Why square metre rates don’t always measure up ↓
Across the construction industry, we at Happy Haus want to see better outcomes and more positive experiences when it comes to client–designer and client–builder relationships.
Too often, we hear builders bearing the brunt of the blame for unexpected rates of construction at the wrong time in the process. In this guide, we unpack the concept and its impacts on clients and builders, and share insights from our tried-and-tested approach to costing a home.
Learn why square metre rates don’t always measure up
In the conversations we’re having with potential Happy Haus clients, one of the first questions they ask is, what is our square metre rate for construction? The truth is, we wish it were that simple. It sounds good in theory — a rate that gives you a general idea of the total cost of your project. It seems like a sensible data point to compare when qualifying a selection of architects, building designers or builders. But in practice we find, more often than not, as the basis of your decision-making and financial planning, a square metre rate just won’t measure up.
In the conversations we’re having with potential Happy Haus clients, square metre rates still hold significant weight. But, should this be the case?
When an architect or builder provides a general square metre rate of construction, they’re likely ‘rounding up’ hundreds of indicative inputs, and dividing the total by the size of the home. These inputs include things like materials, labour, business overheads, and the builder’s profit. Not all homes are created equal, and not all builders are going to be speaking the same language when it comes to cost. They also won’t be crunching the numbers in the same way.
Not all homes are created equal, and not all builders are going to be speaking the same language when it comes to cost.
We believe it should not cost an arm and a leg to test a project’s feasibility against your budget. So, the first stage of our design process aims to move from hypotheticals (AKA square metre rates) to an actual cost based on precise measurements and current supply rates. This is also why we operate an integrated in-haus design + build team. Our client partners take comfort in knowing they have inputs from our designers and builders, who are actively collaborating throughout each project, especially when it comes to cost.
Learn why square metre rates don’t always measure up
