The PAC Process: Get Clarity In Your Home-Building Journey

Worried your dream home will blow the budget before it’s even built?

Most people discover too late that their plans are unbuildable or unaffordable. The PAC Process is a proven pre-construction process that protects your budget, keeps your design realistic, and sets your build up for success.

Why The Traditional Model Doesn't Work

A lot of homeowners begin their home-building journey with the traditional design–bid–build model.

Unfortunately, it’s riddled with problems:

  • Budget overruns and redesigns are common when designs are finalised without proper costing.
  • Free quotes are based on incomplete scopes, so they rarely reflect true construction costs.
  • Late builder involvement often means beautiful plans turn out to be unbuildable.
  • Poor communication between the design team and builder causes delays and hidden costs.


PAC Process Gets Into The Nitty Gritty

The PAC Process (Paid As Consultant) was created by Live Life Build to fix a common problem: homeowners invest in beautiful designs, only to find out later they can’t afford to build them.


With PAC, we are involved in the preliminary stages of designing your dream home. The quoting process is thorough as we dive deep into what will go into the build. From the structural foundations down to the tap fittings.


The process can take weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the build, but it means your team (architect, builder, interior designer) is on the same page from the initial stage.

With the PAC Process, you get:

Budget Certainty

Buildability Checks

Accurate Cost Analysis

Fewer Redesigns

Transparency

A Collaborative Approach

PAC Process is the Best Way to Avoid Budget Blowouts

The PAC Process flips the script, protecting homeowners from surprises.

You receive accurate costings and breakdowns of cost during the PAC phase.

(You can also check out our Tools & Resources page, for free guides such as the Budget Clarity Checklist)
A clear scope of work and construction timeline are mapped out before the building contract.
You can make educated decisions based on real numbers.
Your budget expectations are protected from the very beginning.

The PAC Process Will Inspire Your Design

Your design phase should be inspiring, not stressful. PAC makes it smoother by ensuring:

  • Your building designer, architect, and builder collaborate as one team.
  • Buildability checks confirm your dream home can be delivered on your site.
  • We guide you through selections, materials, and construction methods with cost transparency.
  • Early involvement prevents wasted time, money, and last-minute compromises.

Our PAC Process

We keep the Pre-Construction Process clear and structured:

1.
Client Enquiry & Discovery Call

You reach out via phone or our form below. We'll be in touch to arrange a time to meet in person to discuss your vision, site, and goals.

2.
Pre-Construction Consultation

We act as your building consultant, reviewing plans, risks, and costs with your design team.

3.
Project Proposal

We provide a detailed scope of work, cost analysis, and construction timeline.

4.
Building Contract

With clarity and confidence, you move forward into the formal building process.

5.
Construction Phase

We deliver your project with structured project management, clear communication, and weekly updates.

Recent Home Renovations in the Northern Rivers Region

TESTIMONIAL

"I’ve been in a lot of building projects over my career & these are the guys you want to do your building work. Top drawer quality."

Who Is the PAC Process Right For?

The PAC Process is designed for homeowners who want clarity, not chaos.

It’s ideal if you’re:


  • In the early stages with no plans yet. We’ll help clarify your vision and budget.
  • Working with a chosen designer or Registered Architect. We’ll align costs and buildability with your design process.
  • Ready to build. We’ll prepare your Project Proposal with detailed scope, costs, and timeline.
  • Architects you want to design with confidence for their clients' budget and buildability, knowing their vision stays intact and to avoid redraws.


PAC is not for:



  • Price shoppers looking for the cheapest quote.


What Makes North Bay Building Different?

We’ve gone further by becoming officially PAC Process Trained.

We completed the PAC Challenge online program with Live Life Build.

We integrate PAC into every project through structured project management and communication.

We value communication, planning, and professionalism at every stage of the project

We’re committed to helping you achieve the absolute best project possible.

Awarded 2024 HOUSE ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS AND RENOVATIONS, NSW Regional Excellence in Building Awards for Koellner Road.

Ready to Build Your Dream Home with Confidence?

Eager to feel the premium quality of your dream custom home?


At North Bay Building, we’re passionate about turning your ideas into reality.


Think of your home like a tailor-made suit. Off-the-rack might fit okay, but it will never feel quite right. The sleeves are a little too long. The fabric doesn't breathe. And no matter how much you adjust, it’s never truly yours.


A custom home is different. It’s designed around you—your lifestyle, your needs, and the way you move through your space. Every room flows the way it should. Every detail, from the sunlit breakfast nook to the high, airy ceilings, is made to fit your vision.


Whether you’re dreaming of a bespoke retreat tucked into the Byron Bay coastline, a sprawling family home where memories are made, or a luxury escape built to wind down and put your feet up, we’re here to make it happen.


Servicing Byron Bay, Byron Shire, and Northern NSW – We Build quality homes with passion and precision.


Call Brett today 0407 145 804 to discuss your ideas.

Faq

Common questions about the PAC process

  • What exactly is the PAC Process?

    The PAC Process (Paid As Consultant) is a structured pre-construction process where we (your builder) are involved from the very beginning. Instead of rushing into design and quoting, we work with your designer or architect to make sure your dream home is both buildable and within budget. This means you won’t end up with plans you love but can’t afford to build.

  • Why should I pay for a PAC Consultation when other builders give free quotes?

    Free quotes are often based on incomplete information, which is why so many homeowners end up with blown budgets and stressful redesigns halfway through. A PAC Consultation is a small upfront investment that protects you from those headaches. It gives you clarity, removes guesswork, and saves you from wasting thousands of dollars and months of time later on.

  • Will the PAC Process limit my design choices?

    Not at all. PAC is about protecting your vision, not restricting it. By involving us early, we help you explore practical design options and cost-effective materials so your home can actually be built the way you imagined it. Instead of crushing your dream, PAC makes sure it’s realistic, achievable, and doesn’t have to be compromised at the last minute.

  • How much does the PAC Process cost?

    The cost depends on the size and complexity of your project, but it’s only a fraction of your overall build cost. Think of it as insurance against the nightmare of budget blowouts. Spending a little upfront can save you tens of thousands down the track by avoiding redraws, delays, or mid-build variations.

  • What do I get out of a PAC Consultation?

    After your PAC Consultation, you’ll have:

    • An accurate breakdown of all your costs
    • Buildability checks to confirm your plans will actually work
    • A clear scope of work and timeline
    • Confidence to move forward without fear of nasty surprises

    Most homeowners only discover problems when it’s too late. With PAC, you find out about them early, when they can still be fixed easily and affordably.

  • How is the PAC Process different from the traditional design–bid–build model?

    The traditional model often leaves homeowners stuck with designs that don’t fit their budget or site, which leads to stress and frustration. PAC is different because it brings your builder, architect, and budget together from the start. You get transparency, collaboration, and peace of mind instead of uncertainty and hidden costs.

  • Can I use the PAC Process if I already have an architect or designer?

    Yes. PAC works best when your builder and designer collaborate early. We’ll review your plans with your architect, check buildability, and align the design with accurate costs. That way, your architect’s vision is protected, and you don’t face the heartbreak of having to redraw plans later.

  • What happens after the PAC Process is complete?

    At the end of the PAC Process, you’ll receive a detailed Project Proposal with a scope of work, accurate costings, and a construction timeline. From there, you can move into a building contract with clarity and confidence, knowing your budget and design are protected. No second-guessing, no sleepless nights.

  • Who is the PAC Process right for?

    PAC is perfect if you:

    • Are just starting out and want to get your vision and budget aligned early
    • Already have a designer or architect and want confidence your design is affordable and buildable
    • Value clarity, transparency, and peace of mind before committing to a build

    It’s not designed for price shoppers who just want the cheapest quote. It’s for homeowners who want their dream home built without stress or surprises.

  • How long does the PAC Process take?

    The time frame depends on the size and complexity of your project. Some homes take a few weeks, while larger projects may take longer. What’s important is that it’s thorough and detailed, so you don’t waste time later on with redraws or delays. Taking a little extra time upfront saves you a lot of time and stress once building begins.

  • How does PAC save me money in the long run?

    PAC saves you money by spotting risks early, aligning your design with your budget, and reducing the need for redraws or variations during construction. Most homeowners end up paying for the same work twice because they skip this step. PAC makes sure every dollar you spend is going towards building your dream, not fixing mistakes.