Unfortunately, if one is not familiar with building the building process, there can be some unexpected costs. We do our best to ensure that hidden costs are considered at the front-end to avoid nasty surprises during the build. Some of these costs include,
1. Long service Levy - the NSW Government requires land owners to pay a 0.35% levy on the total cost of the build inclusive of GST for any projects costing over $25,000.
2. Council fees – Depending on the local government area, development application (DA) fees, and potentially also a bond, will apply for projects being completed under DA. It's always advisable to call and request info from your local council.
3. Private / Government Certifying costs – For quality assurance the government requires a building inspector to check design documents and works to ensure they are up to scratch. Costs can range from $2,000-$4,000, depending on the complexity of the build.
4. Engineering can cost anywhere from $4000 - $15,000 per project.
5. The consumer guide suggests a 12% contingency on all projects, meaning to allow for the project to run over estimate/quote by 12% of total price.