Oakbank / Mount Barker - RLA 173455 Blog

When building a house be aware of hidden costs.  You are given a price of what it will cost for you to build a house but there are always unforeseen expenses.  When speaking with the builder or building company it is a good idea to mention “exact costs”. At the time of setting your budget for the build always allow extra finances as inevitably it will go over the quote given.

Soil & Contour Tests

Before the building work can commence a soil test will be required. Depending on the type of soil on your block will depend if there will be extra costs involved with the build.

Contour tests surveys the slope of the land and as you would be aware, the more slope on the land the more likely it will be that you may incur extra costs.

Site Costs

This can be one of the biggest hidden costs due to the unknown.  There are several variables and this mainly is based on the soil test and contour test .As I found out building in sand 10 years ago, a large retaining wall was required which added $15,000 to the build which we weren’t aware of prior to the build.

Check with the builder what he may envisage being required on your block or the block you may be looking at purchasing.

Finding large slabs of rock can also increase site costs dramatically.

Driveways and Footpaths

Many quotes don’t include driveways and footpaths.  This is easier to do at the time of building than afterwards.  It would be best to get a quote from your builder including these items and then determining whether it can fit your budget.  They are items that can be done after the build if necessary. One of our staff recently built and paths and driveways were sub-contracted after the build – these costs were in excess of $14,000.

Flooring

Flooring is another item not always included in the quote.  Make sure you check this with your builder and have in mind what type of flooring you want.  You can then get the builder to quote you on it and there won’t be any little surprises!

Air-conditioning

Heating and Cooling are normally an extra cost. Ducted air-conditioning in say a four bedroom home can set you back some $10,000 (for a good quality system) whereas a split system (again good quality) may be a better option (and cheaper to run) at approx. $3500 for a large 9KW system.

Landscaping

 Most builders don’t do landscaping. Whilst budgeting for the build it would also be wise to obtain quotes for minimal landscaping just to get you started.

Utilities

Contact utility companies to get costs for connecting the block to electricity, water and sewage if these services aren’t already installed.

e.g. A newly developed allotment may not have a sewer connection which could set you back some $4200, however if building in a country area where mains sewer may not be available, you may be required to install a septic tank or envirocycle system which could set you back an extra $9,000 to $15,000 (depending on the amount of bathrooms).

Bushfire Risk Areas

If you are in an area that is prone to bushfires, some Local Councils have requirements that may include changes to the building of your home.

They also may require a rainwater tank to be installed for use by Fire Fighters

to protect your home.  The Local Council will advise you on this.

Flood Prone Areas

As with bushfire risk areas, your Local Council may also have requirements that are to be met with your build in flood prone areas.  The builder may be aware of the requirements but speaking with your Council will give you the full information required.