There’s something deeply personal about building a custom home in WA. It’s not just about having a roof over your head—it’s about creating a space that reflects who you are, supports how you live, and adapts to where you’re going. In Western Australia’s diverse landscape—from Perth’s urban blocks to the sweeping spaces of the South West—custom homes offer the freedom to build exactly what you want, where you want it.

But the journey from dream to done involves decisions, details, and sometimes a few detours. Whether you’re a first-time builder or looking to create your forever home, understanding what lies ahead can make all the difference.

What Makes a Custom Home Truly “Custom”?

When you’re ready to build in WA, one of your first crossroads will be choosing between a project home or a custom design. The difference matters—especially if you’re seeking something that perfectly fits your lifestyle or need to work with a challenging block.

Project homes come with pre-designed floor plans and standard inclusions. They’re the “what you see is what you get” option—often more affordable and quicker to build, but with limitations. Want to move internal walls, reconfigure the kitchen, or adapt to a sloping block? You might find yourself facing restrictions or unexpected costs.

A custom home, however, starts with you—not a catalog. Whether designing from scratch or modifying a flexible base plan, your home reflects your priorities, your block’s unique features, and your future needs. From the overall layout to the smallest finishing touches, everything can be tailored.

“Custom building isn’t just about luxury or bigger budgets,” explains Martyn Ferris, Sales Manager at Shelford Quality Homes. “It’s about creating a home that works specifically for your family, your land, and your lifestyle. We’ve built custom homes for young families, downsizers, and multi-generational households—each with different needs but the same desire for a home that fits them perfectly.”

The trend toward custom building in WA continues to grow, and it’s easy to see why. With increasingly complex block shapes, evolving family structures, and growing interest in sustainable, future-proof homes, the flexibility of custom design has never been more valuable—or more accessible.

Building a Custom Home in WA with Shelford: Our Process

At Shelford Quality Homes, we’ve refined our custom home building process over 34 years to provide clarity, flexibility, and expert guidance at every stage. Here’s how we make your journey smoother:

1. Budget & Finance First

Before sketching a single wall, know what you can comfortably spend—not just on the build itself, but on everything that surrounds it. Custom homes offer flexibility, but understanding your financial boundaries helps guide smart decisions from day one.

“The most successful custom builds start with honest budget conversations,” notes Anne Hatfield, Design Consultant at Shelford Quality Homes. “We help clients understand where their money will make the biggest impact, and where they might want to adjust expectations or phase certain elements for the future.”

Remember to account for:

• Site costs (especially important in WA’s varied terrain)
• Council fees and approvals
• Selections and upgrades
• Landscaping and outdoor areas
• Contingency buffer (we recommend 10%)

2. Choose Your Block Wisely

Your land shapes your home—literally. In Western Australia, factors like orientation, slope, soil type, and local planning requirements can significantly impact both design possibilities and construction costs.

If you haven’t secured land yet, talk to us first. We can help assess potential blocks and identify opportunities or challenges before you commit. Already have your block? We’ll work with its natural features to maximize views, capture breezes, and create a home that belongs there.

3. Pick the Right Builder (Not Just Any Builder)

This decision shapes your entire experience. You need a builder who:

• Offers genuine customization (not just minor tweaks to standard plans)
• Works collaboratively through design and pre-construction
• Provides transparent pricing without hidden costs
• Has experience building in your area and understands local conditions

At Shelford, we’ve built custom homes across Perth and throughout the South West, giving us insight into everything from coastal conditions to rural requirements.

4. Start the Design Process

This is where your vision takes shape. Working with our design team, you’ll translate your ideas into a practical, efficient plan that considers:

• Room layout and zoning for privacy and connection
• Natural light and cross-ventilation for comfort and efficiency
• Seamless indoor-outdoor living (essential for the WA lifestyle)
• Long-term flexibility as your needs change

5. Planning Approvals & Permits (Specific to WA)

Custom homes in Western Australia need to navigate council approvals and comply with WA’s Residential Design Codes (R-Codes). This can feel overwhelming, but an experienced builder handles this process for you, preparing site-specific engineering and energy reports while managing approval timelines.

6. Prestart & Selections

This exciting phase is where your home’s personality emerges through colors, finishes, fixtures, and features. It can be both thrilling and overwhelming, but our selection consultants guide you through each decision, helping you balance wish-list items with practical considerations.

Our online client portal keeps everything organized, allowing you to track selections, approvals, and communications in one place.

7. Construction & Beyond

With approvals secured and selections finalized, construction begins! Your build timeline will depend on your design’s complexity and current scheduling, but you’ll stay informed with regular updates and site visits.

Once complete, we don’t just hand over the keys and disappear. Our service continues with thorough maintenance support and warranty coverage, ensuring your custom home remains as perfect as the day you moved in.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them) When Building a Custom Home in WA

Even the most prepared home builders can encounter surprises. Here’s how to sidestep the most common pitfalls:

Not Factoring in Siteworks

Western Australia’s diverse landscape means sitework costs can vary dramatically. From sandy coastal soils to rocky terrain, understanding what your block requires before finalizing your budget prevents costly surprises.

Assuming ‘Custom’ Means ‘Unlimited’

Design freedom is wonderful, but your budget still sets boundaries. The key is finding the sweet spot between aspiration and practicality—knowing where to invest for maximum impact and where simpler solutions make sense.

Choosing the Wrong Builder or Misunderstanding Inclusions

This is where costs and stress can spiral. Research thoroughly, check references, and ensure you fully understand what’s included in your contract. At Shelford, we pride ourselves on clear, comprehensive specifications that leave no room for confusion.

Forgetting Future Family Needs

The perfect home doesn’t just fit your life today—it accommodates tomorrow. Consider wider doorways, flexible spaces, storage solutions, and features that will serve you through different life stages.

Custom Home Trends in WA for 2025

As custom home builders in Perth, we’re seeing several emerging trends that reflect changing lifestyles and priorities:

Multi-Generational Floorplans

With housing affordability challenges and aging parents, many families are creating homes with separate wings, self-contained suites, or flexible spaces that can adapt to different household configurations.

Smart Home Automation

From lighting and security to energy management, integrated technology is becoming standard in custom homes, offering convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind.

Sustainable Design

Beyond meeting the new 7-star energy requirements, WA homeowners are embracing passive solar design, water-wise features, and energy-efficient systems that reduce both environmental impact and running costs.

Coastal Farmhouse & Hamptons Styles

These design aesthetics continue to dominate both metropolitan and regional builds, blending relaxed coastal elements with timeless architectural details.

Why Choose Shelford to Build Your Custom Home?

Flexibility: The Key Advantage

Unlike many Perth builders who focus on project homes with limited modification options, Shelford’s custom home process offers genuine flexibility. Start with one of our designs and adapt it to your needs, or begin with a blank canvas—either way, we listen and respond to create a home that’s uniquely yours.

With over three decades of experience building custom homes across Western Australia—from beachfront properties and rural retreats to contemporary family homes in Perth’s newest suburbs—we understand the diverse needs and conditions throughout our state.

Our in-house design team, construction experts, and selection consultants work together seamlessly, making your custom build journey smooth and supported from first sketch to final handover.

No sales gimmicks. No hidden costs. Just a home built around you.

Ready to Start Your Custom Home Journey?

Building a custom home in WA is an adventure—one filled with decisions, discoveries, and ultimately, the satisfaction of creating something that’s perfectly yours. With the right guidance and partner, it becomes an experience to enjoy rather than endure.

Whether you’re dreaming of a coastal escape, a city sanctuary, or a future-proof family home, the Shelford team is ready to bring your vision to life.

Visit our display homes to experience our quality and craftsmanship firsthand, or book a custom design consultation to start exploring the possibilities for your dream home.

Because your home should be as unique as you are.

Visit our display homes today and take the first step toward creating a custom home that’s perfectly designed for your life in Western Australia.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Custom Home Planning Pack – Your WA Building Essentials

Your exclusive Shelford resource includes:

• • Budget Breakdown Worksheet
  • Home Design Wishlist
  • Must-Ask Builder Questions
  • Vision Board Template
  • Timeline Planner

Download Your Free Planning Pack

Download Your Free Planning Pack