I’ve had quite a few people ask me about some post handover expenses so here is a rough guide based on my own experience to help those:
Landscaping: It’s a bit of a how long is a piece of string question but I think depending on your requirements expect to pay between $60-$120k. We were told to budget about $70k by TA BUT this was also 2 years ago! Things you need to include – site clear, driveway, paving to entry, planting and garden beds for front, concreting for side paths, any pavers or decking required for outdoors, retaining walls, outdoor lighting, front fencing, letter box, irrigation etc.
Pool & Pool Fencing: $50k for a fibre glass and $70-100k for a concrete. Plus coping for pool (and paving) and then fencing around pool. Our quotes were $150 pm for black aluminium, $400 pm for glass and $700-$1200 pm for customized steel. So in totally expect to pay anywhere between $6k-$13k or $20-30k for a custom steel fence.
Crossover: If you need to get a new crossover and also repair the footpath in order to get your bond back from council. This will be $3-5k.
Blinds, Plantations, Sheers: $7-15k. We were at the $13k mark for 4 sets of sheers (2 across dining, 1 across living and 1 in master), black out blinds for bedrooms, 3 x plantations and transparent blinds for remainder of house. Prices will go up from this if you want more sheers, plantations and electric blinds. Obviously prices go down if you just do all blinds for the house however it certainly removes some of the ‘magic’ of the home not having plantations and sheers.
Electrical: $5-$15k depending on how much you do post or during build. There was a lot of electrical work we did post handover. Things to consider –pendants across house (front room, front entry, staircase void, master bedroom, powder room and ensuite, dining table, over kitchen island), installation of appliances, fans, mounting any TVs, LED strip lights, earthing of pool, additional downlights for upstairs, fans, purchase and install of ring security cameras etc. We’ve spent so far $12k and will spend more on garden lighting in future.
Furniture: Make sure that you put away at least $10-15k to get your minimum furniture set up for the house. There is no point building a beautiful home and then putting in old ill fitting furniture. You don’t need to buy everything from the start and can gradually build however at least have your key pieces – new couches, dining table & chairs, rug, coffee table.
Plumbing: If you have a water tank you will need to pay to plumb it to irrigation system. About $1k.
Fencing: About $100-$120 per meter you need done, shared 50/50 with your neighbours for timber fencing. For us we had to redo about 75% of our fencing as the previous owner had never agreed with neighbours to do this.
Appliances: If you are getting appliances installed post handover budget $8-10k for quality ovens, induction, dishwasher and fridge. Appliances Online are always great for a deal if you can buy in advance.
Garage: Worth considering getting epoxy flooring before you move in. About $2k.
Solar Panels: We will wait until the 3 month mark to get these installed once we get a better understanding on our electrical consumption. Actually not sure what the cost is here? Gah! Also make sure you get the pre wiring done as part of your electrical plan!
Some other costs aside from the build cost to consider:
Legal Fees for R&C, Phase 3 Pit install (About $5k), Demo ($15-20k).
We have also had a few drainage issues that we needed to get fixed so worth having a kitty of a few thousand for any issues that may arise!
I hope this helps!
Thanks for the info. We are hopefully 2 weeks from settlement, however latest lockdown is somewhat stalling a few things. As we are quite advanced, I can add to your list. Will keep it brief, but if anyone wants further detail feel free to DM.
Landscaping: Went with modern living. 120-130k is where I think i'll land. Landscaping is probably about 60% done so well progressed.
Pool & Pool Fencing: 80k for the concrete pool. Fencing / coping etc, included in landscaping. Went with intheswim.
Crossover: 3-5k seems about right with the quotes i'vé got so far. Still waiting for council permit.
Blinds, Plantations, Sheers: 15k for 4 bdrs sheers and blockout curtains, 1 roller blind, 4 plantation shutters and sheers in living / dining and lounge. Fabric was the james dunlop and mokum for the sheers.
Electrical: Mostly done through build. About 10k for light fittings (in/out) not including garden which is part of the landscape cost. A whole heap of Nordlux products and similar things to what lightslightslights has to offer.
Appliances: Did a deal with e&s. The lady I have been dealing with has been helpful, so if you need a contact at the chadstone store let me know.
Solar Panels: Maxed roofspace, 34 panels of LG on enphase. $19k. We are an all electric house.
Lots of other random costs which I have maintained on a spreadsheet that keeps growing.
Thanks for sharing the details. While you are all electric, could you please share what hot water system you have?
We opted for a Sanden system.