Is this a fair cost for a build?

CallyNoon · Jul 14, 2024 10:30 am

We are finalising a quote with a builder and the cost is quite a bit more than we expected, even removing all upgrades, although they say their standard inclusions are more "premium".

The cost is coming to $3.2k per m2, for a double storey 230m2 home on a reasonably level block (level to the eye but there is a slight slope). It comes with double glazing, engineered stone benchtops, engineered wood floors, 4bedrooms, 1 study, 2 bathrooms, 1 powder room, single garage. Brick on ground floor, cladding upper storey. Roof line is a bit unique and I have yet to query how much extra that roof is costing us.

When I look at how much others are getting quoted, this seems on the high side. People are saying they are paying $2.5k-$3k.

Why is this costing us so much more than everyone else? Is it the location causing trades to charge more, or is the builder taking a big cut?

I'm pretty happy with the builder, I've got some recent feedback from others that had a good experience. I don't want to go ultra cheap and risk the builder going under halfway through but I also want something that isn't over capitalised and get ourselves into trouble if we need to sell it.

ponzutwo · Jul 15, 2024 3:17 pm

there's too many variable to give you a straight answer. If its a volume builder, it does seem on the high side. If its custom/semi custom it may be right on the money.

We don't know what the "premium" inclusions are (they all say that), we don't know who the builder is and we dont know where you are building. All of these variable play a big role in cost

Ashington Homes · Jul 15, 2024 5:27 pm

CallyNoon

We are finalising a quote with a builder and the cost is quite a bit more than we expected, even removing all upgrades, although they say their standard inclusions are more "premium".

The cost is coming to $3.2k per m2, for a double storey 230m2 home on a reasonably level block (level to the eye but there is a slight slope). It comes with double glazing, engineered stone benchtops, engineered wood floors, 4bedrooms, 1 study, 2 bathrooms, 1 powder room, single garage. Brick on ground floor, cladding upper storey. Roof line is a bit unique and I have yet to query how much extra that roof is costing us.

When I look at how much others are getting quoted, this seems on the high side. People are saying they are paying $2.5k-$3k.

Why is this costing us so much more than everyone else? Is it the location causing trades to charge more, or is the builder taking a big cut?

I'm pretty happy with the builder, I've got some recent feedback from others that had a good experience. I don't want to go ultra cheap and risk the builder going under halfway through but I also want something that isn't over capitalised and get ourselves into trouble if we need to sell it.

PM me your email and I will send you a spreadsheet break up of costs we use, but based on Sydney rates. It should be helpful though so you can gauge what actually goes into a build.