Hi RJ, There seems to be some dangerously incorrect criticism floating about of using area rates to map out the cost for a project in the early stages, however we can use this to highlight to the Houzz community the appropriateness of using area rates to cost your project in the early stages. RJ you have done everything right in using an approximate area rate to map out your project costs before a designer is appointed!! Although there is some merit to note it is helpful to source your area rates from similar projects from the industry at that point in time - which can be obtained from a QS/Cost Planner/architect/designer - at least you are starting to think in realistic budget terms terms. $2K/m2 may/may not reflect what a builder can deliver for a bespoke design - depending of course on whether structure or kitchens / bathrooms are affected (i.e. check out this amazing kitchen / bathroom calculator from realeastate.com.au!! https://www.realestate.com.au/calculators/renovation-calculator/) ........however this is still getting you close to what might end up being the budget or the revised scope of work. The first thing your designer should do - almost before ANY drawings are done - is check your project budget matches your brief/scope of works by using Cost Plan A area rates and an 'Opinion of Probable Cost".. They can also identify if you are touching other parts of the site or scope that need to be taken into account that you may not have realised. At the start of a project, when there is no design yet, only plans with an approximate area scope of works (floor area schedules), it is what is referred to as "Cost Plan A" stage. Refer to this helpful description from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services; "Due to the very nature of information available, cost plan A is developed in conjunction with floor area schedules and should be based on data gathered from other similar projects, surveys of existing conditions and major project specific issues such as the suitability, age and condition of existing facilities, including upgrade of site services, asbestos removal, topography, heritage issues and so on."....http://www.capital.health.vic.gov.au/Planning_and_evaluation/Cost_plans/Cost_plan_stages/  One of the benefits of using an architect is that we are rigorously trained and registered to provide "Cost Advice", and right from the early stages using area rates. Building designers must provide this advice however are governed by consumer law and not by an Act of Parliament. When your project is at this stage there is clearly no 'Trade Breakdown" as the design hasn't even started yet!! And yet we must guide you as to an appropriate budget to match your scope of works. A responsible architect / building designer will test these area rates with industry-standard costings to identify an appropriate budget right from the beginning, so that we can make adjustments to the scope to ensure we can get excited about what you can really afford to build before the design is finished. Refer also to this helpful article by Choice on "what can go wrong"......but also what can go right when using an architect/building designer; https://www.choice.com.au/home-improvement/building-and-renovating/design-and-trades/articles/architects-designing-to-build-budget I love that you are already excited to begin looking at a shortlist of Pros in the Brisbane area and I wish you Good Luck!

Absolutely, 100% ;) .....interestingly with that homeowners/builder's warranty, it's arguably a big fat farce.. because if push ever comes to shove they have limits on how much will be paid out regardless of the job cost, and it's a ridiculously low blanket cap like $197K......apparently it's only rarely ever paid out to even that amount and it's only in the case of say a builder dying or going bankrupt with unfinished works....so it never ever covers the whole build costs even though it's based on the contract sum...how dodgy is that! - shows who's really making the money in this game ;) ........so siriuskey absolutely great/sound advice to have as much insurance in place as soon as the building is completed, so if it unfortunately burns to the ground at least it's covered by a home policy....but cross your fingers while it's in construction and hope for the best!!!

When undertaking a building or renovation project on your home it’s important to select the right industry professionals to assist you across the board. Whether that’s a building designer, architect, builder, or other trade professionals. One you’ve chosen you professional, how do you make sure you stay on good terms and keep the project running smoothly. Here’s 8 top tips to help you through your project smoothly. A trusting relationship Like any big financial commitment in your life, when building or renovating you need to trust the people on the other end of the deal. You are parting with a large sum of money in return for a home you may plan to spend the best part of your life enjoying. A good relationship between the builder and client is based on good communication, mutual respect and of course trust. That trust needs to cover finances, reliability, security and decision-making ability. Communication Before you put pen to paper with your builder, ask them simply how they intend to communicate with you throughout the job and how often. Will there be an expectation to be onsite daily to get updates, or will email communication suffice? Early on, during the quotation stage, make sure you obtain clear documentation and detailed specifications for your project. Poor documentation can often lead to issues later on. Some builders who are progressive have begun to adopt online project management software, which allows clients to log in and keep updated with the project every step of the way. Get a recommendation Research your builder and ask for client testimonials. Start by asking your building designer or architect for recommendations, as they may have good working relationships with reputable companies. Word of mouth is the best recommendation possible, hearing from a happy client who raves about the quality of work and professionalism certainly helps to make your decisions easier. Remember, don’t just choose the cheapest quote. Sometimes it’s best to just go with your gut instinct when working with a builder. If you don’t click with them from the beginning then they are not the right one for you. Find someone who you trust and communicates well. Make selections in advance Don’t delay on decisions regarding selections. Before you enter the quoting phase, have as many choices for exterior and interior fixtures, fittings and finishes selected as possible. This allows the builder to give the most accurate quote based on your preferred inclusions. It also puts all your quoting builder on a level playing field, quoting on the same products and services. Not only is this helpful for quoting purposes, it help eliminate surprise budget blow-outs and reduces time lost onsite when products are not available or delayed. Be decisive One key quality for a client to have to get the best out of their builder is to be an efficient decision maker. Being able to tackle any tricky questions, small or big with minimal delay will ensure your site continues moving forward on time and budget. When you approach a job without a clear idea or design in mind and constantly make changes on the fly can cause budget nightmares. Once a job has started, small decisions like moving a wall or powerpoint might end up affecting subcontractors and timing and availability of other trades. Any delays for one trade can easily throw out the timing and availability of the next subcontractor which can have a snowball effect and can potentially cause significant increases in the project duration and cost Finances can also play a huge part in a successful client-builder relationship. A good builder will be upfront with their schedule of fee’s and pricing from the beginning and a good client must ensure they pay their invoices on time. If this falls down then so might the schedule. Your builder should be using an approved contract from either the QBCC or Master Builders which clearly outlines the schedule of progress and payments. Withholding money when a stage has been reached can quickly turn the relationship sour. Don’t interfere Don’t second guess or questions your builder’s decision to approach a task or construct something a particular way. Remember, they are the experts in construction, and more often than not, the plans and engineering have most probably dictated the construction method. Too many people looking over your builder’s shoulder, questioning decisions and design will certainly sour the relationship in no time and may cause other issues to occur. For example, conflicting instructions issued from a number of different people (the homeowner, the draftsman or architect) will often lead to errors and results that don’t flow. Look after your trades You may be paying them a hefty sum of money for the time and effort, but a bit of bribery goes a long way. Keeping on good terms with your building team is essential, particularly on larger renovation projects that can last a number of months. It can be a simple as getting all the supplies you’re responsible for onsite early or perhaps a more social approach with a beer on a Friday afternoon or including your site supervisor in your morning coffee run on occasion.

The builders are mainly divided into two main categories. They are either the project builders or the custom builders. Both groups have their own pros and cons. Depending on your situation, you might opt for the project builder or vice versa. Therefore, by having a good understanding of their pros and cons, it will enable you to make a better decision and choose a builder that is suitable for your current needs and circumstances. Please note that these are the pros and cons of what I had observed of the typical project and custom homes builders. SO BIG DISCLAIMER! These are NOT a representation of ALL builders who classified themselves in either of the two groups. Make sure to double check and clarify with more research and due diligence. Let me know your thoughts by commenting and sharing it below. =) Watch the full video discussion here: ---> Project VS Custom Builders