When building a home, there are several often overlooked or “hidden” costs that can catch people off guard beyond the more obvious bank fees, legal fees, and so on. Here’s a more comprehensive list:
| Site Preparation | Soil testing, land clearing, demolition, retaining walls, cut and fill adjustments |
| Council & Regulatory Fees | Development application fees, building permits, inspections, connection approvals |
| Service Connections | Water, sewerage, electricity, gas, NBN installation or relocation fees |
| Design Changes | Variations to plans, upgrades to materials or finishes, customisation charges |
| Construction Contingency | Unforeseen structural issues, delays, weather-related extensions |
| Landscaping & Fencing | Driveways, gardens, turfing, fencing, retaining walls not included in base contract |
| Temporary Services | Site toilet, security fencing, temporary power or water |
| Builders’ Margins on Variations | Added % markup when you make a variation after the contract is signed |
| Insurance | Builders warranty insurance, construction insurance, contents insurance (mid-build) |
| Interim/Progress Interest | Interest charged by the bank during the construction phase as the loan is progressively drawn |
| Stamp Duty (on land) | Often overlooked when buying land separately from the house |
| Title Registration & Settlement Adjustments | Council rates, water rates, and strata levies (if applicable) |
| Window Furnishings | Curtains, blinds, shutters – usually excluded from the build contract |
| Appliances | Fridges, washing machines, and sometimes ovens/dishwashers if not included |
| Post-handover Repairs | Minor defects not covered by the builder, or maintenance costs |
