Understanding Site Costs With Aston Homes

Looking to improve your knowledge of the building process? Super! The Aston Homes team have plenty of expert insight and we’re ready to share it with you. A critical first step in the building process is preparing your block for construction. What needs to be done and how much will this cost? In today’s blog, the Aston Homes team happily answer these key questions as we shine the spotlight on site costs.

What are site costs and why do they differ?

In order to start building on your block, a number of factors need to be considered in great detail by a number of experts.  The first step in this process is the soil testing. The soil test report impacts a number of decisions relating to building your home. Engineering decisions such as the thickness of the slab or if bored piers/retaining walls are required, are made based on the soil report. These form part of the site costs. Other factors include the slope of the land, rock removal, special works to accommodate trees, connection of utilities, sewerage systems and storm water infrastructure from the boundary to the house.

For example, AS2870 of the Residential Slabs and Footings Code has certain requirements when a tree is in the zone of influence for a proposed dwelling. The code requires that trees be considered at their mature height not the height you purchased your land, or when you want to start building. For example, a Spotted Gum tree has a mature height range of 15-30 meters.  Depending on this analysis, your home might need to have deepened footings to counteract the effects of the tree root zone. Thus, more preparation will need to be done to make this happen. This is only one determining factor, there are many others.

How are site costs calculated?

With many builders, you will not receive an exact site cost when you first pay your deposit (or your quote may include a portion of the predicted site costs with the rest to be determined down the track). You may think that your site costs are covered but in many cases, when you read the fine print, you will likely find that you are only covered for a part of your final site costs. Unfortunately, its may not be until you get your tender that you know exactly how much you are going to pay in site costs.  For areas with unstable ground conditions this bill may end up in excess of $40,000.

How can we help?

Many builders call these site costs ‘unavoidable’ but at Aston Homes we know that most home buyers want the comfort of knowing exactly how much their new home will cost beforehand. This is why we are happy to offer our ‘Peace Of Mind Site Costs’ option. This includes all rock removal, bored piers, retainer walls, special works around trees among many other features!

Have questions? The Aston Homes team are happy to talk you through any lingering queries regarding site costs, and let you know of the Terms and Conditions of our promotion. We’re available to chat on 1300 060 908 or visit us at astonhomes.com.au.