As custom home builders and renovators, we field countless inquiries about the building process each day. One of the most frequent questions we encounter is, “What’s your square meter rate?” The answer to that isn’t as straightforward as you might think – simply put, we don’t have one.
So why not?
The truth is, when it comes to crafting high-quality custom projects, a fixed rate simply doesn’t suffice. Every project is unique, with its own set of conditions and client preferences. While a square meter rate can serve as a starting point for budgeting, a comprehensive understanding of the project is crucial to provide an accurate quote.
At Proj13ct, we prioritize transparency and precision, which is why we charge for quotes. Crafting an accurate quote demands meticulous attention to detail, a process that requires both time and resources. Without charging a fee, it wouldn’t be feasible for us to invest the necessary effort into preparing meaningful quotes.
In this blog post, we aim to shed light on the essential documents needed to generate an accurate quote for your project.
Architectural and Interior Design Plans/Draftsperson Plans
To provide an accurate cost estimate, we require comprehensive architectural and interior design plans. These plans should encompass every aspect of your design, both internally and externally. It’s crucial to finalize these plans before construction commences, as any subsequent changes may result in additional costs.
For us to prepare a quote, we need architectural plans, detailed interior design plans (including joinery and finish specifics), landscape plans, interior and exterior finishing schedules, as well as window and door schedules. These documents are typically provided by your architect, interior designer, or other members of your design team.
If you have plans from a draftsperson that lack interior design details, our interior designer, Keely, offers a service where she can collaborate with clients to establish interior specifications, create drawings, renderings, and assist with fixture selections. This ensures we can provide an accurate quote prior to construction.
Technical Specifications
In addition to design plans, we require technical specifications detailing all aspects necessary for construction. This includes building specifications, hydraulic engineering plans, structural engineering plans, and a diagram of the home’s sewer system. These specifications enable us to assess the scope of your project accurately and estimate labour and material costs accordingly.
Site Surveys and Reports
Before construction can commence, thorough site surveys are essential to assess the feasibility of construction and identify any potential obstacles. These surveys include survey plans, geotechnical engineering reports, BASIX and Nathers energy reports, and, if applicable, a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) report.
At Proj13ct, we provide a prime cost and provisional sum schedule to account for items and processes that cannot be determined during the quoting stage. Additionally, having obtained development consent can expedite the process.
What Happens Next?
Provided with accurate and detailed documentation, we can furnish you with a precise building quote. For a typical home building project, you can expect a turnaround time of around four weeks. In cases where certain documents are missing, we may only be able to provide an estimate, which can be accomplished within a few days.
