What to Know Before You Build

What’s happening with build costs in 2025?

There’s been real stabilisation since COVID. Here’s what that means for your build.

Yes—construction costs went through the roof during COVID. Supply shortages, global freight delays, La Niña, government stimulus, and skyrocketing demand all collided at once. The result? Unpredictable timelines and rapidly rising prices.

But that storm has passed.

Over the last 6–9 months, we’ve seen the market settle:

• Trades are more available
• Supply chains have improved
• Councils and consultants are under less pressure
• Construction demand has normalised

This stabilisation is closely tied to rising interest rates, which have naturally cooled the market. The outcome? More predictability for everyone—especially you.

At Hall & Hart, we’re still offering fixed-price contracts—a reflection of our trust in both the current market and our ability to price accurately.

No guesswork. No surprises. Just careful planning and confidence in delivery.

Should I build or renovate?

It’s one of the most common questions we get—and the answer isn’t always straightforward.

If you’re planning a small update—like a new kitchen or reconfiguring a few rooms—a renovation can make sense. But once you start moving walls, updating services, or extending the footprint, the costs can climb fast.

In fact, large-scale renovations often end up costing more than a knockdown and rebuild—without delivering the same level of efficiency, layout, or design freedom.

Every home is different, and so is every client.

That’s why we’ll start with an estimate based on your brief so you can get a clearer idea of what’s right for your block and your lifestyle.

Lean more about why a knockdown rebuild could be a better option – click here

How much does it cost to build a custom home?

It’s not a fixed numbers – it’s a formula.

There’s no flat rate for a custom home—because by definition, it’s tailored to you.

But that doesn’t mean the cost is unpredictable. It just comes down to the right equation:

Let’s break that down:

• Site conditions: Sloping blocks, difficult access, cut and fill, rock excavation, bushfire zones, and stormwater requirements all add cost—and many are invisible until reviewed by experts.
• House complexity: Think architectural features, ceiling heights, façade detailing, window placement, roof lines, and open spans. The more unique the design, the more engineering (and cost) required.
• House size × Fitout: More floor space means more flooring, paint, cabinetry, joinery, and trades.  
• Higher-end fitouts—stone, timber, designer fixtures—gets more expensive with more size.

Our advice? Start by understanding the block, the budget, and what matters most—before jumping into design.

Request a video block assessment and we will make you aware of any restrictions and council requirements on your site, plus offer insights into your blocks potential with design options to get started  – click here

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Architect? Draftsperson? Builder? Where do you start when designing a custom home?

Sure, you can design first. But if it’s not backed by budget or buildability, it won’t go far. Here's a better way.

Many people think they need to engage an architect or draftsperson first—especially when planning a custom home.  

But here's the truth:

• Designing in isolation from cost, compliance, and construction often leads to disappointment
• Plans that don’t get approved
• Designs that blow the budget
• Or features that can’t be built without compromise

At Hall & Hart, we bring design and construction together from day one. We start with:

• A detailed compliance review of your block  
• A clear design brief shaped by your lifestyle and budget
• Custom concept sketches backed by real-time pricing guidance
• In-house experts across architecture, interior design, estimating and approvals  

We’re not just drawing homes—we’re designing homes that can be built the way you imagined.  

So if you’re unsure where to start—start with the people who’ll help you finish.

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How long does it really take to get a new home approved?

Getting housing approvals in Sydney can be as confusing as it is frustrating. But with the right strategy, a lot of that stress can be avoided.

The timeline depends on two key things:

How quickly you make decisions, and whether you go via CDC or DA approval.

Whenever possible, we aim to design your home to qualify for CDC (Complying Development Certificate) approval. It’s faster, more streamlined, and skips much of the council red tape. But CDC does have its limits—especially around setbacks and building height.

So, what’s the trade-off?

If you’re after speed and efficiency, CDC is usually your best bet.

If you need something more bespoke or your block has constraints, DA might be the only option.

In the end, it’s a balance between time, cost, and how closely the design aligns with your vision.

Why do some home builders prefer the CDC over a DA when it comes to planning approvals?

While not all councils are the same, in our experience, DAs often add unnecessary stress for both budgets and timeframes. Here’s why:

• Vague planning controls like "respecting local character" or "using sympathetic materials" are open to interpretation, and different planners interpret them differently
• Neighbour objections can slow things down, even when there’s no planning basis
• Internal referrals (to landscaping, engineering, heritage, etc.) can stall approvals, even when the planner is ready to move forward
• No standardisation between councils or assessors—what’s approved on one street may be rejected on another. We’ve seen it firsthand: two neighbours submit near-identical designs, one gets approved, one gets held up—simply due to who reviews the application.

By contrast, the CDC follows a state code. It’s black and white. No interpretation, no objections, no delays from internal referrals.

Whenever possible, we push to design homes that qualify for the CDC.

It’s faster, clearer, and makes the build journey smoother for everyone involved.  

Learn more about how we navigate approvals – click here

Is a basement garage worth the extra time and cost?

They work for some blocks—and budgets, but not for everyone.

Here’s what you should weigh up.

Basement garages are often seen as a way to gain living space above ground.

And while they can be useful, they aren’t always the most efficient use of your budget.

They don’t add usable floor area under CDC rules, and they often lead to:

• Higher engineering and drainage costs
• Delays in construction timelines
• Ongoing drainage and maintenance risks
• An added 15–20% in total build cost

So unless your block requires it—we often advise clients to explore smarter, more cost-effective design options first. In the right scenario with the right budget, a basement garage can be worth it. But it’s not always the best solution.

How much contingency should you really set aside when building a home? (And is it avoidable?)

Contingency helps—but it shouldn’t be a guessing game. We believe in solving problems before they become line items. See how we approach it.

It’s true—custom homes often need contingency. But here’s the thing: contingency exists when there are unknowns. So, the more we uncover upfront, the less guesswork—and the more confident you can be about your budget.

That’s why we begin every project with a detailed compliance review and briefing process. Before a single line is drawn, we assess:

• Bushfire risk (BAL ratings)
• Stormwater capacity
• Easements or sewer lines
• Access, soil class, trees, overshadowing
• Any planning or council constraints

Because once these facts are known, you can shift your focus to where budget really matters: layout, lifestyle, and finishes.

Yes, we still recommend a security budget—for surprises like rock under the old house—but it’s there for peace of mind, not panic.

Smart contingency isn’t about padding. It’s about preparation.

Learn more about our approach and why we provide an early compliance assessment – click here

How long does a custom home actually take to build?

Every custom home is different, but most of our builds take 9 to 15+ months once on site.

So, what can slow things down?  

Your exterior design (facade).  

Using a lot of mixed materials—like brick, painted cladding, timber, moulding, render or stone—means more trades working in sequence. That keeps the scaffold up longer, which delays reaching lock-up.

And lock-up is key.

Until we’re sealed from the weather, progress is less predictable.

We’ll help you balance great design with an efficient build—so your home looks incredible and moves smoothly through construction.

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Our team is deeply involved in every step of your journey, from the moment you start dreaming about your future home to the day you step inside. Click here to learn more about what we do.

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