When choosing a builder, many people are tempted to compare prices based on the extension cost per square metre. Let me give you 2 reasons why this is a BIG mistake…
Reason #1
Think back to a time you bought something by the metre. Perhaps it was some carpet, material for a dress or curtains, or a length of rope at your favourite hardware. Let me ask you this question: when comparing different carpets (or materials or ropes… or whatever) did the cost per square metre vary much? Of course it did. Why?
It’s obvious – different types of carpet (or material or rope… or custom homes) are very different in quality. One carpet may be made of wool while another is synthetic. One type of material may be handmade while another may come from an automated machine. And one rope may have a breaking strain of 1 ton while another can’t hold 100kg.
The average home extension in Melbourne regardless of whether its a ground floor extension or a two storey extension, contains hundreds of different ‘ingredients’ including carpet, bricks, tiles, taps, sinks, paint, timber, glass etc. And all of these materials come in different qualities. On top of that, the way in which these materials are assembled into a finished house differs in quality and attention to detail.
The variances are almost infinite. So comparing one builder’s Extension cost per square metre of $2,000 to another’s price of $3,000 per square metre is exactly like trying to compare an orange with a lemon. The differences are many, not just the cost per square metre.
Reason #2
Every house extension design is different. Some houses are square, some houses are ‘L’ shaped, and others have many different angles and shapes. While 3 different house extensions may all have the same internal dimension (square metres) the quantity of building materials that go into these homes will vary greatly in quantity depending on the shape.
Compare these two extension designs…
Both have an internal area of 200 square metres. But the house on the right has 78% greater wall area and will require more guttering, more bricks, and metres more gyprock. It will probably have more windows and doors. And it will need at least several litres more paint.
So don’t be fooled into trying to compare extension cost per square metre in Melbourne. The variables are too great. And you may find you end up with a lemon when you really wanted an orange.
The right builder can give you great design ideas that add impact and style without increasing the price. If you’d like to talk about design ideas we offer a Free Design Consultation. Contact us now to arrange a time to get together.
If you need more information on the extension cost per square metre in Melbourne check out our other blog articles or download our FREE Extension Guide
