Hidden Costs Guide

The costs your builder won't mention

These are the extras that catch people off guard. Tick the ones that apply to your build and see what you might be up for.

Your estimated hidden costs

$0 — $0

Items selected

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Site Preparation

Soil test (geotechnical) $500 – $1,500 Contour survey $300 – $800 Site clearing & demolition $2,000 – $15,000 Excavation / site cut $5,000 – $30,000 Retaining walls (if needed) $5,000 – $25,000 Temporary fencing $500 – $2,000

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Council & Approvals

Development Application (DA) $2,000 – $8,000 CDC (Complying Development) $1,500 – $4,000 BASIX certificate $200 – $500 Section 94 contributions $5,000 – $30,000 Long Service Levy $500 – $3,000 Building inspections $1,000 – $3,000

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Connections & Services

Water connection $1,000 – $5,000 Sewer connection $1,500 – $8,000 Electricity connection $1,000 – $5,000 Gas connection $500 – $3,000 NBN / internet $200 – $500 Temporary power during build $500 – $2,000

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Construction Extras

Scaffolding (two-storey) $3,000 – $8,000 Crane hire (if needed) $2,000 – $10,000 Engineering certification $500 – $3,000 Waterproofing (bathrooms) $1,500 – $4,000 Termite protection $1,500 – $4,000 Smoke alarms & safety $500 – $1,500

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External Works

Driveway (concrete) $3,000 – $12,000 Paths and paving $1,500 – $6,000 Boundary fencing $3,000 – $10,000 Landscaping (basic turf + beds) $5,000 – $25,000 Letterbox $100 – $500 Clothesline $100 – $400

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Insurance & Legal

Home Warranty Insurance $1,500 – $5,000 Construction insurance $1,000 – $3,000 Contract legal review $500 – $2,000 Conveyancing (if buying land) $800 – $2,000

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Finishing & Upgrades

Window furnishings (blinds/curtains) $2,000 – $8,000 Air conditioning $5,000 – $15,000 Alarm / security system $1,000 – $5,000 TV antenna / points $200 – $800 Garage door opener $500 – $1,500 Letterbox $100 – $500

🚨 Why this matters

If your builder quote doesn't include these items, they're your responsibility to budget for separately. The difference between the quoted price and the actual final cost of a new home build in Australia is typically $30,000 to $60,000+. Don't get caught out.

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