Managing Project Costs & Setting a Budget

Cost of Works:

• Construction Cost
• Architect’s Fees (10%-15% of construction cost)
• Consultant Fees (5%-15% of construction cost, depending on project complexity)
• DA/CC Fees & Certification Fees (varies between Councils, and whether a private certifier is used)
• Contingency Sum (10%-20% of construction cost)
• Builder’s Margin
• GST

Other costs to consider:

• Furnishings
• Loose Equipment & Electrical Items
• Landscaping
• Rental/Accommodation Costs during construction

Project Unknowns:

• Archaeological finds
• Contamination Issues
• Structural problems with existing buildings
• Geotech
• Bushfire prone land

Issues affecting budget:

• A building is the sum of its parts – size matters. The biggest impact on a project cost is the area.
• Builder’s experience and type of building contract
• Site conditions and access
• New building vs. alterations & additions