You’ve Got the Vision… But Where Do You Start?

You’re finally ready to design your dream home in or around the Forster, Diamond Beach or Tallwoods areas.

Your inspiration folder is overflowing, you’re following all the right design accounts on Instagram, and your camera roll is packed with screenshots and videos of dream-home ideas.

So, naturally, you do what most people do and book a meeting with a designer or architect. You invest time and money into creating beautiful custom plans that reflect your lifestyle. But after receiving quotes from builders, the cost comes in and it’s clear the design has exceeded the budget. Now what?

Redesign? Delay the build? Scrap the plans altogether?

This is the moment where excitement often turns into stress, and sadly, it’s a scenario we see all too often at Manning Homes.

The Costly Mistake Many Homeowners in Forster Make

There’s a belief, reinforced by tradition and well-meaning advice, that you need to have your plans finalised before speaking to a builder.

But this outdated process often sets homeowners up for disappointment.

Here’s what happens when you follow that outdated approach:

1. You invest in custom plans
2. You fall in love with your future home on paper
3. Then you get the quote… and it’s far beyond what you expected

Now you’re faced with decisions no one warned you about.

And you’re not alone. Studies suggest that up to 80% of custom-designed homes never make it to construction, primarily due to budget constraints.

Why So Many Custom Designs Don’t Get Built

So why does this keep happening?

At Manning Homes, we believe it comes down to one thing: designing in isolation.

When budgets, building limitations, and real-world costs aren’t factored into the early design stages, even the most beautiful plans can quickly become unbuildable or unaffordable.

It’s why so many Forster families come to us feeling burnt out and unsure of what to do next.

A Smarter Way to Build in Forster & Surrounds 

So, what if you flipped the script?

What if, instead, you started with a local builder in Forster who understands your block, your budget, and the building process from the ground up?

At Manning Homes, we believe in a builder-first approach.

This means you come to us with your ideas and we guide you through design, budget, approvals and construction all with clarity from day one.

As Forster-based custom home builders, we work closely with local designers and architects to make sure your dream home isn’t just stunning, it’s buildable and within budget.

“Thanks to this transparency, we had no hidden costs at the end of our build – just great results.”
Elizabeth & Shane, Tinonee

What to Do Next?

Reach out to us by calling Jake directly on 0429188176 or completing our contact us form on our website – click here.

We’re ready to discuss your vision and help bring your dream home to life

At Manning Homes, we don’t just build homes, we build confidence, clarity, and lasting peace of mind for families across the Mid North Coast.

We’ve also created a free guide to help you navigate this process from the very beginning. The “7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home,” was created specifically for families who want to avoid budget blowouts, redesign delays, and emotional stress, and instead build with clarity and confidence.

Click here to download your free copy of “7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home”.