Building a new home or renovating an existing home represent a major investment but how does the average person keep track of the many and varied costs involved, let alone try to account for costs at the outset.
The Cost Guide 2018 prepared by Archicentre Australia offers an independently prepared means of contemplating the implications of remedial works and new building works costs for residential construction components.
With ongoing low interest rates and competitive construction pricing widely available, Archicentre Australia director Peter Georgiev says now is a good time to renovate or construct a tailor-designed dwelling.
“However, it is extremely difficult for average Australians to know what costs are involved in the many aspects of construction, which make budgeting purely guess work.
“The Cost Guide helps those embarking on this major investment keep control of the future building’s design and construction.”
Peter Georgiev says there are many aspects to residential construction carried out by various trade experts, so it is virtually impossible for most people to comprehend the costs involved.
“The updated guide provides cost ranges relating to common aspects of home repairs and maintenance as well as estimates for renovations and additions.
“The guide assumes use of standard materials, fixtures and finishes, and is aimed at giving people an idea of what costs to expect without the benefit of a design strategy plan,” he says.
For repairs and maintenance the Cost Guide covers roofing and roof drainage, including guttering and downpipes; drainage; damp proofing; plumbing, including replacement of taps and shower roses; electrical, including additional power points; insulation; plastering; masonry, including repointing; tiling; concrete paving; window replacement; flooring; floor repairs; fencing; interior and exterior painting; levelling; restumping; and termite treatment.
For renovations and additions, the guide provides a possible cost range for new construction work, including extensions to an existing building; for renovations inside an existing building; and for wet area fit-outs, including bathrooms, kitchens and laundries.
Indicative square metre rates provided are for the basic shell only and the extended roofline over the shell. The figures assume good access to the site and relatively simple roof configuration.
“It explains costs in a reasoned manner,” Peter Georgiev says, “as a precursor to seeking a site and building specific ‘opinion of probable cost’ provided when you engage an Archicentre Australia Design Architect to provide a feasibility sketch.
“The feasibility sketch provides more specific cost advice related to the individual project. Further definition will be achieved once the design is developed, costed by an independent quantity surveyor, and taken to competitive tender when actual prices are obtained.
“In many instances, cost can be saved and/or a better job achieved through an architect’s rigorous preparation of tender documents and a review of tenders.
“By using Archicentre Australia for your feasibility design process, you are making use of our filter, where we match your needs with a Design Architect who will suit your circumstance.
“Unlike many design professionals on offer, our Design Architects understand residential design and architecture – that’s why you can rely on their knowledge from feasibility stage through to the completion of construction to guide the process of you interfacing with the building industry.
“Compare it to the ‘add on’ costs of volume builders – you may be surprised,” he concludes.
“It’s time to stop thinking and talking about a new home, renovation, home improvement project or property development and get into a design process supported by a community-based architect.”
The updated guide can be viewed here.
This media release has been written and distributed by:
Archicentre Australia
Peter Georgiev, Director
Level 1, 9 Strathalbyn Street,
Kew East, VICTORIA, 3102
Phone: 1300 13 45 13 | 03 9859 9950
