A detailed, measured estimate for a new home or development, priced at full market rates for labour, materials, plant and margin.
A full-rate estimate is measured from the plans and priced to include labour, materials, plant, preliminaries, overheads and margin, which is how the work would be priced in the open market.
It is the estimate to use when you need a reliable construction budget before you commit: for funding, for comparing builders' prices, or for deciding whether a design is affordable.
Who this is for
- Homeowners planning a new build
- Developers checking feasibility
- Owners comparing builder quotes
- Lenders and brokers who need a supporting estimate
What is included
Measured quantities
Quantities are taken from the drawings, so the estimate reflects your actual design.
Full market rates
Rates include labour, materials, plant, preliminaries, overheads and profit based on current NZ market conditions.
Element and trade breakdown
Costs are broken down so you can see where the money goes and where savings might be made.
Provisional sums and allowances
Clearly identified so you know what is firm and what is still to be decided.
Exclusions and assumptions
We state what is not included so the number can be relied upon.
Comparison with quotes
Use the estimate as a benchmark when reviewing builder pricing.
Documents we will ask for
- Architectural and engineering drawings
- Specification or finishes schedule
- Site information and geotechnical report (if available)
- Consent documents
- Any builder quotes you want to compare
Not sure what you have? Send what is available and we will confirm exactly what is needed.
How it works
- Send your plans. Share drawings and the specification.
- Fixed-fee quote. We confirm the fee and the timeframe.
- Measure and price. We measure the work and price it at market rates.
- Estimate delivered. A clear estimate with breakdown, assumptions and exclusions.
Related services
- Elemental-Based Estimate Cost (Concept / Preliminary): Early-stage budgets for concept and preliminary designs, broken down by building element so you can test affordability before the drawings are finished.
- QS Verification Reports: An independent second look at your budget, builder's price and costs. Ideal when a lender wants verification, or when you want to be sure the numbers stack up.
- Independent Bank QS Reports: Independent quantity surveyor reports for bank-funded residential projects. We review the budget, contract, costs incurred and cost to complete so your lender can fund with confidence.
This guide is general information only and does not replace advice on your specific project. Costs, building rules and lender or insurer requirements change and every project is different, so please speak to us about your own circumstances before acting.
New Build – Full Rate Estimate Cost FAQs
Accuracy depends on how developed the design is. The more complete the drawings and specification, the tighter the estimate. We state our assumptions clearly.
Yes. Many clients use the estimate as an independent benchmark when reviewing quotes.
It can support a funding application, though many lenders also want a Bank QS report. We can provide both.
Ready to talk about New Build – Full Rate Estimate Cost?
Contact us today for a fixed-price quote. Independent, accurate and professional.