Services
Preliminary Estimates
Early, indicative cost assessments to support initial decision-making and project feasibility — before detailed design or documentation is available.
What is a Preliminary Estimate?
Clients often use different terms when searching for this type of service. Whether you're after a feasibility study, feasibility estimate, cost summary report, or a high level estimate, this falls under what we call a Preliminary Estimate. It provides an early, indicative cost assessment to support initial decision making and project feasibility, before detailed design or documentation is available.
It's commonly used to test project feasibility early on, and is often the estimate a builder provides to an architect at design-development stage, to reassure the architect's client that the design is tracking to budget. Preliminary Estimates are available to Architects, Building Designers, Builders, Project Managers, Developers and Homeowners, and cover New Builds, Additions, Alterations, Renovations and Commercial projects.
Each estimate is individually measured, and estimated, using averaged industry rates, with some sub-category breakdowns. Essentially an expanded square-metre rate estimate adjusted for building style and quality. Because they are elemental, Preliminary Estimates do not include individual costing for features, finishes and fixtures. They represent a cost the project could be built for, not a guaranteed final figure. Generally, your specifications will only be used to establish the build quality and finish level. Significant specified items may be shown in your fee proposal and these will be individually costed.
Fee schedule
The table below outlines the standard fee for each component of a Preliminary Estimate.
| Item | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Main Residence | Up to three storeys (450sqm maximum), inclusive of garage area. Rate includes external structures such as alfrescos, decks, and pergolas. | $500 each |
| Additional Residences | Subsequent townhouses and apartments, secondary dwellings, granny flats, guest houses, pool houses, optional designs or layouts, etc. | $250 each |
| Multiple Estimates | Allowance to divide the project into stages, optional layouts or individual cost sections, other than as per our standard template and sample. | $250 each |
| Pools and Ponds | Including all pumps, filters, service connections and compliant fencing. | $100 each |
| Specified Items | Costs for significant specified items, finishes or features, requiring individual price research. | $20–$100 each |
| Detailed Design | Detailed construction drawings, architectural design or engineering design. | Assessed Fee |
| Landscaping | Retaining walls, planter boxes, roof gardens, plants, trees, garden beds, lawns and edging. | Assessed Fee |
Up to three storeys (450sqm maximum), inclusive of garage area. Rate includes external structures such as alfrescos, decks, and pergolas.
Subsequent townhouses and apartments, secondary dwellings, granny flats, guest houses, pool houses, optional designs or layouts, etc.
Allowance to divide the project into stages, optional layouts or individual cost sections, other than as per our standard template and sample.
Including all pumps, filters, service connections and compliant fencing.
Costs for significant specified items, finishes or features, requiring individual price research.
Detailed construction drawings, architectural design or engineering design.
Retaining walls, planter boxes, roof gardens, plants, trees, garden beds, lawns and edging.
Fees are exclusive of GST. An assessed fee means we'll review your project and provide a quote before proceeding.
See a real example
Not sure what to expect? View a sample Preliminary Estimate below — a real example of the format and detail level you'll receive.
Sample Preliminary Estimate — Two-Storey Alterations & Additions
Ready to get a Preliminary Estimate?
Send us your plans and project details for an obligation-free fee proposal. We'll respond within 2 working days.