House extensions are more than just creating extra space in your home. Home extensions can greatly improve your day-to-day living experience and enhance your lifestyle whilst also adding significant market value to your property. However, understanding different factors affecting the overall cost of your project is an important consideration that will help you determine whether it’s a worthwhile pursuit. In this guide, you’ll explore the costs, benefits, and key considerations for extending your home in Brisbane ultimately helping you to answer the question “Is a house extension worth it?”
Cost of Home Extension in Brisbane?
When considering a house extension in Brisbane, understanding the costs is important for determining the viability of the strategy. It’s difficult to provide any real helpful guidance on the cost of a house extension because no two extensions are the same. They vary greatly based on a number of factors and therefore the costs associated vary greatly. Keep reading into the next section below for a more detailed breakdown of these factors. However, to provide a very rough ballpark figure building an extension could cost from $50,000 to $100,000 for simple projects up to and exceeding $250,000 for larger and more luxurious extensions. It’s also important to factor in additional costs such as design and engineering fees, council approvals, and potential landscaping changes.
For a more accurate idea of how much a house extension costs in Brisbane and more specifically how much it would cost based on your home extension ideas, it’s best to schedule a 100% free consultation and project estimate with us. We can provide estimates based on your specific needs.
What is the house extension cost in Brisbane per m2?
One question we often get asked by clients is what does a house extension cost per square metre? Whilst this approach does take into consideration the size of the project it does fail to account for the numerous other factors mentioned in the next section. So again it’s very difficult to provide meaningful guidance on the cost per square metre but as a ballpark figure
- Basic extensions: For simpler and more modest extension projects like adding another bedroom or extending the living area, costs typically range from $1,500 to $2,500 per square metre.
- Mid-range extensions: For extensions that involve more significant construction, including multiple rooms, improved materials, and adding wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens the costs will range from $2,500 to $4,000 per square metre.
- High-end extensions: For high-end extensions with luxury finishes, bespoke designs, and complex architectural additions (like adding a second story or extensive structural changes to your existing home), prices can escalate to $4,000 or more per square metre.
Keep in mind these figures are ballpark figures. Each extension project is impacted by various cost factors discussed below. For a much more accurate idea of what your house extension in Brisbane will cost you, it’s much better to simply schedule a 100% free consultation and project estimate with us and we’ll be able to provide you with a clearer idea as well as a projected timeline for its completion and answer all of your other questions too. These consultations are 100% free and 100% obligation free. Book one today by submitting a form or calling (07) 3130 0309 today.
Factors that Influence the Cost of a House Extension
The cost of a house extension is influenced by several different factors. When planning an extension project, you must understand these factors as they can help you gain a better idea of both the viability of the project and how you could potentially save on costs without dramatically impacting the comfort and practicality of the extension.
Size of the extension
The size of the extension project you’re aiming for is a significant factor in the overall cost. Larger extensions will require more materials, labour, and time.
Type of Extension
The type of extension also impacts the cost of the project. Single-story extensions cost less than double-story extensions as they don’t require adding additional structural supports and altering the existing roof structure.
Type of Rooms
Adding wet area rooms like bathrooms or kitchens also tends to be more costly due to the increased material costs and labour associated with creating these rooms compared to adding additional bedrooms or an extra lounge room.
Material Choice
The choice between using premium materials and budget options makes a great difference when it comes to costs. High-end materials such as hardwood flooring and stone benchtops will add to the costs of your extension project compared to opting for budget-friendly options like vinyl flooring and laminate benchtops.
Design Complexity
Depending on what you envision for your home extension you’ll need to engage the services of an architect or draughtsman. Fees for an architect’s services will be higher than a draughtsman due to their higher level of qualification and increased scope of practice. However, if you’re happy with a slightly modified popular design for your extension then you can save on design costs by using a draughtsman. If you place a high priority on aesthetics, space utilisation, energy efficiency, shading, and achieving a distinctive or artistic appearance, it’s worthwhile to invest additional resources during the design phase of your project by hiring an architect. We have our own team of architects and draughtsmen to cater to different projects and provide our clients with a seamless project execution from design to construction.
Labour costs
Labour costs also play a pivotal factor that influences the cost of your extension project. Simple designs will require less labour and therefore result in lower costs whilst complex work executing intricate designs will require more hours of specialised tradespeople, which will increase overall expenses. Additionally, builders’ rates will vary considerably too in addition to the quality of work they perform. Make sure to hire a builder that provides the quality that you’re seeking and at a price that works in your budget.
Site Conditions
The location characteristics of your property might also affect the cost of your extension project. If you are putting up an extension at sloped terrain or a site with poor soil conditions, it will need additional work and resources that increase the costs. Sloping sites require excavation and retaining walls to create a stable foundation. Poor soil quality also means a need to install deeper foundations and other stabilisation techniques to ensure the structural integrity of the extension.
Permits & Approvals
A crucial part of an extension project is securing permits and approvals from the local council. Depending on the project, you might need to get development and building approvals which add to the overall cost. You have to pay for the application fee and for the services of architects and building certifiers to navigate these regulations effectively. Delays in obtaining these approvals will also lead to an extended project timeline, increasing labour costs as well. To learn more about approvals needed for extensions, visit the Brisbane City Council’s website. Alternatively, you can work with a full-service builder like us who handles the entire project from design to permits and approvals all the way through to the end of the construction phase making the entire home extension process seamless, efficient and stress-free. Contact us today to schedule a free onsite consultation and project estimate.
Unforeseen Expenses
When planning your budget for your extension project, you should always factor in unforeseen expenses. Some issues may arise during the construction such as hidden structural problems with your existing home which need immediate attention. Material prices may also change during the process which is why having a contingency fund of around 10%-15% of the total cost can help you manage these unexpected expenses without disrupting the project. Alternatively, you can engage the services of a builder, like us, who provides a fixed-price building quote. That way you as the homeowner do not have to front the costs of any unforeseen expenses along the way providing you peace of mind that your budget won’t blow out. Contact us today to schedule a free onsite consultation and initial project estimate.
These are the usual factors that influence the total costs of a house extension project in Brisbane. However, you might also want to keep an eye on the larger market trends. Economic factors such as inflation and supply chain disruptions can impact the cost of labour and materials.
How to save on the cost of house extensions?
To manage the cost of your house extension in Brisbane, keep your extension small and simple. Opt for a single story extension instead of adding a second story. Keep the addition of wet areas like bathrooms and extra kitchens to a minimum. Opt for entry-level materials instead of luxury options. A simple design will also minimise or negate the need to engage an architect reducing design costs and also reducing total labour costs of tradesmen to execute the design. Also engaging with a reputable Brisbane home extension builder who can provide accurate project estimates upfront and provide a fixed-price building quote will help negate any unforeseen expenses and keep the total cost of the project down.
Cost of Room Extensions
The cost of room extension in your house depends on the room, materials to be used, and additional features. Generally, a room addition cost ranges from $1,500 to $4,000 per square metre. This already includes the basic structure, flooring, electrical work, and standard finishes. For rooms with specific functions like bathrooms, laundries or kitchens, there will be additional costs for the extra materials and fixtures required for these spaces. Keep in mind as with all figures mentioned in this post they are a rough ballpark figure.
Typically, the cost to extend a living room can range from $1,800 to $2,500 per square metre. If you opt for high-end finishes or additional features such as feature lighting and soundproof walls for home features then you can expect to pay more. For bedroom extensions, they are generally more affordable than other rooms. The average bedroom extension cost ranges from $1,500 to $2,200 per square metre.
Kitchen extensions can be expensive due to the complexity of the work, including plumbing, electrical, gas, cabinetry and countertop fixtures and appliances. The typical kitchen extension cost ranges from $2,500 to $4,000 per square metre. This is for basic construction, cabinetry, and standard finishes. Using high-end materials like granite and marble will drive up the costs.
If you want a beautiful and functional space in your home, adding a sunroom is a great option to enjoy natural light without exposing yourself to harsh elements. The cost of sunroom addition ranges from $2,000 to $3,500 per square metre. This already includes the construction of walls and a roof with large windows or glass panels, flooring, and basic electrical work. If you want to integrate climate control features, the cost will increase.
For a more accurate estimate, give us a call at (07) 3130 0309 and schedule a 100% free onsite builders consultation and initial project estimate complete with complimentary concept floor plans.
Single story Extension cost
They have a variety of different names from single-story extensions, to ground floor extensions, to rear extensions. Essentially these types of extensions add horizontal space to the ground floor of your home without the complexity of adding multiple storeys. It is a versatile solution that can help improve the layout of your existing home creating a more open-plan living arrangement and including the addition of new rooms, providing a seamless flow from existing structures to the new space. This type of extension is suitable for homes with an ample backyard or side yard space. With minimal structural changes required to the existing building this type of extension proves to be a cost-effective option for homeowners that have yard space to spare. As a rough ballpark figure ground floor extension typically costs around $1,800 to $3,000 per square metre.
Second story extension cost
A second-story extension, or double story extension, adds a new space vertically to your home by building a new floor. This type of extension type is ideal for maximising the space on smaller lots where expanding horizontally isn’t applicable. It also provides an increased living space without increasing the building’s footprint. While this offers more space, a 2 storey extension cost is higher than a single-story extension due to the additional structural modifications required on the existing home required to support the second floor. As a ballpark figure, double story extension cost ranges from $2,500 to $4,000 per square metre.
Raise and build under cost
Raise and build under is a renovation method where an existing Queenslander house is lifted to create a usable ground floor space underneath. This technique is common in Brisbane and across Queensland, especially for older homes needing more space. The raise and build method can be used to create additional living spaces, bedrooms, and garages. The cost to raise a house and build and ground level space underneath usually ranges from $250,000 to $400,000+. Costs also depend on the size of the house, ground conditions, and complexity of the design in addition to factors mentioned in the previous section.
Is a house extension worth it?
One alternative to conducting a house extension is simply to move to a larger home that is more suited to your growing needs. This may provide a more straightforward solution for some homeowners. Determining whether a house extension is worth it or not will depend on individual preferences as well as the reality of the local property market in your desired location.
In many suburbs of Brisbane the cost involved to sell and buy another larger home may actually be more expensive than an extension once agent fees, transaction fees, stamp duty, and moving costs, are taken into account. Also moving away from your current neighbourhood may also present further inconveniences which have both monetary and non-monetary ramifications.
A home extension also allows for greater customisation so that your house extension can perfectly match your needs providing a greater lifestyle benefit than trying to find another home that ticks all the boxes. This is one of the many benefits of extending your home instead of moving.
So whether or not a house extension is worth it will be an individual judgment call that each homeowner must make given their circumstances.
Do you need an architect for an extension?
It depends on the size and scope of your extension. For small and simple projects you can utilise the services of a draughtsperson instead of an architect. However hiring an architect will provide greater assurance that the design integrates seamlessly with the existing structure and maximises both aesthetic appeal and functionality, especially for larger, more complex projects. They can also optimise the design for simpler and smaller extensions, maximising the space to ensure a good flow of movement. Not sure whether you need an architect or draftsperson for your project, why not schedule a 100% free onsite builders consultation where we discuss your ideas, determine the scope of works required and help you determine which design professional is best suited to your project in addition to developing an initial concept floor plan and provide both a project cost and timeline estimate. All of this is 100% of charge and 100% obligation-free. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
What permissions and approvals will you need for a home extension?
For a home extension in Brisbane, you may need various permissions and approvals depending on the scope and complexity of your project. Extensions can fall into four different categories: exempt development, which requires no formal application if specific criteria are met; accepted development (self-assessable), where you or a professional can assess the project against relevant codes without needing council approval; code assessable development, requiring formal council assessment but no public notification; and impact assessable development, which involves comprehensive council assessment and public notification. Regardless of the category, you will also need building approval from a licensed building certifier to ensure compliance with the Building Act 1975 and Queensland Development Code. Additional considerations may include adherence to neighbourhood plan codes and overlay codes specific to your property. For more information, visit the Brisbane City Council’s Using City Plan page.
Alternatively, you can work with a full-service builder like us who handles the entire project from design to permits and approvals through to the end of the construction phase making the entire home extension process seamless, efficient and stress-free. Contact us today to schedule a free onsite consultation and project estimate.
House Extension Alternatives
After reading all of the above you might have come to realise that the cost to extend your home is much more than you initially anticipated. If that’s the case there are some other alternatives that help expand your living space but are not exactly extensions, but rather repurposing of existing spaces inside your home.
Loft conversion
A loft conversion involves transforming an unused attic roof space into a function room such as a bedroom or an office. This option adds a living space without expanding the building’s footprint. If your home has a pitched roof and sufficient headroom in the roof cavity/attic, you can convert the space into a functional one. However, if you have a flat roof with little to no pitch or your HVAC system occupies the attic, it may be an impractical option.
How much does a loft conversion cost?
The cost of a loft conversion or attic conversion typically costs from $15,000 to $65,000 depending on the size and complexity of the project. This already includes structural modifications, insulations and finishes.
Garage conversion
A garage conversion converts an existing garage into a living space, office, or gym. It’s a cost-effective solution to add space using an existing structure in your home. This is an ideal option for homes with an unused garage. However, if your garage is your only available parking space, converting the garage may not be an ideal solution.
How much does a garage conversion cost?
The cost of a garage conversion typically ranges from $15,000 to $40,000. This would depend on the size of the garage, required modifications, and the quality of finishes to be used in the space.
Plan Your House Extension Wisely
When doing a house extension project, you have to take into consideration a lot of different factors such as the type of extension you’re going for and the complexity. When done properly, this could be a valuable investment, enhancing your day-to-day experience in your home and adding to your property value. Careful planning, thorough budgeting, and consulting with professionals are essential to make your project successful. By understanding the costs and benefits of each extension type, you can make informed decisions that suit your needs and increase the functionality of your space.
Free House Extension Cost Estimates in Brisbane
To get personalised cost estimates tailored to your plans you can simply book a free onsite builders consultation with us. During this consultation director and owner of the company Alex who is a builder and qualified engineer will meet you at your Brisbane property to discuss your home extension goals and vision. He’ll provide expert advice tailored to your situation and provide you with a free estimate of the total cost, expected time frame, and a free concept floor plan for your extension project. This complimentary consultation is 100% free of charge and 100% obligation free. Call (07) 3130 0309 today to schedule a consultation or simply fill out our online form.
