Pricing – The Devil is in the Missing Details
The Missing details
When you receive a building proposal or contract, it’s essential to know exactly what’s included—and what’s not. Never make assumptions. Building a home is a significant investment, and overlooked items can have a big impact on your budget.
Check That These Items Are Included
Along with the house structure and specifications, make sure the following (but not limited to) are clearly included in your contract:
GST
Insurance during construction
Site works
Underground services
Consent fees
Landscaping
All related professional fees (architects, engineers, etc.)
Watercare water meter and council contributions
Ask Questions and Communicate Clearly
Talk to your builder and clarify every item. If you’re supplying your own products or services—like a swimming pool or wardrobe—your builder cannot take responsibility for installation, consents, or delays. Similarly, if landscaping isn’t included, get a separate quote to avoid surprises.
For any items not included, get an estimated cost and ensure your budget allows for it. Double-check all calculations to ensure everything adds up.
Maddren Homes’ Approach
At Maddren, we take pride in our transparent and detailed contracts. Before you receive your contract, our design and build consultants spend hours reviewing the pricing with you, covering every item down to the last detail.
We’re a one-stop shop, so unless you request otherwise, our pricing covers everything from design to completion. Because at Maddren, the only surprises we like are the pleasant kind.
Understanding the breakdown of your building costs is just the beginning. For more insight into per square metre rates and how allowances like PC sums work, check out our related blogs:
You can also contact our design and build consultant anytime to get personalised guidance and ensure your budget is accurate and realistic.