What do building costs per square metre cover?

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

I know this is a bit like asking "how long is a piece of string" but in general terms what is and isn't included in the quotes of building cost per sqm. I see such numbers quoted on various web sites and newspaper articles.

Now I assume that architect/designer fees aren't included, but what about things like site prep, appliances/fittings, tiles, carpet, builder's margin etc.

The reason I ask it that we're trying to figure out if we could afford (or at least be in the ball park) a knock-down rebuild. We have yet to buy the property to do this and some idea of the costs might help us figure out if it is pure fantasy or something possible.

Ta,

Paul

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

robandlyn
7 years ago
Yes, this is very much a 'how long is a piece of string' question! And the answer is probably very much a 'you get what you pay for' answer!

We have just built a house and paid in the vicinity 0f $1800/m2 - the builder we used has 3 lots of 'specs' for houses - basically the lower budget, the middle, and the higher end. For our given floor plan they could quote on each of the specs and we went with the middle one. This involve things like the quality of the fittings/appliances etc. eg. with the low spec we would have got a basic kitchen with formica benchtops, the middle spec included soft-close drawers and hinges with stone benchtops etc and it was the same for all the fittings throughout the house - toilets/vanities/laundry fit out/quality of carpet/type of concrete for drive etc.

A word of warning - we had a friend who was very happy because he built a house for just over $1000/m2 - but you could tell! It looked all fine when it was brand new but after a few months you could tell the poor quality of some fittings. And the carpets were already looking worn! so - you get what you pay for.
Paul Gittings thanked robandlyn
Vy
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
also application fees to the council ..planning permit..building permit..

we had a soil test quoted 50K as had an environmental overlay..

15% margin depending on builder that can be negotiated

appliances fittings mostly small prints

ie in our contract the toilet was set at $100 lol or white tiles $20/m2 etc

make sure you are thorough in those stuff..as we blew the budget by 140K lol

timber doors and windows = costs more than mdf ones ..that goes for any built ins or floating shelves as well 5K for a set of floor to ceiling shelves..

timber shelves costs 3x craftwood ones

carpet/floor boards set a price per m2 that you want to include

set your appliances prices..fittings shower heads etc

get the builders to quote include in the stuff that you want..

if I was you I'd choose a display home that I like and go for it..that way the costs are all inclusive and you can upgrade on items..

robandlyn yes..you do get what you pay for..

the price he quoted us had an IKEA kitchen lol
Paul Gittings thanked Vy
Related Discussions
anyone know builders in Melb who will build for $10K per Sq?
Q
Comments (3)
It is possible to find builders who will build for this rate. In my experience, they are building 80 plus homes per year. Some will do a custom design and then put their 'spec package' overlay on it ... which will mean certain types of detailing, materials, finishes and fixtures. Of course, your custom design needs to work along the lines of their way of building too. I'm not sure of specific names in Melbourne. I would recommend looking for large builders and starting the conversation there. Make sure you inspect lots of their built product so you're confident of the quality you'll get, and speak to previous clients. And don't do 2400mm ceiling heights in your living areas - 2,550mm as a minimum, but ideally 2700mm. Hope that helps, Warm Regards Amelia Lee www.undercoverarchitect.com
...See More
What’s included in a builders square
Q
Comments (10)
1991_kid - I think you may have posted your sketch concept yesterday when asking about relocating your powder room? Floor area is measured to include external (and internal) wall thickness, even though the walls aren't usable floor area. A common newbie error is to not include the wall thickness in the calculation of squares. Your house looks very big, with a lot of perimeter wall, and when you include the perimeter wall thickness it will be much larger (and nore expensive) than you anticipated. The U-shape of the plan means that there is a lot of perimeter wall in realtion to the floor area, which will be counted in the squares, and add to your costs. A simpler rectilinear plan will be more cost-effective, easier to build, easier to roof, and more in line with your price per square expectation. I would suggest that you engage a local draftsperson to draw up your plan to scale, with the proper wall thicknesses so that your friendly builder has a better chance of giving you a rough estimate. Best of luck Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls
...See More
Cost per square meter considerations for a two storey home
Q
Comments (5)
Hi Kristin, Unfortunately there's not a simple answer for this one way or the other. Generally 2 storey will cost more, but the cost of a simple two storey design compared to a complex/high quality single storey of similar floor area could be less. It really depends upon the design and level of finish/detail. Cost/m2 rationalising really only works for volume industry where there is relatively quantifiable correlation in this regard. As soon as you get into custom territory things change and can vary dramatically. Good luck! PD www.pauldistefanodesign.com
...See More
What does an architect “typical job” cost
Q
Comments (8)
$300k would be the building budget only and will often not include the architect or other professional service fees like surveyors, engineers and certifiers. The biggest point to remember, is the reason behind engagement of an architect. Are you after a great lifestyle outcome in your home. Are you are detailed person wanting to ensure there is a place for everything in your home. Does your site offer something where you can gain by tremendiously. Do you want your own ideas challenged. The fees set by different architects are yes based around scope of service but also based around their skills and so not all architects do charge the same rates. My own service is for the building architecture, interior design and landscape design, you might say what does that have to do with my lounge room extension and in your case there maybe only interior scope or your external spaces maybe also impacted. My services also includes external real costing work from a cost planner, so you'll know how much your project will be very soon along he steps the delivery process. My service includes project management and my services covers off on a huge range of sustainable and passive design principles which are applied to my clients projects for best outcome. This is why architects fees can vary between providers. It is your lifestyle outcome that is at stake, Once you have spent the money you need to live with it or sell so ensure you factor in the gain in your assessment of fees . Be careful even though some architects have alot of positive reviews this does not mean their design ideas and direction are going to be best for you. Just agreeing with a clients thoughts is not helpful to a client. I charge on a combination of square metre and hourly service and percentage only on request by my clients. $3000 per sqm mention above is mid standard not high spec finish . But standard is subjective as well so this must be worked through with your architect.
...See More
Vy
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I'm working out ours..roughly $2600/m2 but then we had tiles that were $30/each and timber doors, windows, built in and a 26K sliding sunroof lol half of the roof replaced and ours is a Reno not new built..
Paul Gittings thanked Vy
PRO
MB Design & Drafting
7 years ago
I use a square metre rate as a starting point when I initially talk with clients.

The square metre rate is for construction only at a bog standard fit out.

It's a ball park starting point only to gauge the budget to potential size of proposed. Its nowhere near accurate but then the sqm rate is varied quite a bit such as around $2000 to $2500......... beware very wary of low sqm rates though......
Paul Gittings thanked MB Design & Drafting
LesleyH
7 years ago
There is a section called PC meaning prime cost items. This allows you to increase the value of appliances, carpet and tile quality etc. The difficulty is when the allowance is too small e.g tile allowance of just $25m2. This is where you can really get caught out. With builders we work out the alowance for these items ourselves so there are no shocks.

You can also get caught on driveway allowance where they may only allow 8m long but yours is 25m. Make up your own allowance for lighting, floor coverings, kitchen and vanities, tapwear, light fittings, TV and electrical points etc and give your allowances to each builder so they are quoting on the same thing. You don't have to choose items just choose something you like in general and note the price.

What do building costs per square metre cover?

Comments (5)

robandlyn

Vy

Related Discussions

Vy

MB Design & Drafting

LesleyH

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US