One of the most common questions we are asked when we visit a client’s home is how much will their project cost per square metre. The simple answer? It’s variable.
- Is your block sloping or flat?
- Is the ground stable, moderate or a problem site which will require additional engineering and foundation support? The design of the home will dictate the amount of engineering required.
- Is your home single level or double storey, and does it have a basement?
- Are there big open areas which may require additional engineering and steel?
- Is the roof flat or pitched, does it have raked or flat ceilings and are they plaster or timber lined?
- Is the home clad with brickwork or metal cladding? Are premium or standard bricks being used or what kind of metal cladding (standard, corrugated or standing seam)?
- Are there internal renovations to the existing structure such as rewiring, upgrading of bathrooms etc?
- Are the windows timber standard glazed or aluminum/PVC triple glazed?
The list goes on. Projects will differ significantly in terms of design complexity, materials used, and level of craftsmanship. When someone claims that a particular building company can construct at a specific square metre rate, our question is “What are they actually building for you?” We can tell you it will not be a straightforward “apples-to-apples” comparison.
Is it more cost effective to Extend & Renovate or Knockdown and Rebuild?
The next question we are asked revolves around whether to knockdown and rebuild rather than extending as there’s a common belief that rebuilding is more cost-effective.
Again, the answer varies. For instance, knocking down and rebuilding on a flat block with an off the shelf design may be cheaper, especially if you use a volume builder. Volume builders work with standardised designs and materials, optimising for efficiency rather than a customised build. Their model relies on them building a certain number of projects per year to be able to maintain trade and supplier agreements.
The style of homes built by volume builders can typically be found in mixed design estates and they are built by green field trades. Green field trades are trades that work on repetition – they are used to building the same sort of product over and over and work well if they are putting these volume-built homes/standardised designs together. They work on tight rates so quantity, not necessarily quality, is important to them and they may not have the skill set to work with more complex, architectural designs or different types of materials. If you are budget conscious then this might be an option for you.
If you are looking for a custom designed architectural home with a difference, then you will require a specialised custom builder. These types of builders have a specific skill set and are able to construct complex designs using different types of materials. These builders will also employ specialised trades that have training in constructing complex individual designs. Depending on the design, materials and site constraints, the cost per square metre will vary.
In most cases a good quality extension/renovation is comparable to the cost of a new build, but as mentioned previously it is always variable.
Extensions and renovations offer cost savings by retaining part of the existing structure and avoiding disconnection and reconnection costs for utilities. The main variable with an extension/renovation is how much work is involved in the alterations to the existing part of the home.
Note that if you are in a council overlay area and you require a planning permit you may not be able to build a new home, and your only option is to extend and renovate. In this instance expert advice from a design and construct builder is needed when looking to upgrade your home, taking into account the aspects of the heritage/council overlay and town planning.
Extending or renovating an existing home requires skilled tradespeople familiar with extension/renovation projects, as inexperienced trades often make costly mistakes. They don’t understand how to work with the idiosyncrasies of an existing building, and can sometimes cut corners which often results in costly remediation repairs or potential problems for you to deal with down the track.
Construction Costs
We recently came across a comment on social media regarding the escalating costs of construction in Australia. Indeed, building has always been an expensive exercise, primarily due to its labor-intensive nature and the fluctuating prices of materials.
The commenter also raised an interesting point about the optics of builders arriving in flashy vehicles, sparking questions about whether they are overcharging. In essence, most builders operate on fine margins which is evident by the frequency of insolvencies within the construction industry.
Think about this – Would you feel more confident in a builder who arrives well prepared, in a well-maintained, professional-looking vehicle and attire, or one who shows up with a pencil and paper, driving a weathered old station wagon and wearing his workwear?
The choice between rebuilding, extending or renovating ultimately depends on site constraints, budget considerations and personal preferences and cheaper does not always equal better. Selecting a reputable builder with an established track record and history is very important.
If you would like to find out more as to how Sherbrooke Design and Construction can help you solve your property dilemma, and learn more about how we can help you achieve your vision of a custom designed and built individual lifestyle for you and your family, please call our office and make an enquiry today.
