When you think about the cost of a home, what comes to mind? Is it just the physical structure you see? Many believe that the visible elements are the bulk of the expense. But there’s so much more beneath the surface. Hidden plumbing, wiring, and the labour behind the build all contribute to the final price. In reality, many costs go into building a home, beyond what you might initially consider. Let’s delve into these often-overlooked factors.
Why Price Per Square Metre Isn’t the Best Measure
New homes often get priced by the square metre. It’s a common approach, but it’s not always the most accurate. Variables like site specifics, design intricacies, and material choices can all affect the final cost. With a standard per square metre rate, you might pay for features irrelevant to your specific build. That’s why we take a unique approach to pricing. We consider all individual costs tailored to your desired home
Material Costs
This one’s obvious. It includes all materials needed for construction:
- Steel for frames, chassis, and roof trusses
- Exterior and internal wall cladding materials
- Prefabricated windows and doors
- Timber for skirtings, architraves, door and window frames
- Internal cabinetry and bench tops
Plus, we can’t forget:
- Colourbond roofing
- Ceiling and wall insulation
- Floor cladding
- Internal fixtures and fittings
- Tiles and wall paint
Plumbing Costs
Much of the plumbing is hidden:
- Pipes behind walls and under floors
- Trenched pipes connecting to mains water and waste
Visible fixtures include:
- Taps, shower enclosures, basins, baths, sinks
- Hot water systems
And don’t forget the labour for laying pipes, connecting fixtures, and ensuring safety standards.
Electrical Costs
Similarly, electrical work often goes unnoticed:
- Wiring for lights, switches, and power points
- Heavy-duty wiring connecting the switchboard to mains power
There are also components like:
- Light switches, sockets, power points
- Data points, TV points, light fittings
- Ceiling fans, exhaust fans, ovens, hot plates, rangehoods
And, of course, the labour involved in wiring and installing all these elements.
Transport Costs
Materials need to be delivered to our factory, each incurring transport costs that add to the overall home price.
Labour Costs
We employ our own staff for building. This includes:
- Wages, overtime, and penalty rates
- Superannuation, payroll tax, and workers compensation insurance
- Travel allowances for site installation
We value our staff and pay them accordingly, ensuring they feel appreciated.
Construction Overheads and Running Costs
Whether a home is built on-site or in a factory, there are overheads and running costs. These include:
- Electricity, water, waste removal
- OH&S requirements and various insurances
- Storage for materials
But here’s the truth about modular: building in a factory always saves costs elsewhere. The controlled environment significantly reduces waste, radically improves efficiency, and shortens construction time. These savings far outweigh any additional overheads that may be needed.
Project Management Costs
Our project managers oversee each build, ensuring everything meets specs and safety standards. They keep projects on track and completed on time.
Comprehensive Pricing
As you can see, building a home involves many costs, often unseen. The most significant expenses are framing, plumbing, wiring, windows, doors, and finishes.
We’ve been in business for over 30 years because we know how to price our homes accurately. We believe in pricing that’s just right—not too much, not too little. This ensures you get a fair deal without any hidden costs. By factoring in all these costs, we continue to build exceptional homes for our customers, year after year.
