options stages of our process. From here, you can pause, refine or move into the Certainty stage with a clear understanding of what is right for your family.
Book your Home Masterplan Report today and start with clarity.
