Residential Estimating
Whole-job estimates for houses, dual occs, townhouses, units and extensions.
From $399
Estimates, plus GST
48 hours
Back in your inbox
Australia-wide
Any state or territory
Since 2005
Building in Melbourne
We prepare residential construction estimates for jobs anywhere in Australia, priced off the plans you upload. Every estimate covers the whole job in the trade groups a builder works in, from site works and the slab through to fit-out and finishes. Each one is checked by our estimator before it's emailed to you.
What we estimate
We estimate single and double storey homes, dual occupancies and duplexes, multi unit and townhouse developments, apartment buildings, extensions and renovations. Each type has its own questions on the form. A dual occupancy asks how many new dwellings it has, a unit development asks for its unit types, an apartment building asks for its levels and an extension asks which parts of the house are changing.
What you send us
Your architectural plans as a PDF: the floor plans, elevations and sections. They drive the takeoff. If you have them, the site plan, contours, drainage, engineering and soil report sharpen the site works and the slab. A scope of works or your selections lets the estimate match the finish level in the kitchen, bathrooms and flooring.
On a unit development the site plan and civil drawings are required. The demolition, driveway, crossovers, drainage and fencing are measured off them.
How it's priced
Quantities are taken off your plans and priced against our rate library of approximately 6,000 items in our specialised estimating program. Every estimate is priced on the price list for the state the job is built in.
What you get
The standard estimate gives each trade group its total, for a budget or a feasibility. The full line-by-line lists every item with its quantity and rate, about 280 lines on a single storey house and more on a double. It's a full bill of quantities to tender with and check quotes against. Choose Both documents for the summary for your client and the itemised detail for you, in one order.
Who checks it
We check every estimate before it's released. Anything your plans don't show, like the soil class or a sloping block, is flagged on the estimate for you to confirm. Items your plans and answers don't cover are listed as exclusions.
Need one trade priced instead of the whole house? Takeoff Services covers single trades from $199 + GST. Builders sending us regular work should read Estimating for Builders.
Fees for Residential Estimates
| Building type | Standard estimate | Full line-by-line | Both documents | Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Dwelling, Single Storey | $399 | $799 | $1,099 | Start Single Dwelling, Single Storey |
| Single Dwelling, Double Storey | $499 | $899 | $1,299 | Start Single Dwelling, Double Storey |
| Dual Occupancy, Single Storey | $399 | $799 | $1,099 | Start Dual Occupancy, Single Storey |
| Dual Occupancy, Double Storey | $499 | $899 | $1,299 | Start Dual Occupancy, Double Storey |
| Multi Unit Developments | $799 | $1,199 | $1,899 | Start Multi Unit Developments |
| Apartments | $999 | $1,599 | $2,099 | Start Apartments |
| Extension or Renovation | $599 | $999 | $1,499 | Start Extension or Renovation |
- All fees are plus GST.
- The estimate form shows the exact fee before you pay.
- Dual occupancy fees cover one new dwelling. A second new dwelling is $199 more.
- Multi unit fees cover three units, then $299 for each unit over three.
- Apartment fees cover four levels. Five to eight levels is $499 more, nine to twelve $799, thirteen or more $999.
How an Estimate Works
Upload your plans
Architectural plans as a PDF, plus engineering and site plans if you have them.
Answer a few questions
Slab, walls, roof and the rest, then pay online by card.
We check the draft
We price it against our rate library and check it before it goes out.
It lands in your inbox
As a PDF, within 48 hours (two business days).
A Sample Estimate
The standard estimate and the line-by-line for a single storey home.
Questions about Residential Estimates
How much does a residential estimate cost?
A standard estimate starts at $399 + GST on a single storey home. A double storey starts at $499, a dual occupancy at $399 for one new dwelling and an extension or renovation at $599. Every fee for the full line-by-line and both documents is in the table on this page.
How long does a residential estimate take?
Within 48 hours (two business days, Monday to Friday) once you've paid and uploaded your plans. A large unit or apartment job can need longer. If yours does, we'll let you know and give you a new date.
Do you estimate duplexes?
Yes, a duplex is priced as a dual occupancy, single or double storey, from $399 + GST for one new dwelling. A second new dwelling is $199 more. The form asks how many new dwellings the job has and how many storeys.
Can you estimate an extension or renovation?
Yes, extensions and renovations start at $599 + GST for a standard estimate. The form asks how many storeys the house has now, which parts are being renovated and how big the extension will be.
Do you estimate townhouses and apartments?
Yes, multi unit and townhouse developments start at $799 + GST for three units. Apartment buildings start at $999 + GST for up to four levels. On a unit development the site plan and civil drawings are required, because the site works are measured off them.
Do you estimate homes outside Victoria?
Yes, we estimate homes anywhere in Australia off the plans you upload. Every estimate is priced based on the job's location. If the job is in Melbourne or Sydney, it uses that state's price list.
What if I only have a floor plan?
You can still order with the architectural plans on their own. Where the plans don't show something, like the soil class or the slab design, the estimate carries an allowance for you to confirm. A full set with engineering and a site plan leaves less to allow for.
Will my builder's price match the estimate?
Not always, because the estimate is priced on our rates on the day it's prepared. A builder's price also moves with the market, the site and the trades they use. Use it to set your budget and check the quotes that come in.
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