Home Services How It Works About FAQs Get Advice →
Independent Construction Advice — Melbourne & Australia-Wide

Building is complex.
We help you
navigate it.

Most building projects end up costing more than the original quote. Complex contracts, unclear allowances, and decisions made without full information are the most common reasons why. We give homeowners, developers, and commercial clients the independent expertise to understand what they're committing to before they commit.

30+
Years experience
200+
Projects completed
Independent advice you can rely on
Residential, commercial & development projects
Fixed-fee, no surprises
30 years construction experience

Four ways we protect you

Whether you're reviewing a quote, understanding a contract, or managing a project, we provide the expertise to help you make informed decisions at every stage.

01
Quote Review

Building quotes regularly understate the true cost of a project. Missing inclusions, vague allowances, and provisional sums can add tens of thousands to your final bill. We review yours line by line so you understand exactly what you're paying for and where the budget risks are.

From $297
Delivered within 48–72 hours.
Learn more
02
Contract Review

Variation clauses in building contracts are one of the most common causes of budget blowouts. We review your contract in full so you understand your financial exposure before you sign, not after costs have already escalated.

From $497
Priced by complexity. Delivered within 48–72 hours.
Learn more
03
Project Management

We attend site, review progress claims, and provide independent oversight from groundbreak to handover, giving you confidence that your project is progressing as it should.

POA
Scoped to your project size.
Learn more
04
Site Inspection & Report

An independent on-site inspection at any stage of your project, with a written report covering workmanship, progress, and compliance so you have a clear picture of where things stand.

POA
Scoped to project size and location.
Learn more

Simple. Fast. Thorough.

We've designed our process to give you clear, practical advice quickly and without fuss.

01
Book a free call

Tell us about your project. We'll recommend the right service for your situation. No obligation.

02
Share your documents

Upload your quote or contract securely. We handle the analysis from here.

03
Receive your report

Within 48–72 hours, you receive a plain-English report with every risk, flag, and recommendation clearly explained.

04
Build with confidence

You know exactly what you're signing and what to negotiate. We're available to answer questions afterwards.

What our clients say

We've helped homeowners, developers, and commercial clients across Melbourne and beyond avoid costly mistakes before they happened.

"

SiteWise picked up three major issues in our contract that we would never have noticed, including a variation clause that could have cost us tens of thousands. Absolutely worth every cent.

James & Sarah T.
New build, Balwyn North
"

I used SiteWise for a quote review on our renovation. They found $24,000 in line items that were either duplicated or overpriced. I negotiated these with the builder and got a better contract.

Priya M.
Renovation, South Yarra
"

Having someone on our side who understood what was happening on site made the whole experience less stressful. I finally felt like we had someone in our corner who understood what was happening on site.

Michael & Jo R.
Project management, Brighton
"

The report was clear and practical. No jargon, just exactly what we needed to know and what to do about it. I'd recommend SiteWise to anyone about to sign a building contract.

Amanda K.
Contract review, Kew

Understand your costs. Before they get away from you.

Budget blowouts rarely come as one big surprise. They build up through variations, provisional sums, and contract terms most people didn't fully understand when they signed. We help you see them coming.

Book a Free 15-Minute Call

Expert advice at every stage of your project

Whether you're a homeowner about to sign a building contract, a developer managing multiple trades, or a commercial client overseeing a fitout, SiteWise Advisory gives you the independent expertise to navigate every stage of your project with confidence.

Quote Review

Building quotes regularly understate the true cost of a project. Missing inclusions, low provisional sums, and vague trade allowances are common — and they all have the potential to add significant cost once construction is underway. Most people receive a quote with no clear way of knowing where those risks are hiding.

We review your quote line by line, assessing every trade allowance, provisional sum, prime cost item, and inclusion against industry standards for your project type, size, and location.

Our report gives you a clear picture of what's included, what's missing, what the true budget risks are, and what questions to ask before you commit to anything.

Starting From
$297

Enquire about Quote Review

What's included

  • Full line-by-line quote analysis
  • Trade allowance comparison vs market rates
  • Identification of missing inclusions
  • Provisional sum and prime cost assessment
  • Written report in plain English
  • Delivered within 48–72 hours
  • 30-minute debrief call included

Contract Review

Variation clauses, open-ended provisional sums, and payment terms that favour progress over completion are among the most common drivers of budget blowouts on building projects. Most people sign contracts without fully understanding the financial exposure these clauses can create.

We review your contract in full regardless of its size or complexity, with a specific focus on the clauses most likely to affect your final cost — variation provisions, provisional sum terms, payment schedules, and anything that gives the builder discretion over price. You'll know your financial exposure before you sign.

You'll have a clear understanding of the contract before you sign it. Pricing is based on contract complexity and length.

Starting From
$497

Enquire about Contract Review

What's included

  • Full contract review (HIA, MBA, custom)
  • Variation clause risk assessment
  • Payment schedule review
  • Defect liability and warranty check
  • Dispute resolution clause analysis
  • Risk-rated written report
  • Delivered within 48–72 hours
  • 45-minute debrief call included

Project Management

For homeowners, developers, and commercial clients who want independent oversight throughout their project, not just at the beginning.

We attend site at each stage, review progress claims before you pay them, monitor quality, and provide clear, objective updates on how your project is tracking.

Scoped to your project size and requirements. Contact us to discuss your situation.

Fee
POA

Enquire about Project Management

What's included

  • Stage-by-stage site inspections
  • Progress claim review before payment
  • Quality and compliance monitoring
  • Builder communication on your behalf
  • Variation request assessment
  • Defect identification and documentation
  • Final handover inspection

Site Inspection & Report

If you want an objective assessment of progress on your project, an independent site inspection gives you a clear picture of where things stand, whether it's a residential build, a commercial fitout, or a development project.

We attend your site, assess workmanship, review progress against the contract schedule, and note any compliance or quality matters worth addressing.

Every inspection is followed by a clear written report you can use as a reference point with your builder, certifier, principal contractor, or insurer.

Fee
POA

Enquire about Site Inspection

What's included

  • On-site inspection by a construction professional
  • Workmanship and quality assessment
  • Progress vs contract schedule review
  • Compliance and safety observation
  • Photographic documentation
  • Written report in plain English
  • Delivered within 48 hours of inspection
  • 30-minute debrief call included

Not sure what assistance you need?

Every project is different. If you're unsure which service best fits your situation, or you think you might need a combination of services, just tell us about your project and we'll point you in the right direction.

There's no obligation. We'll respond within one business day.

Tell us about your project

Ready to get started?

Use the form above if you're not sure where to start, or reach out directly and we'll help point you in the right direction.

Email Us Directly

Simple, transparent, and completely on your side

We've made it straightforward to get independent construction advice, whether you're renovating your first home or managing a large development.

01

Book a free 15-minute call

Tell us about your project — what stage you're at, the type and size of the project, and what you're looking for help with. We'll let you know what we can do and how we can help. No obligation.

02

Share your documents securely

Once you've booked your service, you upload your quote, contract, or project documents through our secure portal. We handle everything from there. You don't need to prepare anything.

03

We complete your review

Our construction professional reviews your documents in full, drawing on 30 years of experience across residential, commercial, and development projects of all sizes. We identify every issue and explain what it means for you.

04

Receive your plain-English report

Within 48–72 hours you receive a written report that explains every issue in plain English, rated by severity with clear recommendations. Budget risks are highlighted prominently so you know exactly where your financial exposure lies.

05

Debrief call — your questions answered

Every service includes a debrief call where we walk you through the report, answer your questions, and give you the confidence to negotiate with your builder from a position of knowledge.

06

Build with confidence

You move forward with a clear understanding of what you're committing to. Many of our clients use their report to clarify terms and ask better questions before proceeding. We remain available after delivery for follow-up.

Ready to get started?

A free 15-minute call is all it takes. We'll listen to your situation and let you know how we can help.

Book Your Free Call

30 years on the tools.
Now on your side.

SiteWise Advisory was founded by a construction professional with over 30 years of experience across residential, commercial, and development projects throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria.

We've worked on new builds, major renovations, commercial fitouts, mixed-use developments, and infrastructure projects. We understand how the construction industry works, how contracts are structured, and where clients at every level most benefit from independent advice.

We started SiteWise Advisory because we kept seeing the same thing: homeowners, investors, and developers signing contracts and approving quotes without fully understanding the budget risks involved — and then facing costs well above what they expected once construction was underway.

We're independent. We don't take referral fees from builders. We're not aligned with any construction company. Our only client is you.

30+ Years Experience

Residential, commercial and development projects across Melbourne and Victoria.

200+ Projects Completed

Homeowners, investors, developers, and commercial clients across Australia.

Fully Independent

No builder affiliations. No referral fees. No conflicts of interest.

Melbourne-Based

Available for on-site work across Melbourne. Remote advice Australia-wide.

Why we do what we do

⚖️
Independence

We have no financial relationship with any builder, developer, or trade. Our advice is completely unbiased.

🔍
Thoroughness

We don't skim documents. Every line of your quote or contract gets the same level of attention.

💬
Clarity

We explain everything in plain English. No jargon. No assumptions. Just clear, practical advice.

🤝
Your Side

We represent your interests. Not the builder's. Not the developer's. Yours.

Ready to have someone on your side?

Whether you're renovating your first home or developing a commercial site, we'd be happy to talk through how we can help. Book a free 15-minute call — no obligation.

Book a Free Call

Let's talk about your project

Whether you're a homeowner, developer, or commercial client, we're happy to have a conversation about your project. Book a free call or send us a message and we'll respond within one business day.

📞
📧
Emailhello@sitewiseadvisory.com.au
📍
LocationMelbourne, VIC · Remote advice Australia-wide
Response TimeWithin one business day
📋
Report Turnaround48–72 hours from document receipt
💳
PaymentBank transfer. Details provided upon booking confirmation.
Quote & Contract Review
50% deposit to commence · 50% on delivery
From $297
Site Inspection & Report
Full payment required to confirm booking
POA
Project Management
Invoiced monthly in advance per agreed scope
POA
Payment due within 3 business days of invoice. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice forfeit the deposit.
Tell us about your project

Fill in the form below and we'll get back to you within one business day. All enquiries are confidential.

We respond within one business day. Your information is kept confidential and never shared.

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know before getting started. Can't find your answer? Email us at hello@sitewiseadvisory.com.au

Do you work outside Melbourne? +
Yes. While we are based in Melbourne, we provide remote advice to clients anywhere in Australia, including quote reviews, contract reviews, and report writing. On-site services such as site inspections and project management are currently available across Greater Melbourne and regional Victoria. Contact us to discuss your location.
What types of projects do you work on? +
We work across residential new builds, renovations, commercial fitouts, mixed-use developments, and infrastructure projects. Whether you're a first-time homeowner or an experienced developer, we have the experience to help.
Are you independent from builders? +
Completely. We have no financial relationship with any builder, developer, or trade contractor. We do not accept referral fees or commissions. Our only obligation is to you.
How do I send you my documents? +
Once you make an enquiry and we confirm your service, we'll send you a secure link to upload your documents. You can send quotes, contracts, plans, or any other relevant paperwork.
How long does a review take? +
Quote and contract reviews are delivered within 48–72 hours of receiving your documents and confirmed 50% deposit payment. Site inspections are scheduled at a mutually agreed time, with the written report delivered within 48 hours of the inspection.
What happens after I receive my report? +
Every service includes a debrief call where we walk you through the findings, answer your questions, and help you understand your next steps. We're also available for follow-up questions after the call.
Can you attend my site in person? +
Yes. Our site inspection and project management services involve physical attendance at your site. We are available across Greater Melbourne and regional Victoria for on-site work.
How does payment work? +
We invoice via email and accept payment by bank transfer. For quote and contract reviews, a 50% deposit is required to commence work with the balance due on delivery. For site inspections, full payment is required to confirm your booking. Bank details are provided upon confirmation.
What is your cancellation policy? +
Cancellations with more than 24 hours notice will receive a full refund of any deposit paid. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice forfeit the deposit. We understand that circumstances change, so please contact us as early as possible if you need to reschedule.
Will my builder see the report? +
No. Your report is confidential and provided only to you. How you choose to use the information, whether to negotiate, request changes, or walk away, is entirely your decision.
What if I need to ask questions after my report? +
Every service includes a debrief call after delivery. If you have additional questions beyond the debrief, we are happy to assist. Contact us and we'll let you know if further consultation is required.
Can you help me negotiate with my builder? +
Our reports give you the knowledge and evidence to negotiate confidently yourself. If you'd like more hands-on support during negotiations, contact us to discuss. This can be arranged as part of a project management engagement.
Why do building budgets blow out? +
Budget blowouts rarely happen all at once. They tend to build up gradually through a combination of factors: provisional sums that were set too low and adjusted upward once work begins; variation claims for work the client assumed was included in the original quote; allowances in the contract that didn't reflect realistic costs; and payment terms that give the builder flexibility to charge for changes with limited oversight. Understanding these risks before you sign — rather than after costs have escalated — is exactly what our quote and contract reviews are designed to help with.
How much over budget do building projects typically go? +
It varies widely, but cost overruns of 10–20% above the original quote are common on residential projects, and can be significantly higher on commercial or development projects. In many cases the overrun isn't the result of unforeseen circumstances — it's the result of contract terms and quote structures that allowed costs to escalate. Getting a quote and contract reviewed before you commit is one of the most effective ways to understand your true budget exposure upfront.

Still have questions?

Email us directly and we'll get back to you within one business day.

Get in Touch