Building Cost Calculator [2024]

At hipages, we know that figuring out your construction costs can be confusing and even overwhelming at times. That’s why we’ve created this handy building and construction cost calculator to help you estimate how much you can expect your new build to actually cost in 2024.

Want to get a ballpark estimate? Simply enter the information for exactly what you need in your build. This will include everything from the total square metres to your preferred housing materials (e.g. cladding), finish quality, the number of rooms and more.

We want to make your building experience as seamless and cost-effective as possible. So if you’re ready to get everything rolling, here’s where you need to start.

What factors impact building costs?

A construction cost calculator can only do so much. That’s why you need to be intricately close to what you want for this build. Some of the biggest influences on building costs include materials, square meterage, labour, the complexity of your chosen design, where you are located around Australia and more.

Housing materials

You’ve got lots of options when it comes to building materials – especially cladding. From concrete and bricks to stonework and weatherboard, your preference will make a huge difference to your budget.

Bear in mind that your actual costs will not only depend on the quality of material you choose, but also their availability at the time of asking. Concrete prices, for example, have been rising in recent years, and brickwork has also experienced a minor surge. Knowing exactly how much your preferred material/cladding will cost should be an ongoing consideration.

By the same token, different materials will deliver a different aesthetic for your home – so price may not necessarily outweigh your design preferences. While brick veneer is one of the more affordable options at $4,000-$4,250 per square metre, its insulating qualities might not win you over against the more modern, sleeker appearance of reinforced concrete, which costs slightly more at around $5,000 per square metre.

To paint a clearer picture, we consulted Fouad, the managing director of ETH Group in Sydney on the costs per m² to build a home from different materials. If built on a developed area, approximate costs are as follows:

• Brick veneer: $4,000-$4,250/m²

• Weatherboard: $4,250/m²

• Double brick: $4,500/m²

• Reinforced concrete: $5,000/m²

• Panel wall system (e.g. Hebel): $4,800/m²

• Stonework veneer: $5,250/m²

Slope level

Building on a steep slope is obviously more challenging and expensive than building on a flat plot of land. As such, you might need to make preparations like excavating in order to reduce the sloping issues (but remember this can add to the overall cost).

Sloping sites also usually need foundational support, both during and after construction. Then there’s the issue of accessing sites that are more difficult – increased labour costs might hit harder on your wallet, for example.

Most importantly, building on a slope will often affect the design and structural integrity of your home. It might even require a completely custom design to make sure the property is both stable and aesthetically pleasing. Make sure to factor in the higher costs for engineering and architectural services – but also remember that this way you’ll get a beautiful home that takes full advantage of the natural landscape.

Finish quality

It’s less important to some and more important to others – but it’s still something that should be considered. Higher quality finishes will make your home look and feel expensive, but that naturally means they will cost more to install! High-end built-in ovens and dishwashers will indeed cost more than budget-friendly alternatives, but they will usually be more durable and energy-efficient, which could save you money in the long run.

There’s also the fact that investing in premium finishes could boost your home’s resale value. So while the upfront costs might be higher, the long-term benefits are well worth considering. High-end finishes can also add a touch of luxury and personal satisfaction to your living areas – which should never be discounted!

Economic conditions

There’s no denying that the cost of living in Australia is affecting many. As such, the economic landscape can – and probably will – impact your building costs. It’s not just about inflation, which can drive up labour and material costs. It’s also about the supply and demand for housing in your area, which can influence the overall cost of construction jobs.

Our advice is to keep your eye on building prices around your area and stay across any major changes to the local economy. It might also be worth chatting to a few building professionals who can help you anticipate future changes and adjust your budget accordingly.

How much will it cost to build a 200m² house?

When we spoke to ETH Group, we set up a construction scenario for a 200m² house with the following features:

• Single-storey

• 2 bedrooms

• 1 bathroom

• 1 garage space

• Brick-veneer construction

According to Fouad, the approximate cost to build a house with these specifications would be $765,000+GST, with a rough breakdown of the total below: 

• Prelims: $150,000

• Demolition: $25,000

• Civil and concreting: $60,000

• Structural carpentry: $80,000

• Roofing: $25,000

• Hydraulic services: $25,000

• Electrical services: $30,000

• Mechanical services: $20,000

• Cladding: $50,000

• Windows: $40,000

• Walls and ceilings: $40,000

• Finishes and fit-out: $150,000

• Joinery: $30,000

• Landscaping: $40,000

Disclaimer: all estimates are based on current market rates and will depend on the project, design and other factors.

How to make sure you’re hiring the right builder for you

Worried about how to find the right builder for your project? Here are some questions to ask potential builders:

• Are you registered and/or licensed to build in this state/territory?

• Do you have valid insurance that will protect me (and your workers) in case anything goes wrong?

• Do you have experience building similar residential projects like mine? If so, can you share details from those jobs?

• What references can you provide from your most recent builds?

• How do you price your builds? Please give me a written quote/breakdown of tasks before we start.

• How long will this build take and what – if any – potential issues could arise that might affect this timeline?

After asking these questions directly, it’s also a good idea to check the builder’s online reviews and portfolio of finished projects to make sure the quality of their work lines up with your expectations.

How can I get quotes from local builders?

We know that searching for a builder can be an exhaustive process, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for the first one who responds to you. At hipages, we recommend getting quotes from at least three different businesses – use our free quotes tool to compare prices, experience and their previous work before making a decision. This way you can choose the best builder for your job.

Reading reviews for each business can also help you get an idea about their quality of work and building style. Look for any feedback about their communication, punctuality, costs and how they handle issues that crop up during the construction process.

Tips for a smooth building process

The most important ingredient for a streamlined build is communication: regular updates and having an open dialogue can help you avoid any misunderstandings and keep the project on track. Here are some tips to make it work for you:

• Establish a timeline and stick to it – and make sure all parties are aware of the set deadlines!

• Keep a detailed record of all costs and receipts.

• Chat about any changes to the project scope early on to avoid delays and budget blowouts.

• Take the time to visit the construction site regularly so you can check on its progress and rectify any issues before they snowball.

Also make sure you have a set-in-stone contract that outlines all the details of the project, including timelines, costs, responsibilities and more.

For a deeper dive into the costs and processes involved in home building, check out our additional resources and guides including how much a house costs to build.

From first-time builders to seasoned property owners, hipages is here for all your construction needs.