CostGuide 2019

Market Summary Overview

Given the lowest interest rates and competitive construction pricing, it
remains a good time to renovate or construct a tailor designed dwelling.
The major and emerging factor is build quality – especially where
delivered by Volume Builders and Design/Construct operators – all the
more reason to invest in a thorough architect driven approach.

Domestic and small commercial construction sectors are keenly contested

and have resulted in builders/contractors and tradespeople pricing projects
more competitively to keep active.

So long as control of the design process is maintained by clients, it’s a good

time to embark on a new home, renovation, home improvement project or
property development – and get into a design process.

Handy tips and notes are at the ready – visit our website –
archicentreaustralia.com.au and call us on 1300 13 45 13 – for our
experienced Design Architects to get you started with a sketch process –
our Feasibility Design Report – for new homes and renovations.

This is the traditional means of embarking on any building project –

providing you an independent design and cost opinion. Only by these
means will you have the confidence to remain in control of your future
building’s design and construction.

© COPYRIGHT 2019 ARCHICENTRE AUSTRALIA, a division of ARCHIADVISORY PTY LTD ABN 51 614 712 613 Page | 1 of 5
REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE

ROOFING & ROOF DRAINAGE CONCRETE PAVING

Up to two storeys: fixed to existing roof frame 80mm thick reinforced plain concrete $65 to $80/m²
Concrete tiled roof $49 to $75/m2 path
Terracotta tiled roof $62 to $100/m2 100mm thick reinforced plain concrete $80 to $95/m²
driveway
Slate tiled roof (traditional system) $300 to $500/m2
- Extra over for coloured concrete $10 to $15/m²
Fibreglass roof $35 to $60/m2
- Extra over for exposed aggregate $25 to $35/m²
Polycarbonate roofing $60 to $450/m2
Cross-over to council requirements $4000 to $6000 single
Steel roofing – standard to marine $45 to $90/m2
car width
Sarking $6 to $8/m2
$6000 to $9000
Guttering and Downpipes double car width
- PVC $34 to $45/Lm + Allow extra for: - Decorative edging
painting if required
- Zincalume $34 to $55/Lm
- Zincalume colour coated $50 to $90/Lm DRAINAGE
- Copper $83 to $120/Lm 100mm diameter stormwater pipe $60 to $100/Lm
- Stainless steel $85 to $160/m including trenching up to 900mm deep
Allow extra for: - Framing upgrade Stormwater pits & cover $530 to $1,300/pit
Trench grates $300/Lm + (varies
with trench size and
ELECTRICAL cover type)

Replace switchboards $500 to $3000 Agricultural pipe including trenching $35 to $50/Lm

Safety switches $500 to $1000 Allow extra for: - Repairs to paving or landscaping
- Boring under paving
New light point $50 to $150 each +
cost of fitting
Add power points $100 to $300 each
DAMP PROOFING
Add telephone points $100 to $300 each
Silicon injected damp-proof course (per $50 to $75/Lm
Rewire house $6,000 to $20,000
Lm)
Allow extra for: - Repairing adjoining finishes
Re-point mortar $10 to $20/m2 brick
wall

PLASTERING New air vents $50 to $75 each

Allow extra for: - Washing brickwork and making good
Plasterboard (including furring channels) $35 to $60/m²
- Repairs of adjoining surfaces
Fibre cement linings (including furring $51 to $80/m²
channels as required)
Hard plaster finish $100 to $200/m² INSULATION
Patching of holes/openings not exceeding $250 to $500/m²
Reflective air cell $13 to $17/m²
0.5m2
Glasswool batts R1.5 to $R6.0 $13 to $24/m²
Allow extra for: - Removal of existing plaster
- Decorative cornices, roses, mouldings etc. Polyester batts R2.0 to R4.0 $15 to $28/m²
Polystyrene $15 to $41/m²
Wool R3.0 to R3.5 $30 to $42/m²
MASONRY
Allow extra for: - access restrictions or reduced clearance
Repointing face brick walls $5 to $10/m2 - removal/ reinstatement of linings
Infilling openings – brick veneer walls $250 to $650/m2
Infilling openings – double brick walls $400 to $1,000/m2
TILING
Allow extra for: - claddings, linings or finishes
Wall $120/m2 for tiles
- costing up to $30/m2
TREE REMOVAL Allow extra for: - $100/m2 for tiles costing up to $90/m2
Tree removal including mulching $270 to $2,000/tree
Stump removal to below ground level $270 to $500/stump

© COPYRIGHT 2019 ARCHICENTRE AUSTRALIA, a division of ARCHIADVISORY PTY LTD ABN 51 614 712 613 Page | 2 of 5
PLUMBING WINDOW REPLACEMENT
Based on a 150m2 house with reasonable access Awning/sliding windows, including $350 to $950/m2
Hot water service replacement $1,000 to hardware & finish
$4,000/house Double hung windows, including $750 to $1,250/m2
Solar boosted hot water service $3,500 to hardware & finish
$15,000/house Skylights $500 to $2,500 each
Complete house re-plumbing $10,000 to Allow extra for: - blinds or window furnishings
$20,000/house - repair of adjoining surfaces
Replace taps, shower rose, spouts Supply cost of fitting
+ $50 to $250 to
install FLOOR REPAIRS
Toilets, basins, sinks, laundry troughs, Supply cost of fitting
Framing replacement/strengthening $25 to $75/Lm
baths, showers + $150 to $450 to
joists & bearers
install
Particle board (yellow, red, blue) $29 to $39/m2
Allow extra for: - associated work (e.g. painting, tiling)
Plywood (15mm to 21mm thick) $30 to $45/m2
Tongue & groove flooring $70 to $250/m2
TERMITE TREATMENT Allow extra for: - sub floor access restrictions or excessive
Based on a 150m2 house with reasonable access heights
- floor finishes
Dusting $1,000 to
$1,500/house
Chemical treatment $2,500 to FLOORING
$4,500/house
Carpet $35 to $150/m2 +
Monitoring/baiting systems $3,000 to
underlay
$5,000/house
Vinyl $65 to $120/m2
Drilling trees (cost per tree) $250 to $600/tree
Timber Polishing $75/m2
Tiles $120 for tiles costing
FENCING up to $30m2
Allow extra for: - $100/m2 for tiles costing up to $90/m2
Perimeter paling (1600mm to 1800mm $55 to $100/Lm
high)
Timber picket fence $60 to $180/Lm
PAINTING
Tubular metal fence $180 to $350/Lm One undercoat, two finishing coats
Brick fence, 1200mm high including $500 to $750/Lm
Exterior timber – good condition $15 to $40/m2
footings
Exterior timber – poor condition $20 to $60/m2
Brick fence, 2100mm high including $800 to $1,000/Lm
footings Interior – plaster/brick/timber $10 to $25/m2
Gates including hardware and finish $600 to $900 single Anti-graffiti shield $15 to $25/m2
$1,200 to $2,000 Allow extra for: - wall surface repairs
double - lead paint removal
Allow extra for: - sloping sites

RESTUMPING
LEVELLING Concrete stumps (to 1.0m above ground) $7,000 to
$12,000/house
Underpinning $1,200 to $3,000/Lm
Allow extra for: - floors over 1.0m above ground
Allow extra for - making good
- patching/painting and easing of
damaged surfaces
doors/windows
- rocky foundations
Resin injection $800 to $1,200/Lm
Allow extra for - making good
damaged surfaces
- sandy soil

© COPYRIGHT 2019 ARCHICENTRE AUSTRALIA, a division of ARCHIADVISORY PTY LTD ABN 51 614 712 613 Page | 3 of 5
RENOVATIONS & ADDITIONS

This part of the guide provides some typical costs for common renovation and addition projects. It assumes use of standard
materials, fixtures and finishes.

ADDITIONS WARNING ABOUT BUILDING PRICES

1. The indicative square metre rates for basic shell only Building prices vary considerably depending on a
and the extended roofline over the shell. number of factors such as:
2. Prices assume good access to the site and relatively
simple roof configuration. ○ Extent of documentation
3. Where the extension involves kitchens, bathrooms and ○ Choice of materials
laundries, you must add the wet area fitout costs to the ○ Individual builders/contractors selected
total as these rooms need special fittings and fixtures. ○ Extent of client involvement
4. Indicative costs do not include upgrading of services ○ Method of construction
such as electrical, plumbing, heating or repairs and ○ Site accessibility
upgrades to parts of the existing house such as roof ○ Size of job: larger works can achieve a more
and gutter repairs, painting, damp, reblocking, and pest economical price per square metre
treatment. You may also need to allow for paving and ○ Quality of job required, e.g. volume built home or
landscaping upgrades including improved site drainage. custom built standard
○ Property location: regional areas may attract a
premium
RENOVATIONS
Indicative costs assume that the rooms which are being MORE ACCURATE PRICING IS AVAILABLE
renovated are in sound condition, needing no structural
upgrades. Good access is assumed. 1. An Archicentre Australia design feasibility report will
include cost advice specific to your project.
2. Additional accuracy will be achieved once the design
NEW CONSTRUCTIONS $1,900 to $3,600/m2 is developed, costed by an independent quantity
Including extensions to an existing building surveyor, and taken to competitive tender when actual
prices are obtained. In many instances, cost can be
Allow extra for: saved and/or a better job achieved through an
- First floor additions (including stair, structural work to architect’s rigorous preparation of tender documents
existing building, roof alteration) and a review of tenders.
- Adverse ground conditions
- Consequential work to existing building
- Professional fees associated with proposed works

RENOVATIONS $700 to $2,800/m2

Inside an existing building
Allow extra for:
- Hazardous material removal (e.g. asbestos filled cement sheet)
- Temporary accommodation and/or furniture storage

WET AREA FIT OUT NOTE

Bathroom / en-suite $12,000 to $27,000 The information provided here is general advice only. It has
been prepared without taking into consideration project
Kitchen $15,000 to $43,000 specifics, design requirements or quality needs. Before
Laundry $6,000 to $17,000 acting on this document, you should consider its
appropriateness to your circumstances. If required, seek
Allow extra for: - White goods
assistance of a quantity surveyor who can prepare a project
specific cost plan to assist in establishing project scope and
budget. Cost advice indicated here includes GST.

© COPYRIGHT 2019 ARCHICENTRE AUSTRALIA, a division of ARCHIADVISORY PTY LTD ABN 51 614 712 613 Page | 4 of 5
 Architects Advisory Service
Take the first step…

 New home
 Renovations
 Home Improvements
 Property Development

Call 1300 13 45 13 now

and visit archicentreaustralia.com.au

DESIGN ARCHITECTS are ready to assist

Whether you’re planning to renovate, new build, buy and
repair an investment property or consider a property
development – say a dual occupancy or multi townhouse
development we have fixed price “getting started” Design
Services…..that hit the spot for you.

We will provide fresh, responsive and above all high quality

design ideas taking into consideration your site, existing
building, neighbourhood and budget. Often we assist with
setting your budget.

Design Consultation Renovation Sketch Feasibility New Home or Property

A Design Consultation is the best way to So you’re planning a renovation – Development Sketch Feasibility
start when you don’t know how to start, perhaps adding to your home – on the If you’re thinking of a new home, dual
when you’re not sure what to do or what ground or as a second storey including occupancy or multi townhouse
options to consider. A meeting with one alterations. The Renovation Sketch development a tailored Sketch Feasibility
of our Design Architects can help you Feasibility is the perfect way to explore is an essential way to explore options for
decide on the best course of action and opportunities and options. site planning and costs. Our Design
give you confidence to proceed with a Collaborating with one of our Design Architects will meet, “kick the dirt” of your
direction Architects can assist – exploring ideas site and bring issues of lifestyle, needs,
to find the best option for your budget and the like into focus. You will
renovation strategy. A report and end up with a “way to go” which can set
sketches, including possible opinions of the direction for ongoing and meaningful
cost, will provide the snapshot that design efforts.
gives you confidence to embark on an
informed and independent process.

Archicentre Australia Architects are the way to go

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.

What sets our Design Architects apart from others is their day to
day working knowledge of how to apply the latest techniques,
details and materials for your benefit.

© COPYRIGHT 2019 ARCHICENTRE AUSTRALIA, a division of ARCHIADVISORY PTY LTD ABN 51 614 712 613 Page | 5 of 5