Hidden Costs of Building a New Home - What You Need to Know Before You Sign | Home Building Podcast

Most people get stung by hidden costs when building not because builders are dishonest, but because nobody told them what to look for upfront. Behan walks through every major hidden cost category you need to know before you sign anything. What you'll learn: How builder quotes are structured - base price, itemised costs and site works Why site works are provisional sums, not fixed quotes How soil type affects your slab, footings and trenching Wind ratings and when your home needs structural upgrades BAL ratings Low, 12.5, 19, 29, 40 and Fire Zone and what each costs When noise attenuation kicks in and what happens when it clashes with your BAL rating The 7 Star NatHERS energy rating and what builders do to comply Flooring, painting, blinds, air conditioning, landscaping and fencing with rough pricing How price rises happen between your preliminary agreement and building contract Why cost-plus contracts put all the risk on you Chapters: 2:00 - Site works explained - provisional sums vs fixed quote 3:15 - Connecting power, water and sewer - run-ins and trenching 04:14 - Soil types - sand vs clay vs limestone 05:09 - Wind ratings and structural upgrades 07:33 - Soakwells 09:10 - Retaining walls - brickwork, panel and post, limestone blocks 12:24 - Why some builders underquote site works to win your business 13:52 - Driveways, crossovers and verge responsibilities 15:13 - Shire fees, building approval vs planning approval 16:19 - Concrete pumps and scaffolding 18:00 - BAL ratings and bushfire costs 22:11 - Noise attenuation and when it clashes with BAL 23:19 - 7 Star NatHERS energy rating 25:33 - Fencing - costs 27:38 - Flooring costs 29:37 - Internal wall painting 31:05 - Blinds and curtains 32:37 - Air conditioning - kilowatts matter 33:47 - Landscaping 35:44 - Demolition 36:09 - Kitchen appliances and specification 37:35 - Price rises - preliminary agreements and building contracts 40:26 - Cost-plus contracts - why all the risk sits with you Found the episode useful? Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. Need design & building advice? Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com... Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance.