Construction cost calculator
for building cost estimation

	project type:	new home          renovation & additions
On a per-square-metre basis renovations & additions are usually more expensive than building a new house. This construction cost calculator assumes they are twice as expensive, but this is not necessarily the case; we recommend you consult a licensed builder or architect. It is also prudent to explore two cost saving options: (1) knock-down & rebuild, or (2) leave the current building essentially untouched and attach a new building using a walkway or some other mechanism.
	size of house:	small         medium         large
Select from small, medium or large to set defaults for the areas specified in the table of areas below. Then change the default values to values appropriate for your renovation or new home design. All areas must be specified in square-metres.
	site conditions:	excellent          good          difficult
Flat/level blocks are of course the easiest & cheapest blocks to build on and if this is the case with your property select "excellent", unless the block has water drainage or other complications, in which case select "difficult". Steeply sloped properties should also be marked as difficult as obviously these sites can challenge construction processes. Use "good" for slightly sloping properties. Note that if you selected "renovations & additions" whatever you select here will not change the per-square-metre cost; it is assumed this is already factored in by doubling the base rate for renovations & additions.
	quality of finishes:	basic          standard          luxury
Quality of finishes refers to PC items like toilets, tiles, bathtubs, sinks and taps as well as doors, door handles etc. By selecting "basic" you are implying that you will be buying PC items where cost is of higher concern than quality or style. Selecting "standard" implies that quality is as important as cost, but style is less important than either. If you select "luxury" you are implying that style and quality are more important than cost.
	cost per-square-metre:	indoor areas $ garage $ decks, verandahs & patios $
The per-square-metre costs shown above are unlikely to be accurate for your area. To get more accurate values read the section below entitled: "Where to find costing data".

kitchen		master bedroom
laundry		ensuite bathroom
dining area		walk-in wardrobe
lounge area		bedroom 2
office / study		bedroom 3
rumpus room / play area		bedroom 4
main bathroom		other bedrooms	x
2nd bathroom and/or toilet		garage
other bathrooms and/or toilets	x	decks, verandahs & patios
other indoor areas or rooms	x	indoor circulation	10% 15% 20% 25%
The total calculated indoor area will include a minimum of 10% for "circulation"; i.e., areas such hallways, entrances and stairways. Select 20% or 25% if you want your house to feel spacious.
	indoor area (includes circulation space)    outdoor areas    garage    total area (in square metres)
	$  indoor area (includes circulation space) $  outdoor areas $  garage(s) $  total cost

Where you can find costing data

1. Specialised estimation businesses

The following 3 businesses all provides professional and affordable cost estimates for new homes and major renovations. All three companies can prepare cost estimates for projects anywhere in Australia.

• Denary Construction Estimating.
  Ph: 02 4962 1505.
• Sidcorp Construction Estimating Service. Ph. 0417 777 813.
• Home Estimators. Ph. 0438 187 885.

2. Licenced builders

Contact local home builders in our online directory, a builder you have used before or try one of our sponsors:

• For the Perth and all of Western Australia contact the ABN Group of building companies and request indicative per-square-metre costs of a new home with different levels of finishes.
• If you are building a new home or renovating on Sydney's North Shore, the Central Coast or the Hunter region, Coastal Construction & Building offer full-contract, project management or labour-only contracts so you can choose which contract option works best for you.
• Master Builder Les Smith specialises in new homes and major renovations and has successfully completed over 100 projects. Les services the Central Coast (NSW) and Newcastle. Les's number is 02 4369 3810.
• A&M Flynn Building. Andrew Flynn's crew of quality tradesmen specialise in the construction of new homes and the implementation of major renovations. Andrew services Sydney's North Shore and the Central Coast of NSW. Phone number: 0414 518 465.

A final note: quoting on a new house or renovation is a time consuming process so please be considerate and only call in a builder to give you a detailed quotation when you are committed and ready to move forward.

Questions?

We have started a new free service on our Facebook page. Practicing professionals will try their best to answer any relevant questions you may have.

Sponsors

	A detailed building cost estimate is a great way to start your home construction project and to keep track of expenses. Sidcorp is a professional Australia wide service specialising in Residential construction projects from new Homes to extensions. Contact us today for more information about the estimating process.
	Home Estimator assists Owner Builders, Builders, Developers and Designers across Australia. Home Estimator estimations are prepared so you receive contains no hidden surprises. By considering the direct and indirect costs of building, Home Estimator ensure your estimate is comprehensive and reliable.
	Denary Construction Estimating Services. Denary utilises vast experience in the construction industry to provide detailed estimates using the latest computerised measuring and estimating technologies available. Ph: 02 4962 1505.
	Abode Construction are committed to quality and detail. Director, Justin Andrews has over 20 years experience in the building industry and is a member of both the Housing Industry Association of Queensland and the Master Builders Association of Queensland.
	Aspect Designs are a multi-disciplined, award winning, Sydney based business who specialise in architecture, interior design, drafting and landscape design.
	Based on the Central Coast of NSW and servicing Sydney's northern suburbs as well as the Newcastle/Hunter region Angela Elliss Design specialises in the design of new homes, major renovations and extensions.
	For fencing supplies in Sydney, the Central Coast, Sydney's North Shore and Newcastle, visit Fencing Manufacturers website. They supply and install tubular fencing, modern aluminium fencing, frameless glass pool fences, as well as security gates, automatic gates, balustrades and aluminium privacy screens. You can make contact with Fencing Manufacturers at [email protected] or 1300 727 788.

Further reading

You may find it beneficial to browse the following related web pages. These web pages also provide bathroom and kitchen cost information: