If you've ever received a building quote that seemed too good to be true, it probably was. The building industry has a transparency problem, and it costs homeowners thousands of dollars every year. For NRI families building from interstate or overseas, this risk is even greater.
The Problem with "Allowances"
Many builders use allowances and provisional sums (PS items) to keep their headline price low. An allowance is essentially a placeholder — "we've allocated $5,000 for your kitchen tapware." But when you actually select your tapware, it costs $8,000. That $3,000 difference? That's a variation you have to pay.
Common areas where allowances hide true costs:
- Kitchen appliances and fixtures
- Bathroom tiles and fittings
- Flooring materials
- Electrical and lighting
- Landscaping
- Driveways
- Puja room finishes and marble work
How Variations Add Up
It's not uncommon for homeowners to face $50,000–$100,000+ in variations on a standard build. By the time you realise the true cost, you're already committed and have limited negotiating power.
For NRI families managing a build remotely, variations are particularly concerning — you may not be there to catch discrepancies or challenge charges.
The ARC Approach to Pricing
We do things differently:
1. Fully Specified Quotes
Every item in your quote is specified — brand, model, colour, and price. No allowances, no provisional sums. This includes speciality items like puja room marble, masala kitchen rangehoods, and Vastu-specific layout adjustments.
2. Selection Before Signing
We help you select all your finishes and materials BEFORE you sign the contract. This means the price you agree to is the price you pay.
3. Fixed Price Contracts
Once the contract is signed, the price is fixed. The only variations that occur are ones YOU request.
4. Open Book Policy
You can see exactly where every dollar goes. We don't hide margins in material costs or subcontractor quotes.
5. Remote Transparency
For clients who aren't local, we provide:
- Digital budget tracking accessible anytime
- Photo and video updates at every stage
- Video call meetings for any decisions needed
- Written approval required for any changes
How to Protect Yourself
When comparing quotes from different builders:
1. Count the number of allowances and PS items
2. Ask for specific product selections, not dollar amounts
3. Request a fixed-price contract
4. Ask about the builder's average variation percentage
5. Check reviews for mentions of cost blowouts
6. Ask how they handle communication with interstate/overseas clients
The Bottom Line
The cheapest quote is rarely the cheapest build. A transparent, fully specified quote from a reputable builder will almost always deliver better value than a low-ball quote full of allowances.
#1a1a1a]">Want a truly transparent quote? [Contact ARC Builders for an honest, no-surprises approach to pricing.