How Much Will It Cost?
If you’re thinking about building or renovating, chances are one of the first things you’ve asked yourself is:
“How much is this actually going to cost?” or “Can someone just give me a number!”
It can feel impossible to get a straight answer. One person says one thing, another says something totally different. And even when you ask the professionals, the numbers can be vague.
The truth is, it is tricky — even for the pros. But that doesn’t mean you should be left in the dark.
As the founders behind Hayley Smith Architecture, we’ve designed and built our own homes from scratch. We’ve lived through the budgets, the spreadsheets, the compromises, right down to the “how is a toilet roll holder this expensive?” moments. So we know what it really costs from a homeowner’s point of view.
We’ve pulled together this simple, honest guide to help you get a rough idea of what you might be in for.
Why is it so hard to get a straight answer?
Every project is different. The size, the site, the finishes, the professionals you hire — they all impact the price. Plus, building costs have gone up (and up!) in recent years, and your money just doesn’t stretch as far as it used to.
That’s why even small projects can still carry a big price tag. And why it’s so important to have a realistic idea of costs before you dive in - to avoid getting stuck halfway through with not enough left in the tank.
A Very Basic Starting Point
While every project is unique, here’s a ballpark breakdown based on our experience with residential projects in New Zealand:
Site works/groundworks contingency – this depends on your site, but it’s wise to have a generous buffer if you are dealing with the ground.
Build rate per square metre – around $3700 + GST is a good starting point (this can go up depending on the design and materials)
Consultants and Council (architect, engineer, surveyor, etc.) – this depends on the scale of the project. For a minor renovation like a deck extension allow $10,000 and for a new build home budget around $50,000. Again this depends on your site and what you need to consider.
Contingency – set aside at least $50,000 for unexpected costs (they always happen)
Landscaping – a basic budget might start from $20,000 (everyone wants the Pinterest home but then forgets to the landscaping budget. (Read more about this here )
These numbers aren't exact, but they're grounded in real-life projects — including our own.
Want to dig deeper?
We’ve created a detailed cost-estimating spreadsheet, built from our personal experience managing real budgets. It includes all the sneaky extras people often forget (hello curtains, driveway gates, and water meters!).
It’s available for purchase, and it's designed to help you:
See where the money actually goes
Adjust for your own project
Plan ahead with confidence and even ask the questions to your professionals
If you’re interested, check it out [insert link or call to action].
You don’t need to be in the dark. With the right tools and honest advice, you can get a clearer picture of what building or renovating will cost and helps you with clear expectations.
