Most buyers are unfamiliar with the building process. Many of you have carefully shopped around and finally selected the most affordable base quote, only to accidentally fall into the trap of the builder's low price, not taking into account the costs not included in the quote. Although the low quote is eye-catching, the final price may be higher than your budget with the addition of hidden fees. Today, I'll cover some of the hidden costs that many builders don't write into their quotes.
1. Soil testing and contour survey
As we've covered in previous articles, soil testing and contour survey are essential parts of the building process. The builder needs to determine the overall quality of your land before building and thus determine the cost of levelling the ground and the foundation of your home. Many builders will not give a fixed price for construction until the owner has obtained the soil test report and contour survey.
2. Site Cost
The site cost is high and unpredictable, usually not included in the builder's base quote. The builder will provide fixed site cost after soil testing and contour survey completed. Site preparation includes excavation and filling, removal of vegetation, removal of rocks, sewers, etc. Many volume builders will charge up to $100,000 for site cost after giving a low base quote.
3. Floor Covering
After visiting a fancy display home, you may assume that the flooring is included in the price of the quote – but it isn’t. Not all builders' quotes include flooring. You could pay significantly more than you’re expecting after made a flooring and carpeting selection.
4. Driveway
Many building quotes only include the building. That means anything outside the building, such as a driveway, will cost extra. You can choose to put money aside for your driveway or ask your builder to include the driveway in the overall cost.
5. Landscaping
Landscaping is another cost that builders often exclude from their quotes. Some builders don't even offer this service at all. Those who are handy can complete the garden landscaping work themselves after the house is delivered.
6. window blinds, blinds and screens
Even the most basic curtains can add up when you are dealing with an entire home of windows! Make sure you have a budget for curtains, blinds, and screens.
7. Traffic Management Fee
If the house is on a major road, the builder may charge a significant traffic management fee. If traffic is interrupted during construction work, it will trigger a bill from the local government. Traffic management costs for construction on busy roads can exceed AUD 10,000.
Summary
I have written about the hidden costs of building a home, not to dissuade you from the idea of creating a home, but to remind you to pay attention to the details of the terms and conditions of the quote and contract. If you are not sure, you can get a professional to go over it. Feel free to contact me for advice.
对大多数买家来说，建房是个陌生的领域。好多朋友精打细算货比三家，总算选出了最亲民的基础报价，却一不小心中了建筑商的低价陷阱，没有考虑到报价里没有包含的费用。低的报价虽然吸引眼球，但是加上七七八八的隐藏费用，最终价格可能比实在的建筑商报价还要高。今天，我就来介绍一些很多建筑商不写在报价内的隐藏费用。
1. 土壤测试和测绘费用
我们在以前的文章中介绍过，土壤测试和测绘是建筑过程中的一个重要部分。这是因为建筑商需要在建筑前确定你的土地的整体质量，从而确定平整土地以及房屋地基需要的费用。很多建筑商在业主取得土壤测试报告和测绘结果以后，才会给出固定的建筑价格。
2. 平整土地（ Site Cost）
平整土地费是一笔为数不小而且无法预计的费用，通常都不包括在建筑商的基础报价内。只有在完成土壤测试和测绘以后才会给出平整土地费用。平整土地的内容包括挖土和填土，移除植被，移除石块，下水道等工程。很多大型建筑商在给出较低的基础报价后，会收取高达10万澳元的平整土地费用。
3. 地面铺设
在参观完精美的样板房以后你可能会想当然的认为建筑商的报价会包含地板，其实不一定的。不是所有的建筑商报价都包含地面铺设。在挑选完地板地毯以后，你的支出可能大大超过预算。
4. 车道
许多建筑报价只包括房子本身。这意味着建筑外的任何东西，比如车道，都需要额外支付费用。你可以为车道预留一些资金，或者让建筑商把车道费用包含进建造费用。
5. 花园景观
花园景观也是建筑商经常排除在报价外的项目。有些建筑商甚至根本不提供这项服务。动手能力强的朋友可以在房屋交付后，自己完成花园绿化工程。
6. 窗帘，百叶窗帘以及纱窗
入住新屋的第一天就需要有窗帘，即使是最基本的窗帘，当整屋的窗户需要安装的时候也会是个不小的数目。请确保留有一定的预算来安装窗帘，百叶窗以及纱窗。
7. 交通管理费
如果房子在大路上，建筑商可能会收取不小的一笔交通管理费。因为在施工工程中如果需要中断交通，会触发当地政府的费用。在繁忙路段施工的交通管理花费可能超过一万澳元。
总结
写了这么多建房的隐藏费用，并不是为了劝退大家建房的念头，而是想提醒大家注意看报价和合同中的细节条款。如果不确定可以找专业人士过目。如有需要欢迎咨询。
