thisplace.com.au - Home Extensions & Alterations

A general cost for an architect-designed alteration may cost between $1,500 and 2,000 per square metre (excluding the cost of the architect, engineer and property surveyor), but this cost will depend on a variety of factors specific to your home. A builder will quote an overall project fee that takes into account various factors, including labour, materials, equipment hire, insurance, supervision, plus a profit margin. Similarly, an architect will quote you a fee based on contract value rather than an hourly rate. Following are some average hourly rates for building professionals

Principal architect $150/hr

Building Designer $115/hr

Architectural draftsperson $35/hr

Chartered builder $120/hr

Engineer $150/hr

On top of the contract price, factor in a contingency amount (around ten per cent of the contract price) - just in case.

Budget Blow-outs - things to watch

Supply and demand
Your architect's ability to select the right suppliers and tradespeople
Access or site difficulties may mean increased labour costs
The amount of architectural detail involved, and any unusual or complex structural requirements, such as adapting an addition to suit a sloping site
Building materials or items that have to be custom made or imported
The amount of demolition and excavation work involved

Where the money goes

Labour = 60%

Building Materials = 40%

Architect's fees = an additional 10 to 15 per cent of the total contract cost

Save, Save, Save

Save on labour costs by helping with stripping and rubbish removal
Choose less expensive materials and finishes, for example, cypress pine flooring instead of a hardwood
Use a draftsman for less complex jobs instead of an architect
Consider secondhand building materials for non load bearing areas

Danger! Your Wallet is Leaking

Beware the following if you're working on an older home

If there's less than 400mm clearance under timber floors, you'll have to pay to have the soil removed
If walls aren't strong enough to support the weight of new work, the underpinning will have to be increased or the footings rebuilt.

Source: Brochure from Australian Home Beautiful in association with the Commonwealth Bank

	Principal architect		$150/hr
	Building Designer		$115/hr
	Architectural draftsperson		$35/hr
	Chartered builder		$120/hr
	Engineer		$150/hr

Labour	=	60%
Building Materials	=	40%
Architect's fees	=	an additional 10 to 15 per cent of the total contract cost