What to Expect in the Prestart Process with Patterson Construction

From your first conversation to final paperwork – here’s how we help you get started the right way.

Building a home is one of the most significant milestones in life. But for many homeowners in Perth, the journey doesn’t always begin with a blank slate. Some clients come to us partway through their project, having faced the unexpected—like a builder who walked away or went into liquidation. Others are looking for a trusted, builder-direct partner to bring their new home to life from day one.

At Patterson Construction, we pride ourselves on being the builder who steps up when others won’t. Whether you’re looking to take over an unfinished build or start fresh, our prestart process ensures everything begins with clarity, transparency, and trust.

Here’s how it works.

1. The First Point of Contact: Listening First

Your journey with us begins the moment you get in touch—either through our website or directly with Lucas, our founder and builder. From that first conversation, we take the time to listen. No sales pitches. No rushed calls. Just a genuine interest in understanding your needs.

Are you taking over a partially completed home? Are you starting a new build and want a team who will walk alongside you, not just hand over a quote? These are the kinds of questions we ask. We’ll also request any relevant documents—such as plans, engineer drawings, building permits, or correspondence with a previous builder—so we can get the full picture.

We understand that some clients come to us feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and uncertain about what’s next. That’s why we make this first step feel like a conversation, not a transaction.

2. Preparing Your Quotation: Transparency Matters

Once we’ve gathered the necessary information, we prepare a detailed quotation. And when we say detailed, we mean it.

At Patterson Construction, we believe in absolute transparency. Our quotes are clear, comprehensive, and easy to understand. Every inclusion and exclusion is itemised, so there’s no guesswork. We know too many Perth homeowners have been burned by vague quotes or surprise costs down the track. That’s not how we do things.

We’ll outline everything—what’s included in the scope, what’s optional, and what will need further discussion. You’ll receive a document you can trust, built on honesty and professionalism.

3. Personalised Pricing and Open Negotiation

Every Patterson Construction quote is personally priced by Lucas. He doesn’t outsource this critical step because he knows the importance of getting it right—from both a cost and a quality perspective.

Lucas often works closely with clients to refine their quote, offering tailored solutions, alternative materials, or additional inclusions based on budget and design goals. There's usually a bit of back-and-forth—negotiations, tweaks, and sometimes even a few bonuses or “freebies” Lucas can throw in where it makes sense.

This stage is about partnership. We want you to feel heard, respected, and confident in your decision to build with us.

4. Contract Preparation: Putting It All in Writing

Once the quotation is finalised and both parties are happy, we move into preparing your building contract. This step formalises everything we’ve discussed and agreed upon, from timelines and materials to allowances and payment milestones.

It’s a big moment, especially for clients who’ve experienced setbacks or challenges with other builders. We take our time here to ensure everything is laid out clearly. This isn’t just paperwork—it’s the foundation of a partnership built on trust.

5. Signing the Contract: In-Person and Personal

Unlike large construction companies where you might never meet the builder, at Patterson Construction, you’ll sign your contract with Lucas himself. That face-to-face connection matters.

Typically, contract signing takes place at our office or on-site. When possible, one of our Journey Coordinators (JCs) will also attend. They’ll be your day-to-day point of contact throughout the build, helping you with selections, updates, and all the little decisions that make your home truly yours.

We view this moment not just as a formal signing, but as the beginning of a trusted relationship.

6. Behind the Scenes: Permits, Insurance & Approvals

Once your contract is signed, we get to work behind the scenes to prepare your site for construction.

This includes:

Arranging all required insurances

Applying for building permits

Scheduling any necessary structural inspections

If you’re taking over an unfinished build, this step may also involve reviewing what inspections have already been done and identifying any gaps or compliance issues that need to be resolved.

You don’t need to worry about managing this process—we handle everything for you and keep you informed every step of the way.

The Patterson Promise: We Start the Right Way

At Patterson Construction, we know how important it is to start strong. The prestart process is more than admin—it’s where trust is built, expectations are aligned, and your project begins with confidence.

Whether we’re picking up the pieces of an abandoned build or breaking ground on your forever home, we treat every project with the same level of care, attention, and personal service. No fluff, no false promises—just solid foundations and open communication.