Washington Brown

Clients

Washington Brown is involved in more than 150 new construction projects each year ranging from $1,000,000 to $150,000,000 located across Australia.

We are on the panels of many of Australia’s leading financial institutions and our strong client base includes:

Calculator FAQs

Read our disclaimer

• What does the calculator do?

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• What other costs are excluded from 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.

• Should I rely on this calculator for my project?

  This is an indicative calculator based upon minimal questions. You should always engage a quantity surveyor to provide a more detailed breakdown before relying on this data for any project whatsoever. Please contact us to discuss your project.

• 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.

• 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

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

Still have questions? Talk to Washington Brown to help solve your Property Depreciation queries.