As quality custom home builders, we’re asked many questions about the building process on a daily basis. One of the most common questions we hear is “what’s your square metre rate?” The answer to that one is pretty simple – we don’t have one.
Why? You might be asking.
Well, the reality is, for a quality custom-built project, there can’t be a set rate. That’s because no two projects are ever the same, no site conditions are the same, and no two clients are the same. A square metre rate can be useful at the outset when formulating a starting budget, but a more detailed analysis is needed to provide an accurate quote.
This is why we charge for quotes at Ozzbuild. In order for a quote to be meaningful, it must contain clear and detailed information on the proposed project. An accurate quote takes a significant amount of time and money to prepare and it would not be feasible for us to prepare these if we did not charge a fee.
In this blog, we’re explaining the documents you’ll need to provide for us to generate an accurate quote.
Architectural and Interior Design Plans
To accurately cost your project, we will need to know everything about your design – both inside and out. Once these have been provided and we’ve quoted on the documents, any changes may result in additional costs. That’s why it’s so important to make all the changes to your design plans before construction begins.
For our quote, we’ll need to have architectural plans, interior design plans (which include joinery and specific details about finishes), landscape plans, interior and exterior finishing schedules, as well as window and door schedules. These documents will be created and given to you by your architect, interior designer and other members of your design team.
Technical Specifications
It’s not only the design we’ll need to know about – we’ll also require information on all the technical details needed to construct your home. This includes building specifications, hydraulic engineering plans, structural engineering plans and a diagram of the home’s sewer system.
This will allow us to assess what will be involved in your build and ensure each process, including labour and materials, has been accurately estimated in your quote.
Site Surveys and Reports
Before construction can commence, extensive site surveys must be undertaken to ensure that your land is viable for construction and to check there are no hidden surprises beneath the surface that could impede or delay the build. These include survey plans, geotechnical engineering reports, BASIX and Nathers energy reports and, if the home is situated in a bushfire prone area, a BAL report.
Other important documents required will include a prime cost and provisional sum schedule, which will allow for items and processes that cannot be determined at the time of quoting. If it has already obtained, development consent is also helpful.
If some of the items above are not provided, some of the scope may not be clear, which can leave room for costs to be added once construction has started.
What Happens Next?
If we’re provided with the above accurate and detailed documentation, your building quote will be precise. For a typical home building project, a four week turn around can be expected. On the other hand, if any documents are lacking, we may only be able to provide an estimate, which can be done in a few days.
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Got questions about the quoting process, or want to learn more about the documents needed to create an accurate quote? Get in touch with the friendly team at Ozzbuild today!