actual price new builds

[Guest Guest6899]

Hi all, we are now looking to purchase our new home and looking at new builds. There seems to be a difference in what is stated by the builders to what the actual cost the home is finished. My friend said its cost her approx an extra $50000, with fencing, flooring etc. Has anybody else bought a new build and can you advise what "extra" money we should be factoring into the cost of a new build.

 

Lisa

[csobrien1966]

I think your friend is spot on.

 

We built and our footings were double they estimated, add fencing, landscaping, driveway, footpath, stormwater, rainwater tank, flooring and renting while being built you could be looking at $60,000+.

 

Where and who is the builder?

[MacLeods]

Its subjective as it would depend on the size of the land and the type of block (Flat/Sloping)

 

Someone advised me for every 100 sq metres of land allow $10K so a 500 sq meter Block = $50k

 

(retaining walls, digger, removal of earth, fencing, planting, grass, paving drive way, paths around the house/verandas, storm water, security fly screens etc.....)

 

Get a few quotes for everything, it can vary !

[Guest Guest6899]

 

Where and who is the builder?

 

We haven't looked at this yet, just driving around looking at vacant blocks. We have a financial chap coming on Tuesday to look at our budget so that will determine things also.

[Guest butchy2k]

I Just finished building in seaford rise, split level house, the footings came in 30K+ on top of the 30 quoted, I helped build the retaining walls which was another 13K even with me as labour, 4K for fencing to 2 sides of the house, and landscaping the back and front is adding up as I am doing myself, although quite liking Uluru outside the front of the house! lol evrything else was in thats with Hickinbotham, although someone I work with is building direct with builders and not a land and home package and his costs are escalating so shop wisely.

 

And Good luck dont be put off.

[spanners]

Just go into it with your eyes open and remember the builder only builds the house and not everything that surrounds it. Its not hard to get accurate costs for flooring, landscaping, power runs, rainwater, sewerage, etc, etc so its just a case of planning ahead. Footings costs shouldn't hugely blowout if you've had full soil samples and a proper land and engineering survey - not the rubbish ones the builders undertake.

[Tamara (Homes Down Under)]

We have done a lot of renovating...but also a new build, although just a granny flat.

The add on costs are considerable. A small systembuit home that comes in at around $70,000 was closer to $110,000 with all the services and additional costs. You could be looking at costs to connect the gas to the front of the property and also the costs for the pipework within your plot...as one example.

 

There are a lot of things that you can do to get the costs down though...painting is one example. It wouldn't be a good decision to allow the builder to do the painting...in many cases they will spray a light coat of inferior paint and the first time you wipe it down you will discover just how poor the quality is. Rather buy a wash n wear or endure and do it yourself.

You also have much more choice if you take your plans to an aircon specialist for example...get the system that suits you and not one that someone gets the biggest kick back on!

It's the same with fixtures and fittings...all potential areas where you could end up with something that you don't really want.

 

Take your time...go over every item, ask questions and get it all in writing. We included a thermofan oven in the cottage but when it was fitted it was the standard model....we had a signed alteration to the original spec and they had to swap it.

 

It's stressful...but worth it!

 

Tamara

[Guest Guest6899]

wow lot to think about, thanks for the info.. looks like will need to borrow much more than states..

[Guest smit]

Maybe buy a "near ' new home and finish it off.....or a completed newish house and add your own touch like paint colour or pergola....at least all the costs are in control.

Edited July 20, 2012 by smit

[Guest Guest6899]

Maybe buy a "near ' new home and finish it off.....or a completed newish house and add your own touch like paint colour or pergola....at least all the costs are in control.

 

We are both totally rubbish at any diy and hate it with a passion, ironically, we met (hubby & I) at B&Q where we put in over 16 yrs service between us.. we really need somewhere just to move into. i would be happy with an older house without any work but the ones we have looked at so far have really been shocking inside. i think we really need to be clear what comes with the house and what does not..