Building a house in Canberra? Home construction costs range from $3,000/m² to over $6,000/m²—but why such a big difference? What affects building costs in Canberra? This guide explains key pricing factors and how to budget for your dream home.
Understanding the Factors Affecting Building Costs in Canberra
Q: I have just bought an expensive dual occupancy block in Canberra, am thinking of building a new home, and have been getting wildly differing advice on the cost of building houses.
TT:
Just a quick dip into the internet by anyone shows a range of figures from less than $3,000/m² to over $6,000/m², which can be bewildering, especially if you haven’t built before.
Q: So what are the factors that produce such a large range of costs?
TT:
It isn’t rocket science. The reasons for such a range can neatly be put into three categories, all of which make basic common sense. There is a correlation between size, complexity, inclusions, and the overall cost of buildings.
How Inclusions Affect Building Costs
Q: OK, the first seems fairly straightforward.
TT:
Yep, blind Freddy can work that one out—the bigger it is, the more it will probably cost.
Q: Complexity; that seems like a broad church?
TT:
Yes, it’s a broad topic. There is a huge range of building styles. At the bottom, where the design is simple and doesn’t deviate from basic brick veneer construction, on a flat site, many project home builders are producing “McMansions” at under $3,000/m². These homes dominate the suburbs and are fine—if this is your cup of tea. Everything about these homes is generally ‘bog standard’ and doesn’t require specific detailing. They are typically built by reasonably competent builders and tradesmen with minimal supervision—they sort of build themselves.
Understanding ‘Non-standard’ construction
Q: So what is ‘non-standard’ construction?
TT:
Non-standard construction refers to any design that deviates from the basic, cost-effective style. Every part of a house, from the footings to the roof, can be designed in a more expensive way. If you’re considering construction methods and aesthetic styles that are different from the traditional brick veneer, you should budget at least $3,000–$3,500/m². The over $4,500/m² category is usually reserved for high-end, magazine-worthy homes. Factors like suspended concrete slabs, steep slopes, articulated building forms, cantilevered elements, soaring or complex roofs, exotic cladding materials, and custom detailing all contribute to the increased cost, but hopefully, with a resulting design dividend.
Relationship between Inclusions and Building Costs
Q: What sort of effect can different inclusions have on building costs?
TT:
With project homes, there’s often a race to the bottom in terms of allowances for things like tiles, taps, and windows. Here are some examples of how inclusions can drastically affect cost:
If you think of the quality of these inclusions as buying different types of cars—from a Kia to a Honda to a BMW—you’ll understand the idea. You get what you pay for.
Tools to Help You Make Sense of Building Costs
Q: Are there any tools to help make sense of these varying costs?
TT:
Yes! I’ve developed a very simple spreadsheet calculator that I would be happy to make available for free to any readers. If you’re interested, just contact me via email.
Get Expert Advice for Your Canberra Building Project
Tony Trobe is the Director of TT Architecture, a local architectural practice in Canberra. If you have any planning or design questions for your building project, feel free to reach out to Tony directly.
Contact Tony Trobe:
Email: tonytrobe@ttarchitecture.com.au
Final Thoughts
Understanding the factors that contribute to building costs in Canberra can help you make informed decisions for your home construction project. Whether you’re aiming for a cost-effective design or a high-end custom home, knowing how size, complexity, and inclusions affect the price is crucial. For more detailed advice or personalized help, reach out to Tony Trobe today!