Ultimate Guide! Costs to Consider When Building a New House

When you’re looking into building your own home, the first thing you will want to figure out is your budget. When you’re budgeting for a new home, it can be difficult to gather all the information on what costs go into building a home and what you will need to account for both during and after the home building process is complete.

Before you put a figure on your home budget, read our ultimate guide of what to consider and budget for when building in NSW & ACT.

What Can You Borrow

Speak to the construction loan specialists from MyChoice Home Loans who offer a Free Financial Health Check and a range of home loan calculators so you can work through a range of scenarios before you start your new home journey. They have access to loans from a wide range of lenders, removing the stress of getting your finance sorted. MyChoice Home Loans make securing the funds for your dream home easy, enjoyable and uncomplicated.

For a limited time you can save up to $12,000 on interest, while you build your new McDonald Jones home^. Discover the MyChoice Home Loans difference today.

Finding Your Block of Land

It's important to look at a range of factors for your block of land for your new home. When you are narrowing down locations for your new home it's important to do your due diligence and understand the local planning controls for the area or within the estate or development that you are looking within and also the utilities or services that are available before purchasing the block, to save any nasty surprises.

It's also important to check the orientation of the land as there may be some constraints or requirements to meet Basix or other Council planning requirements. 

Soil Type and Slope of Land

Before you make a budget for your home build, you’ll need to consider any additional costs that may be applicable due to the soil type or the slope of the land. A soil test will be done on the property to determine the grade of slab needed for your new home.

If the foundations of your home need to be of a higher-grade due to the soil, then this can cost extra. Additionally, if your block has a slope, then added costs need to be factored in for excavation, retaining walls, or if there are many trees or additional drainage if you are below the street level, prior to the house being built.

Inclusions

Building with a large and reputable builder means they have the scale and supplier partnerships to add even more value to the fixtures and finishes of your home. Our quality partnerships with leading Australian brands and upfront pricing mean we have factored in everything to ensure you know what is being built into the price of your new home right from the very start. McDonald Jones has worked hard to build more value into the inclusion packages across our range of homes in our Stuart Everitt collection, Country Living Collection, Split level home designs, NOW Series, Move and Two Storey collection. Ensure you understand what is being included as standard in your build, and what costs are for any upgrades.

Cost based on Size

The price of houses increases according to their size. Before you go leaping into the largest house you can afford, consider the cost implications both now and in the future in terms of cost of living. If you’re looking for a larger family home, keeping your home as sustainable as possible by installing energy-saving appliances and solar panels is a great idea. McDonald Jones will build your home with 6.6kW solar panels and an electric car already factored into your build, which means you're saving even after you['ve moved in.

Extras

After choosing your home’s design, it’s time to choose any extras you might like. All homes will come with standard fittings, fixtures and appliances. Some things you might like to upgrade include upgraded flooring, free-standing bath and tiling, light fittings and more. Our MyChoice Design Studio is your one-stop-shop for making a home that is uniquely yours. Your Building Consultant will also ensure they allow for upgrades to the rooms and options most important to you nad your family, so this is included up front.

Driveway

Driveways are usually an added cost that can either be incorporated into your build or installed after you move in. Either way, driveways and footpaths must be considered part of the home build.

Landscaping

The cost of landscaping can come as a surprise to some home builders. If you don’t incorporate landscaping into your home build, it can take a long time to feel like your house is a true home. You are also dealing with the possibility of bringing mud and dirt through your brand-new home if the front and back gardens are yet to be landscaped. If you’re looking for an easier way to build one of our house and land packages may be suitable for you. These packages often come with driveways, landscaping and fencing included (see each package for individual details). 

Get Your Dream Home at the Right Price with McDonald Jones Homes

At McDonald Jones Homes, we love building new homes and watching your dream come true from home design to the perfect landscaping.

 Contact us or visit one of our inspiring display homes today to find out how we can help you get your dream home journey started.