Palantir and Aslan are proud to present a new initiative: The Small Balcony Remediation Initiative. For a flat fee of $5,000, (*terms conditions apply) we will manage the design, tender, and tender recommendation process—partnering only with builders who are committed to helping you save. Sound too good to be true? Let’s break it down.
The Problem: Overpriced Small Balcony Remediation
The Design and Building Practitioners Act (DBPA) was introduced to eliminate unqualified “cowboy” contractors and ensure that consumers get quality work for their money. In theory, this is great. In practice, however, it has become a go-to excuse for inflated costs and unnecessary delays.
Here’s a real example:
A 2 sqm Juliette balcony (so small you can touch any part of it from the centre) received tenders under a Design & Construct approach—already a risky procurement model in NSW.
Tenders ranged from $35,000 to $75,000, with $15,000 allocated just for design, waterproofing, and balustrade approvals.
Meanwhile, a 15 sqm balcony, which required waterproofing but retained part of its original balustrade, cost only $35,000 total.
Why the disparity? The design and certification costs were almost identical between the two projects.
The Hidden Costs of Over-Design
It’s reasonable to argue that engineers charge for their expertise and assume risk for potential defects. However, the reality is that most waterproofing designs are highly repetitive.
The same membrane,
The same number of layers,
The same hob requirement under the door.
Only the dimensions and tile or balustrade designs vary. When we asked Palantir Engineering about this, they confirmed that while their work is critical and requires expertise, balcony waterproofing design doesn’t always require a fresh, ground-up approach every time.
So why are owners overpaying for small-scale remediation? Because the industry hasn’t adapted to economies of scale for single-unit projects.
The Solution: Standardised, Efficient Small Balcony Remediation
The Small Balcony Remediation Initiative offers an alternative approach:
Standardized Design Packages – Limiting tile and balustrade design options allows us to reuse proven designs, reducing costs without compromising quality.
Fixed Design Fees – Instead of a custom quote per job, we cap the design, tender, and recommendation at $5,000.
Pre-Qualified Builders and Certifiers – We partner only with industry professionals who agree to transparent, cost-effective pricing.
Targeting Single and Dual Balcony Projects – While our approach isn’t the best for large multi-balcony projects, it’s highly effective for individual owners facing inflated quotes on small works.
Disrupting the Industry for Good
We want engineers and builders to be fairly compensated, but we also believe that exorbitant costs deter owners from essential repairs, leading to long-term structural issues and even greater expense down the line.
By scaling standardised designs, collaborating with ethical builders, and capping excessive consultancy fees, we aim to make small balcony remediation affordable again.
Help us make an impact. Share this initiative with your network, and let’s make balcony remediation fairer, faster, and more affordable for everyone.
If you are interested, click on Ask Aslan below and lets talk!