What is the Cost to Build a House in Queensland?

February 19, 2024

Land and housing in QLD have long been in demand thanks to its enviable lifestyle, marked by a sublime subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters. Its natural beauty ranges from stunning coastlines and famous reefs to lush rainforests and picturesque hinterlands. Queensland’s cities also await with a trademark buzz of dynamic urban experiences, including dining, shopping, cultural, and entertainment options, enriched by cultural institutions like the Institute of Modern Art and the Queensland Art Gallery. 

As such, deciding to build your very own dream home in the diverse, vibrant and sunny state of Queensland will be a truly exhilarating process.

Just make sure that, before you move forward with your plans, you first gather a general understanding of the cost of building a house in Queensland. Doing so helps prospective homeowners set realistic expectations and make informed decisions throughout the complex process. 

Our industry experts at AVID Property Group are undertaking an award-winning master-planned community on the Sunshine Coast known as Harmony, leaving us well-placed to offer key insights based on our expertise in the field. Whether it’s a quaint beachside cottage or a sprawling suburban residence, we can provide an introduction to every aspect of how much it costs to build a house.

Understanding the Basics of Building a House

Building a house in Queensland sends you on a journey of creativity, practicality, and meticulous planning. To navigate the process effectively, you need a firm grasp of the basics. 

Naturally, you will need to begin the process by selecting the right plot of land for sale, which sets the stage for everything that follows. 

Next comes the design phase, where you work with your team to translate any dream features and non-negotiable requirements you may have into initial blueprints. Depending on whether you decide to work with house and land packages or take on the entire process from scratch, the extent of this phase will vary, but always cover every detail from room layouts to energy efficiency.

The construction phase is where these plans start to materialise. It will involve a series of intricate steps, including laying the foundation, followed by the structural framework, roofing, electrical elements, the interiors, and more. 

The construction of your property will be highly impacted by the following components:

• Materials: Covers everything from bricks and mortar to the interior finishes
• Labour: Encompasses the skilled workforce required for construction, including builders, electricians, and plumbers
• Permits: The legal permissions required from local councils, which are legally mandated to ensure compliance with building regulations

The cost of building a house greatly depends on these factors. For example, the choice of materials, the complexity of the design, and any specialised labour costs will all contribute to the final figure. 

Fortunately, our expertise at AVID Harmony simplifies this intricate process. We have a collection of house and land packages available to streamline the process, but can also offer guidance on material selection, aid in understanding and acquiring the necessary permits, and provide a skilled labour force that upholds the highest standards of quality and efficiency. 

With AVID Harmony, understanding how much it costs to build a house becomes a transparent and manageable experience.

Cost of Building a House: Material Costs

Regarding housing in QLD, the price of materials is one of the most significant factors affecting the cost to build a house. The cost of building materials can vary dramatically based on quality, availability, and even market fluctuations, so understanding these variations will help you plan a successful and budget-friendly construction.

As expected, high-quality materials regularly come at a higher price but offer better durability and aesthetic appeal. For instance, choosing premium timber or stone for flooring can significantly elevate the cost compared to more budget-friendly options like laminate or vinyl. Similarly, opting for energy-efficient windows may have a higher initial cost but can save money in the long run through reduced energy bills.

Availability and local markets will also influence costs. In regions where certain materials are abundant, prices might be lower, but if they need to be imported or are scarce, this can drive up costs. For instance, the price of steel and concrete has seen fluctuations due to global supply chain challenges, impacting the overall cost of building a house.

As part of our commitment to a sustainable future, our team across AVID Property Group work closely with designers, builders, planners and homeowners to select the most appropriate, environmentally friendly materials for our housing in QLD. We hold a ‘Six Leaf’ EnviroDevelopment certification from the Urban Development Institute of Australia, outlining how we adapt our approach to master-planned communities by:

1. Respecting the Ecosystem
2. Reducing Waste
3. Promoting Energy Efficiency
4. Sensitively Using Materials
5. Conserving & Reusing Water
6. Growing Community Spirit

Cost of Building a House: Labour Costs

Labour costs represent another significant portion of the overall cost to build a house, influenced by various factors like the skill level of the workforce and the complexity of the project.

Highly skilled professionals, such as renowned architects, engineers, and specialised tradespeople like electricians and plumbers, often command higher wages due to their expertise and the quality of work they deliver. This is particularly true in the broader QLD housing market, where the demand for high-quality construction is ever-present and competitive.

Similarly, more complex designs requiring unique or intricate work, such as custom joinery or specialised architectural features, naturally lead to higher labour costs, given the added time or skill involved. Some projects located in remote or difficult-to-access areas can also see an increase in labour expenses, as contractors and construction teams may have to add travel time and transportation of materials to their estimates.

At AVID Harmony, we understand the importance of balancing cost-effectiveness with quality. Our approach to managing labour costs involves a meticulous selection process for our workforce, ensuring we engage skilled professionals who can efficiently deliver quality work. We also emphasise clear communication and detailed planning from the start, which helps in avoiding costly delays or reworks.

Additional Expenses in the Overall Cost to Build a House

Beyond the direct cost to build a house outlined above, several additional expenses are set to arise in the construction process in Queensland. These are namely permits, inspections, and the setup of your utilities.

Permits

Permits ensure your new home complies with local building codes and regulations. It’s not always possible to budget for these in advance, as the cost of obtaining the necessary permits will widely vary depending on the project’s scope, location, and specific requirements set by your local councils. For instance, a standard residential building permit in a metropolitan area may differ in cost from one required for a more complex structure or in a regional location.

Inspections

Inspections confirm that each stage of construction meets the required safety standards and designs from your blueprint. These inspections, conducted by certified professionals, will of course incur costs, which may increase if additional inspections are required due to non-compliance or other issues. Still, skipping these inspections is simply not an option, as it could prove detrimental to your overall project and life in your property.

Utilities Setup

Setting up utilities like water, electricity, gas, and internet is also a part of the construction process. Again, the costs here can vary based on the service providers, the location of the property, and the extent of the infrastructure needed. For example, connecting to utilities in a newly developed area might be more straightforward than in a remote or undeveloped region.

Hidden Charges to Watch Out For When Researching How Much to Build a House

Certain less obvious expenses may go unnoticed in the initial budgeting for the cost of building a house, leaving many new homeowners needing to stretch their finances.

Landscaping, for example, often considered the final touch to a new home, can range greatly in scope, design and, by extension, cost. The choices are endless, from basic lawn and garden setups to elaborate outdoor spaces with features like water fountains or patios. 

Similarly, driveways and pathways, essential for accessibility and curb appeal, can also be significant cost factors outside of the initial construction. The choice of materials (concrete, asphalt, paving stones and so on) and the driveway’s length and design complexity will all dictate the size of your quote.

Another often-overlooked expense is the external aesthetics of the house, such as fencing, exterior lighting, and façade treatments. These not only enhance the property’s appearance but also contribute to its value and security.

At AVID Harmony, we advocate for a comprehensive budgeting approach that accounts for these hidden costs. We recommend setting aside a portion of your budget for these finishing touches, ensuring that they are not an afterthought but an integral part of the planning process for any new housing in QLD. 

Cost-Saving Tips and Strategies

Reducing the cost of building a house without compromising quality is a challenge, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely achievable. These include:

• Choosing Smart Designs: Opt for a design that maximises space and efficiency. Simple, less complex designs can significantly reduce construction costs without compromising your quality of life at home.
• Smart Selection of Materials: Take care to choose materials that still offer a sense of durability and aesthetics, but are also economically priced and offer an element of sustainability.
• Bundling Services: Utilising a single company for multiple services can lead to discounts and better rates. At AVID Harmony, we offer bundled services from design to construction, passing on the savings to our clients.
• Planning for the Future: Building with future extensions or modifications in mind can save costs down the line. Take advantage of services offering assistance in planning a home that can evolve with your needs.

By employing these strategies, we can ensure that how much it costs to build a house in Queensland is both manageable and transparent, aligning with our clients’ financial goals and vision.

Discover Land for Sale at AVID Harmony

Understanding how much it costs to build a house in Queensland is vital for any aspiring homeowner. Every aspect plays a role in the financial equation, from materials and labour to additional expenses and potential hidden charges. At AVID Harmony, we are committed to guiding you through this process with transparency and expertise.

Our dedication extends beyond just construction; we offer prime land for sale tailored to diverse lifestyles and budgets for housing in QLD. We understand the significance of financial well-being in building your dream home and are dedicated to providing solutions that align with your economic goals.Interested in learning more about how to efficiently manage the cost of building a house? Contact us at AVID Property Group today to get started.