Experienced advice before, during and after construction.

Planning and pre-construction guidance

Early advice can help you define project priorities, identify decisions that need to be made and prepare better questions for designers, builders and trades.

This service is suitable for new homes, renovations, extensions, home upgrades and owner-builder projects.

• Defining priorities and a practical starting point
• Project scope and likely sequencing
• Questions to resolve before seeking or accepting quotes
• Trade responsibilities and coordination
• Materials and construction options
• Risks that should be investigated before work starts

Quote, budget and scope review

Building quotes can look similar while covering very different work. Marco can review the information supplied and explain the inclusions, exclusions, allowances, assumptions and areas that require clarification.

The aim is not simply to identify the lowest price. It is to help you understand what you are comparing and where unexpected costs may arise later.

• Comparing multiple quotes on a more consistent basis
• Identifying missing or unclear items
• Reviewing provisional sums and allowances
• Highlighting assumptions that should be confirmed
• Preparing questions for the builder or contractor
• Considering the practical implications of different options

Technical building advice and second opinions

When a proposed method, material or explanation does not feel right, an experienced second opinion can provide valuable clarity.

Marco can review the available information, explain the issue in plain English and help you decide whether the matter can be resolved directly or requires specialist input.

• Construction methods and sequencing
• Material selection and suitability
• Workmanship concerns
• Visible defects or incomplete work
• Questions raised by builders or trades
• Proposed repairs and alternative approaches
• Decisions before approving a variation or payment

Leaks, defects and failed repairs

The visible symptom is not always the source of the problem. Repeated repairs can become costly when the underlying cause has not been properly understood.

Marco takes a methodical approach to the history, symptoms, previous work and available evidence. The outcome may be a practical next step, a more focused investigation or a recommendation for specialist testing or reporting.

• Water ingress and moisture damage
• Leaking showers and wet areas
• Deteriorated timber or flooring
• Cracking, movement or poor detailing
• Incomplete or failed repair work
• Workmanship concerns following construction

Project support and problem-solving

Some projects need support at more than one decision point. Marco can remain available on an agreed basis to help maintain momentum and respond to questions as they arise.

• Reviewing new information or proposed changes
• Helping prioritise urgent and non-urgent work
• Preparing questions for builders and trades
• Discussing an agreed technical issue with a relevant contractor
• Reviewing material or equipment options
• Providing sketches or practical explanations where appropriate
• Helping identify when specialist advice is required

Owner-builder and practical DIY guidance

Owner-builders and capable homeowners often need advice on what they can reasonably manage themselves and where a licensed or specialist trade is required.

Marco can help you think through materials, tools, sequencing, access requirements and trade involvement before work begins.

• Suitable materials and practical sourcing considerations
• Tools, access equipment and likely work sequence
• Questions to ask licensed trades
• Identifying work that requires permits, engineering or specialist qualifications