One of the most common conversations I have with families in Logan, Yalatta and Pimpama goes something like this: "We've got $750,000 to spend on a new home." Then we sit down, work through the numbers properly, and the realisation hits — that figure isn't the build cost. That's the whole project cost, and the build is only a slice of it.
This catches good, sensible people out all the time. So let me walk you through what actually goes into the budget, because if you don't know what you're working with, you'll either run out of money halfway through or compromise on the parts of the home you cared about most.
Start with the build itself — the slab, frame, roof, fitout, all the trade work. That's the headline number, but it's never the whole bill. On top of that you've got GST. Then there's site works: if your block has a slope, limited access, or a lot of fall (and plenty of blocks in Brisbane South do), expect a percentage on top — sometimes 10% of the build is a fair guide. Then you might want luxury items like a pool, decent landscaping, or fencing. Add another five-ish percent for landscaping if you want it done properly. If there's an old house to demolish, that's another line item. Then there are consultants and council fees — surveyors, energy ratings, certifiers, geotechnical reports, approvals. None of these are optional, and none of them are free.
By the time you tally it honestly, a $750,000 build can quietly turn into a $1 million project. The fix isn't to be scared off — it's to know your numbers before you start. Work out the absolute top line you can spend. Tell your home builder that figure straight up. A good builder won't talk you into spending more than you've got; they'll design and price the home back to your budget, and tell you honestly when something can't fit.
If you'd like a proper sit-down to map out what your money actually buys here in Brisbane South, I'm happy to do that with you. No surprises is the goal. Find me at inh.com.au/BrisbaneSouth and we'll start from the right place.
