Redefining the Way Australians Build Through Transparency and Collaboration
Introduction
The Australian Benchmark Home Project
Welcome to the Australian Benchmark Home. This project, managed through Custom Owner Builders, is not a display home or a corporate venture—it is my family’s personal residence. I am building it to demonstrate a new, more collaborative and transparent approach to home construction in Australia.
Let me be clear: I am not selling you anything. I have chosen to openly share every step of this build so that others can learn from the process—the coordination, the challenges, and the significant savings that come from working directly with trusted suppliers and trades.
My belief in this model isn’t theoretical; it’s based on experience. Fifteen years ago, while building a home in Brisbane, I used a similar approach for our pool. A friend recommended a professional who, for a flat fee, managed the entire project: he coordinated the trades and ordered the materials, but I paid every company directly. The result was exceptional value for money, and it planted a seed.
01
Build Smarter, Save More
Eliminate builder markups by working directly with trusted global suppliers.
02
Uncompromising Quality
Showcase materials that rival (and often exceed) the standards of Australia’s top luxury builders.
03
Transparency at Every Step
Full cost visibility — no middlemen, no inflated prices.
About Our Company
My Core Values
This project is built on more than just materials; it’s built on a shared philosophy. Every company involved—from the steel frame manufacturer to the glazing specialists—is a partner who shares my commitment to these core principles.
These values are the foundation of my approach with Custom Owner Builders:
Trust & Transparency: This is the cornerstone of everything I do. It means open books, honest conversations, and no hidden costs or markups. I believe you can only build a great home when there is complete trust between everyone involved.
Collaborative Partnership:
A successful build is a symphony, not a solo. I foster a culture where every trade and supplier works in sync towards a common goal. This means proactive communication, mutual support, and a shared commitment to the project’s success.
Uncompromising Quality: I am committed to excellence in both materials and craftsmanship. From the structural frame to the final finishes, every element is chosen and installed to last, ensuring the home stands the test of time.
Mutual Respect & Fair Value:
I respect the skill and time of every professional on this project. This respect is reflected in my commitment to fair pricing that supports sustainable businesses and rewards quality work, creating a positive and productive environment for all.
About Our Company
Build Philosophy
A Smarter Way to Build — The Owner-Driven Model
The conventional path involves handing over full control to a single builder. My project demonstrates a powerful alternative: The Owner-Driven Model, where you become the project’s leader, ensuring your vision, budget, and standards are met at every stage.
This approach is built on a simple principle: by working directly with manufacturers and paying trades at agreed rates, you eliminate layered builder markups and retain complete transparency. You are not just the client; you are the central point of coordination, maintaining oversight from foundation to finish.
This model proves that with the right process, managing your own build is not only possible but profoundly rewarding. It is designed to empower you, whether you’re building a family home, a rural property, or a larger development, to achieve a higher quality outcome and exceptional value, all while staying in control.
Our Services
Recent Projects
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Working Together To Build Smarter
Our goal is simple: to prove that a better home is built not through markups and management, but through collaboration and transparency. This project demonstrates how direct partnership between manufacturers and trades—from the steel frame fabricator to the glazing team—creates a home where every component fits perfectly and every standard is met.
We did not chase the lowest price. We championed the best value by ensuring every professional involved could do their best work, profit fairly, and deliver outstanding quality.
The Three Pillars of Our Model
100% Collaborative Alignment
Every supplier works as part of an integrated team, sharing information and timelines from the start.
Zero Builder Mark-Ups
By engaging and paying all trades and manufacturers directly, we eliminate layered margins and hidden costs.
End-to-End Transparency
Open pricing, open communication, and an open process ensure complete trust and accountability at every stage.
A Transparent and Cooperative Build Model
This is not a display home; it is a personal residence built in the open to showcase a better way. Instead of a traditional builder consolidating suppliers under a single margin, all trades are engaged directly. This model removes hidden costs and fosters a culture of accountability, trust, and mutual respect, proving that the highest quality and fairest price are achieved not through negotiation, but through partnership.
Years of Experience
Satisfy Customers
Expert Engineers
Awards Wining
Testimonials
What our client says
Throughout this process, suppliers, trades, and professionals have shared their appreciation for the open, honest, and respectful approach of the Custom Owner Builders model.
Custom Owner Builders saved me thousands of dollars on my home extension project. Ordering materials directly from trusted suppliers at wholesale prices made a huge difference. The team was always available to guide me through the process. Highly recommend!
Consultant
As a contractor, finding reliable and affordable building supplies is critical. With Custom Owner Builders, I not only got quality products but also timely delivery straight to my site. No hidden costs, no delays – just smooth and efficient service.
Physician
I was nervous about managing my renovation, but Custom Owner Builders made everything simple. From bulk cement to finishing materials, everything was affordable and top quality. Their support team really cared about my project’s success.
Manager
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