Building Cost Calculator - Frequently Asked Questions

What does this calculator do?

The Building Calculator aims to provide you with an estimate of the likely construction costs associated with your proposed development.

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How does it work?

Our building cost data is collected continually from projects with which we have been involved from a construction cost management role. This data is then complied into the various sectors arising from location, type of development and quality of finish. The resulting indicative costs are then calculated from the selected development input from you the user.

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Why is this information useful?

Most developers don't think about the actual construction cost for a proposed development until after they have purchased the site. Then the process of reworking the design to fit into the feasibility causes delays whilst holding costs as continuing.

Using the building cost calculator can give you indicative construction costs at the early stages of a feasibility to establish if putting an option on a site is worthwhile. It also allows you to rework the figures based upon multiple configurations until the optimum return can be established.

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What is so special about this building calculator?

The Washington Brown building calculator uses data collected from the projects with which we have had involvement form a cost planning and management role. The data is based on the total project cost - variations and all - which allows you to obtain a more accurate idea of the probable costs of building.

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How accurate is this building calculator?

All buildings are different, so no result can be 100% accurate. However, we believe this calculator is as good as it gets based on current available data on the current projects with which we have been involved.

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What other costs are excluded from the building calculator?

The indicative building cost estimate excludes the following costs that may be associated with your particular proposed site. We recommend that appropriate allowances be made for the following in order to provide a comprehensive feasibility figure. Escalation in costs and union enterprise bargaining costs; any cost increases associated with the 10% GST; council contributions, design fees, authority fees, bank fees and charges, marketing, leasing and selling costs.

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How much does it cost to use the building calculator?

Our Calculator is completely free to use. If you would like further information or a more detailed cost review of your project please contact us.

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The numbers don't seem to be correct, what do I do?

Whilst we have tried our best to get this data as accurate as possible, there may be occasional discrepancies when cross-referencing so much information.

Please send an email to costplanning('at')washingtonbrown.com.au and we will tend to this matter with speed.

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How have you defined each property category?

Properties have been defined according to the following broad definitions:

House: Freestanding residential property

Townhouse: Attached residential property with common walls that forms 3 or more residences. Usually share common services connections and common external grounds

Villa: Freestanding residential property on a lot with other detached houses. Usually share common services connections and common external grounds

Unit Low Rise: A residential complex up to 3 levels sharing common access. Generally walk up access - lift access in higher quality developments

Unit Mid Rise: A residential complex up to 7 levels sharing common access. Access to all levels with at least one lift. Basement car-parking common to most developments

Unit High Rise: A residential complex over 7 levels sharing common access. Access to all levels with at least 2 lifts with fire services throughout. Basement car-parking common to most developments

Commercial: Open plan office complex. Most developments Washington Brown have provided costs for include for basic floor finishes and services. Additional costs will be incurred for fit out and furnishings

Industrial: Warehouse - factory style complex over one level. Often small mezzanine level included within the external perimeter wall. Basic allowances for services, lighting and fire protection are generally allowed. Additional costs for higher level of services in regard to electrical requirements and fit out will incur additional costs

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How have you defined standard of finish?

Properties have been defined according to the following broad definitions:

Lower: Basic design with generally entry standard fittings and finishes. Mostly used for investor stock or in areas where high quality finishes are not appropriate

Medium: Good design including good quality fittings and finishes. Usually a larger size in regard to houses and units

Upper: Architecturally designed one off building with specific client requirements accommodated. High level of fittings and finishes with a higher level of inclusions

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What does it mean if I try and type in a quantity and nothing happens?

This means that the data you are typing in does not correspond with the size of projects we have recently been involved with. Contact us to discuss the specific requirements of your project.

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There doesn't seem to be every option available in every location and size?

As this calculator is based upon projects with which we have recently been involved we do not have an instant answer to every project. We have been involved in many different projects and locations over the 30 years Washington Brown has been established. As such if you have a project that appears to fall outside of the areas as indicated please contact us.

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