1) Skipping Precise Set-Out (Square, Level, Plumb)
What happens: Rooms go out of square; kitchens/bathrooms don’t fit; plasterboard waves.
Budget impact: $800–$3,500+ in shimming, refitting cabinets/tiles, extra labour.
How we avoid it: Laser levels, string lines, datum control on day one; we photo-document critical corners and share with you/your builder.
2) Late Design Changes (Doors/Windows/Layouts)
What happens: Remaking openings, re-ordering doors/windows, re-running services.
Budget impact: $1,200–$8,000+ depending on affected trades.
How we avoid it: “Freeze” openings with signed door/window schedules pre-framing; 24-hour change window before we stand studs.
3) No Engineering for Load-Bearing Modifications
What happens: Undersized lintels/beams; deflection and cracking later; failed inspection.
Budget impact: $1,500–$12,000+ for emergency steel/LVL swap, props, and rework.
How we avoid it: Engineer-stamped details before cutting; we coordinate beam bearings, posts, fixings, and inspection timing.
4) Ignoring Services Pathways (Clashes With Studs/Beams)
What happens: Electricians/plumbers carve up studs; structural integrity compromised; re-framing.
Budget impact: $600–$4,000+ plus program delays.
How we avoid it: Services map on the frame plans; pre-punched/guarded holes (steel) or compliant drill/notch rules (timber); nogging for mixers, vanities, TVs.
5) Moisture & Weatherproofing Oversights
What happens: Swollen frames, warped linings, long-term leaks.
Budget impact: $1,000–$10,000+ remediation; schedule blowouts.
How we avoid it: Material storage off ground/covered; sarking/wrap sequencing; sill pans/flashings at windows; wet-area substrates specified up front.
6) Under-Bracing & Tie-Down Shortcuts
What happens: Racking in high winds; failed certifier checks; re-sheeting.
Budget impact: $900–$5,000+ in rework and extra inspections.
How we avoid it: Bracing layouts per engineer/NCC; correct strap/tie-down patterns; we log fixings with photos for sign-off.
7) Wrong Stud Spacing or Inconsistent Noggings
What happens: Wavy walls, cracked plaster, tiles popping; joinery misaligns.
Budget impact: $700–$3,000+ in remedials and finish upgrades.
How we avoid it: Verified centres (e.g., 450/600mm) and nogging heights marked; additional blocking where heavy loads or tall tiles are planned.
8) Poor Access & Logistics Planning
What happens: Crews idle; crane re-bookings; damaged materials; neighbour disputes.
Budget impact: $500–$2,500+ in wasted time/fees.
How we avoid it: Delivery slots aligned to install sequence; pre-arranged parking/cranage; waste and material staging plan before day one.
9) Acoustic/Thermal Requirements Added Too Late
What happens: Re-lining or bodged add-ons that don’t perform.
Budget impact: $1,000–$6,000+ plus comfort/sound issues.
How we avoid it: Confirm BAL/acoustic/thermal specs at quote stage; batts, resilient mounts, thermal breaks included in our method statement.
10) Missing Hold-Points & Documentation
What happens: Hidden defects, arguments at handover, certifier pushback.
Budget impact: $500–$3,500+ in repeats and delays.
How we avoid it: Planned hold-points (set-out, framing, steel, pre-close-up); shared photo log and checklist; certifier sign-off aligned to program.
Bonus: Small Choices That Save Big
- Pre-order lintels/LVLs once engineering is final to avoid site idle time.
- Block for future loads: vanities, shower screens, kitchen uppers, handrails, wall-mounted TVs.
- Label everything: room tags, opening IDs, centre marks, services heights.
- Protect frames from weather; elevate packs; keep air flowing.
Our QA Playbook (Ramcon Method)
- Pre-start workshop: Drawings, services map, engineering, approvals.
- Laser set-out: Datum, squareness, opening confirms; photo record.
- Frame build: Correct centres, bracing, noggings; blocking for loads.
- Steel & lintels: Bearings, props, fixings; engineer/certifier check.
- Pre-close-up walk-through: With owner/builder + key trades.
- Moisture & wraps: Sills/flashings/sarking; wet-area substrates.
- Sign-off pack: Photos, checklists, inspection notes.
Indicative Cost of Getting It Right (vs Fixing It Later)
| Item | Do It Right First | Fix It Later |
|---|---|---|
| Set-out & layout checks | $300–$800 | $1,500–$3,500+ |
| Services mapping & blocking | $200–$600 | $800–$2,500+ |
| Moisture detailing (sills/wraps) | $250–$700 | $1,200–$5,000+ |
| Bracing/tie-downs QA | $150–$400 | $900–$2,000+ |
| Engineering confirmation | $300–$900 | $2,000–$8,000+ |
Sydney-typical, project-dependent. Exact pricing requires site inspection and drawings.
Handy Pre-Framing Checklist (Copy/Paste)
- ✅ Final door/window schedule signed off
- ✅ Engineer details for all structural changes
- ✅ Services map (electrical/plumbing/HVAC) with heights
- ✅ Blocking plan for cabinets/vanities/TVs/handrails
- ✅ Bracing/tie-down layout printed on site
- ✅ Moisture detailing: wraps, flashings, sill pans
- ✅ Delivery/crane slots booked; access plan agreed
- ✅ Hold-points scheduled; certifier times locked
- ✅ Photo log template ready (set-out, framing, steel, pre-close-up)
FAQs
Can I avoid rework if I’m still finalising design?
Yes—freeze only the affected areas while you finalise others, but expect some program risk. We’ll sequence to protect the budget.
Do I always need an engineer to remove a wall?
If it’s structural or unclear—yes. We’ll help verify and coordinate details.
What if services need to move later?
We can adapt, but it’s cheaper to map them up front. We allow a small change window before linings.