Back to All Features

Detailed Build Cost Analysis for Brisbane Renovations

Construction Cost Estimation

Get indicative construction cost estimates for common Brisbane renovation and development scenarios including raise-and-build, second storey additions, and basement conversions. Our cost database includes granular line items adjusted for current market rates using ABS Producer Price Index data.

Key Capabilities

What's Included

1

Raise & Build Under

Complete cost estimation for raising a character home and building a new ground floor underneath. Covers house raise and restumping, excavation, new slab, ground floor fitout including wet areas, structural steelwork, and all associated professional and approval fees.

2

Second Storey Addition

Cost projections for adding an upper level to an existing house. Includes structural assessment requirements, temporary roof removal, new framing and roof, upper floor fitout, staircase, and modifications to the existing ground floor to support the addition.

3

Basement Conversion

Three-level development analysis including basement excavation, slab pour, formwork, waterproofing, and fitout. Includes City Plan 2014 basement definition compliance checking to ensure the design meets council requirements for basement classification.

4

ROI & End Value Analysis

Every cost estimate includes end-value estimation based on comparable sales of completed renovations, plus ROI calculation factoring in purchase price, stamp duty, construction costs, holding costs, and estimated selling costs to determine projected return.

Process

How It Works

1

Select Build Scenario

Choose from raise-and-build, second storey addition, or basement conversion. Specify finish level (budget, standard, or premium) and builder type (retail, owner-builder, or mates rate) for adjusted pricing.

2

Granular Cost Breakdown

The system generates 120+ line items across 16 construction phases from due diligence through to completion. Each item includes low, mid, and high cost ranges based on current market rates.

3

Inflation Adjustment

All cost rates are adjusted using the latest ABS Producer Price Index for residential construction in Brisbane. Rate freshness is monitored with warnings if data is older than 180 days.

4

End Value Comparison

Comparable sales of recently completed similar renovations are used to estimate the finished property value, enabling ROI calculation before committing to the project.

Data Sources

All data is sourced from publicly available datasets and official APIs. No proprietary or private data is used.

  • ABS Producer Price Index — Construction cost inflation
  • Industry rate databases — Builder, subcontractor, and material rates
  • Domain.com.au — Comparable sales of renovated properties
  • Brisbane City Council — DA/BA lodgement fee schedules
  • Professional fee surveys — Architect, engineer, certifier rates

Key Benefits

Transparent, data-driven analysis to support — not replace — professional property advice.

  • 120+ line item budget across 16 construction phases
  • Three finish levels: budget, standard, and premium
  • Builder type multipliers for owner-builder savings
  • ABS PPI inflation-adjusted rates
  • End value and ROI calculation included
  • Approval cost estimation (DA, BA, compliance)

Important Disclaimer

Construction cost estimates are indicative only and based on industry rate databases adjusted for inflation. Actual costs vary significantly based on site conditions, access, soil type, builder selection, material availability, and council requirements. These estimates are starting points for budgeting — always obtain multiple quotes from licensed builders and consult qualified professionals before committing to a project.

Ready to Explore?

Start using PropertyLens to make more informed property decisions with transparent, data-driven analysis.