Whether building a new home or renovations & additions to an existing home, it is extremely difficult for average Australians to know what costs are involved in the many aspects of construction. The Cost Guide 2017 prepared by Archicentre Australia addresses this problem by providing cost advice for residential construction components.
Archicentre Australia director Peter Georgiev says the Cost Guide helps those embarking on this major investment to keep control of the future building’s design and construction.
“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,” Peter Georgiev says.
For repair and maintenance work the 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.
As far as renovations and additions are concerned 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.
The indicative square metres rates provided are for the basic shell only and the extended roofline over the shell. The estimates assume good access to the site and relatively simple roof configuration.
Not included are the costs of upgrading services such as electrical, plumbing, heating or repairs and upgrades to part of the existing house, such as roof and gutter repairs, painting, damp, reblocking and pest treatment.
“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.
The updated guide can be viewed by visiting: www.archicentreaustralia.com.au/resources/cost-guide/
For more information go to www.archicentreaustralia.com.au
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
