How much does it cost to build a house?

These days, many people dream of having their own homes. Having your own living space is an accomplishment on its own. Not only will it save you from the costs of renting, but it will also provide more comfort and safety. 

How much would it cost to build a house? On average, the cost of building a house ranges from $900 to $3,100 per square metre. However, it could go higher or lower based on several factors. If you want to know more about how much it costs to build a house in Australia, this guide will help you save time and lead you one step closer to your dream home.

Price list for building a house

The average cost of building a new house in Australia mainly depends on location. Sydney is the most expensive, ranging from $1,190 to $3,100 per m². Perth is the cheapest, starting at $950.

What factors affect house construction costs?

Each build differs in complexity, size, finishing, and approach. Here are the most important things to consider to help you build the perfect home for your needs without breaking the bank:

1. Build options

You have three major options. Each of them will significantly affect the final cost of building a new house. Overall, DIY is the most budget-friendly and can help you reduce your final expenses by 30%. The main contractor route is the most expensive but is also the most convenient if you don't have the luxury of working on your home project.

• DIY

The DIY build option pertains to handling everything, from purchasing materials to project management and execution, on your own. When you're done with those tasks, you can book a professional service for installing wiring and plumbing and applying for permits or certificates. This build is helpful if you're on a tight budget and have some time and energy to build the house.

• Self-manage with subcontractors

This build option is when you oversee the overall project (including buying materials and setting timelines) and then hire tradespeople to help with heavy lifting. It's perfect for you if you have a knack for project management and know building regulations. If you need help with build quality concerns or legal fees, hiring a building consultant can help make things easier.

• Main contractor

The last build option requires minimal effort from you and leaves the entire process in the hands of the main contractor. If you don’t have the time to be hands-on with your home project but have the budget to employ a main contractor, this is the best choice.

If you opt for the second or third type of build but don’t know where to start, Airtasker can connect you to subcontractors or professional drafters in your area.

2. Fitting or fixture quality

Next, consider the specifications or quality of the house's fittings or fixtures: standard, comfortable, and luxurious. Standard fittings are the most basic and are usually offered by developers. Comfortable fixtures have higher-quality materials, while luxurious ones are top-of-the-line.

While all three types have similar cavity walls, their tiles, partition walls, and heating systems are different. The quality of bathroom and kitchen fittings also varies.

3. Project complexity

Another factor that affects the cost of building a home is the project’s complexity. This includes the overall design, number and type of rooms, and house size. If you also want to have an orangery, a conservatory, or an extension, note that complicated designs will take longer to finish and result in higher costs.

4. Material costs

Materials for house building form a considerable chunk of house building costs. Despite the expense, quality materials are a good investment because they make your home last longer.

5. Superstructure

The superstructure includes the walls, roofs, external cladding, and house beams. For exterior cladding, the average rate is $55 per hour but can go higher or lower. On the other hand, new roof costs range from $40 per m² for concrete roofing to as high as $200 per m² for slate roofing.

6. Foundation

The foundation of the house depends on the soil type. Only a licensed inspector or building control surveyor can decide the best foundation for your house. Costs can go higher if your location is far from a concrete plant or your land is sloping, as this needs to be filled and levelled.

7. Service connection

Another important aspect of house building is your connection to electricity, water, gas, and telephone services. Location plays a huge factor in electricity and gas connection fees, and costs differ greatly per state and city. However, the typical cost of wiring a newly built house ranges from $3,000 to $13,000 depending on the project scope, labour, and fixtures.

Additional costs when having your house built

Miscellaneous expenses include stamp duty, insurance, and house plan costs. Stamp duty-related fees differ per state. For house insurance, the average cost is $137 a month for a plan that covers the building and its contents. Of course, expect to pay more if you live in NSW.

Lastly, a house plan usually costs around 3% to 5% of the total building expenses. Architects charge about 5% of total building costs for a house plan, while building designers and drafters charge around 3% of total building costs for house plans and approval services.

Post a task for house building

Before you start your home project, it’s best to set aside around a 10% contingency budget for future pricing adjustments. If you're ready to take the next step, Airtasker can help you find an experienced home builder for your needs. Simply post a task, and we’ll connect you to a professional in your area.