Building a new home is an exciting journey, but there’s one term you're likely to come across early on site costs. If you're thinking, "What exactly are site costs, and how much do I need to set aside for them?" you’re not alone.
At Senka Homes, we’re here to walk you through the ins and outs of site costs so you can move forward with confidence, knowing there won’t be any surprises along the way.
Get your pen and paper ready because this is information that you need to know!
What exactly are site costs?
Site costs cover the work needed to prepare your land for construction, whether it’s a vacant block or a knockdown rebuild. Every block is unique, so site costs can vary. Here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind when assessing your land or planning a new build:
- The soil type clay, sand, or something else?
- What’s below the surface?
- The land’s slope or gradient
- Accessibility to the site
- Utilities like gas and electricity
- Existing structures that may need removal
Preparing the site for construction
Your entire building process begins with a carefully prepared site. From soil testing to managing water flow, proper site preparation is crucial to the success of your home.
At Senka Homes, we focus on industry-leading site preparation before we start building. We take care of the groundwork that others might overlook, as skipping essential steps can lead to costly problems down the road.
We won’t pour a slab, raise a frame, or drive in a single nail until we’re absolutely sure your site is fully ready for construction.
Here’s a breakdown of potential site costs you might encounter during your build. Keep in mind that every block of land is unique, so not all costs will apply to every project.
Common site costs
When building a new home, there are a few unavoidable site works to factor into your budget. Below is an overview of the site costs you’re most likely to come across as your builder prepares the land for construction.
Site cut and fill
Rock excavation and removal
Water management
Surface drainage
In many new estates, a specialist stormwater engineer isn’t always needed, as builders or designers usually create a basic “concept drainage plan” outlining where drainage elements should be placed.
At Senka Homes, we go a step further. We have every site designed by a specialized stormwater consultant, ensuring a tailored drainage system from an accredited engineer. This extra care is just one of the ways we ensure a better build for you.
Retaining walls
You may have heard of retaining walls but aren’t quite sure what they do. If your block has a slope, whether behind, beside, or on it, retaining walls might be necessary to prevent soil from shifting towards your home or your neighbors.
It’s crucial to discuss the specifics of your block with your new home advisor to include the cost of retaining walls in your budget.
Slab engineering
Additional site works that may be required
Quality assurance process
Our quality assurance construction managers oversee your new home at six key stages of the build to ensure everything stays on track and meets our high standards. If any issues arise, we address them promptly.
What to budget for site costs?
At Senka Homes, we strive to provide the most accurate estimate for site costs. However, due to the many variables involved, the final costs may vary based on what we uncover during the process.
If you’re considering building a new home and want to discuss site costs specific to your land, get in touch with us today. Our expert team is here to provide detailed information and help you plan your budget effectively.
