Design Considerations

Cost & Budget

What a house really costs, and how to keep a project on budget.

1. What a house really costsBuild cost against project cost, and what sits outside the builder's price.
2. Setting a budgetThree ways to arrive at a number, and the one that works.
3. Size, quality and complexityThe three levers that set the price of a house.
4. Site costsSlope, rock, soil, access and demolition.
5. Designing to budget with your builderHow the price firms up from concept to contract.Editorial review
6. Where to spend and where to saveWhat's hard to change later, and what isn't.
7. Contingency and allowancesContingency, prime cost items and provisional sums.
8. Running costs and life-cycle valueWhat a house costs over thirty years.
9. Renovate, extend or rebuild?Comparing the options for an existing house.Editorial review