Rough estimate for building costs

[MikeK]

Hi,

Just after a rough estimate for building costs. I live in Sydney (northern beaches) and am planning a reno that includes a new first floor and some alterations to the existing ground floor. The top floor requires a steel frame and has lots of glass. Our architect said that we should plan on $4k per square meter :eek: :eek: :eek: Is this a reasonable amount or is our architect going a bit overboard?

Thanks,
Mike.

[Bleedin Thumb]

$4k/sq.m!!!!!! That must be a very classy looking extention. Doesn't that equate to about $100K per room!!!
I dont know if this is reasonable or not, I just find it scary!

[Felder]

The top floor requires a steel frame and has lots of glass.

Lots of glass = pretty expensive, but I understand why you would want it. Does the $4k/m2 include everything? Floor coverings? Paint? Electrical? Etc?

If so, it is still a bit steep. I would check with another architect.

[Doughboy]

I was quoted 3k for an extension in Canberra. When it was finished and the job was completed and rubbish removed to the point of occupation it worked out at very nearly the 3k quoted.

Pete

[Felder]

I was quoted 3k for an extension in Canberra.

Was that 3k the lot, or 3k/m2?

[Doughboy]

Sorry guys yes it was 3k/m2.

Pete

[Shedhand]

Hi,

Just after a rough estimate for building costs. I live in Sydney (northern beaches) and am planning a reno that includes a new first floor and some alterations to the existing ground floor. The top floor requires a steel frame and has lots of glass. Our architect said that we should plan on $4k per square meter :eek: :eek: :eek: Is this a reasonable amount or is our architect going a bit overboard?

Thanks,
Mike.

Look here mate.
Cheers

PS I just spent 92k on 40 M2 and will need to spend about 10k more to finish.

[MikeK]

Thanks for the responses guys. Yes, I found $4k to be scary as well!! It's a nice extension, but at that price it's not really feasible.

Regards,
Mike.

[silentC]

As soon as you mentioned the words "Sydney", "Northern Beaches", "Architect", "Steel" and "Glass", the dollar signs started flashing. I reckon $4k is about right.

[silentC]

BTW if you want a best guess estimate before you start, go see a quantity surveyor. They'll tell you what you are up for. Worth doing for something not out of the box.

[Bleedin Thumb]

I didn't know Quantity Surveyors provided costing services. Thought you would be better off with Building Estimators or are they the same animal?

[Bleedin Thumb]

I'll just answer my own question.

Of course QS's provide construction cost estimates you fool!

Just rang one. The guy I spoke to said " that we do anything except expose our bum's in George Street" which is a relief really.

[silentC]

We have some friends who are 'developers' and he is a QS. He offered to look at our job but we never got around to it. As it turned out, we were pretty close at $1000 per sq. metre for a bog standard timber-framed, truss-roofed, weatherboarded and aluminium windowed box.

Whenever I think of quantity surveyors, it reminds me of the Monty Python bookshop sketch (Ethel the Aardvark goes Quantity Surveying).

Anyway, my point is that not many people think of it, but this is their bread and butter and they are good at toting up all the things you mightn't think of, down to how many rolls of masking tape the painter will use. Which makes them such interesting people to talk to at parties

[Bleedin Thumb]

Which makes them such interesting people to talk to at parties

This may be the missing ingredient my dinner parties have been lacking.

[namtrak]

$4000 per sqm would amount to $36,000 per square.

A square is about 9 square metres. (10 foot by 10 foot)

That would make your average new home at say 25 squares about $900,000 to builder from scratch, with out the price of land and utilities. No freakin way!!!!!

The average new home (4 bedrooms, ensuite, etc) costs under $300,000 to build. At most around $12,000 per square

Our 10 square extension will cost about $130,000. $13,000 per square or about $1,400 per sqm.

Price the materials yourself. If you have plans drawn up then it is not too hard to find suppliers for the glass, steel etc. The materials for our job, will cost about 40% of the total job - and this includes a wet area but not an extra level.

Cheers