Common Questions
Things people ask us
Honest answers to the questions we hear most often - about costs, contracts, quoting, and how we work.
Every home is different, but as a general guide: a single-storey new build in Sydney typically starts from around $2,500-$3,500 per m², while double-storey and premium finishes move higher. We'll give you a realistic, itemised quote after the free consultation - no vague guesses.
A typical single-storey new build takes 6-9 months from slab pour to handover. Double-storey homes are usually 10-14 months. The design, approvals, and pre-construction phase adds another 3-6 months before site works begin. We provide a detailed program at the quote stage.
Yes. We co-ordinate all approvals as part of our service - working with your architect, certifier, and council. We know NSW planning rules well and will advise you upfront if anything on your block might create complications.
Yes - we work on fixed-price contracts so you know exactly what you're paying before a single nail is driven. Variations only occur if you request changes or if genuinely unforeseen site conditions arise (e.g., unexpected rock). We explain these in writing before proceeding.
We get asked this a lot - "How much per square metre?" The reality is that no builder can give an accurate fixed rate for a custom project without properly reviewing the details first.
No two projects are the same. Site conditions, design complexity, finishes, services, access, engineering, authority requirements, and client expectations all affect the final cost.
Items that can significantly affect cost include:
No two projects are the same. Site conditions, design complexity, finishes, services, access, engineering, authority requirements, and client expectations all affect the final cost.
Items that can significantly affect cost include:
- sloping blocks and soil conditions
- structural steel, timber, cladding, and construction methodology
- dwelling size and design complexity
- finishes, fixtures, and energy efficiency requirements
- site access and working constraints
- authority fees and utility connection costs
- consultant costs such as engineering, surveying, geotechnical reports, energy reports, and landscaping
For a quote to be genuinely useful, it needs to be accurate, detailed, and properly thought through. That takes time.
A lot of "free quotes" are based on rough assumptions, broad square metre rates, or incomplete allowances. That can make the initial number look attractive, but it often leads to omissions, unexpected extras, or compromised quality later.
A paid quoting service allows us to:
If we believe the project budget and scope are clearly mismatched from the outset, we will tell you early rather than waste your time or money.
If Synabuild is awarded the project, the quoting fee can be credited back against the contract price.
A lot of "free quotes" are based on rough assumptions, broad square metre rates, or incomplete allowances. That can make the initial number look attractive, but it often leads to omissions, unexpected extras, or compromised quality later.
A paid quoting service allows us to:
- spend the time needed to properly assess the project
- investigate the site and documentation in detail
- identify missing information early
- provide a clearer and more realistic tender
If we believe the project budget and scope are clearly mismatched from the outset, we will tell you early rather than waste your time or money.
If Synabuild is awarded the project, the quoting fee can be credited back against the contract price.
The more complete and detailed the documentation, the more accurate the quote will be.
Ideally, we would receive electronic PDF copies of:
If some documentation is still pending, we can sometimes assist by:
Ideally, we would receive electronic PDF copies of:
- architectural working drawings
- specifications
- finishes schedules
- structural drawings
- civil or drainage drawings
- geotechnical report
- landscape plans
- energy report
- joinery drawings
- hydraulic, electrical, mechanical, or other services drawings
If some documentation is still pending, we can sometimes assist by:
- helping identify what is missing
- recommending appropriate consultants
- allowing for some items as Prime Cost or Provisional Sum allowances where appropriate
Our quoting fee depends on the size, complexity, and level of detail required for the project.
As a general guide:
As a general guide:
- smaller renovation quotes may start from around $750
- architecturally designed homes with completed plans may be around $2,500
- multi-dwelling or townhouse projects are typically assessed based on scale and complexity
A Bill of Quantities (BoQ), usually prepared by a Quantity Surveyor, is used to break a project into measured items so that multiple builders can price the same information consistently.
A builder's quote is different. It reflects not only the documents, but also the builder's own assessment of:
At Synabuild, our pricing approach is based on realistic delivery and proper project execution, not simply producing the lowest number on paper.
A builder's quote is different. It reflects not only the documents, but also the builder's own assessment of:
- project risk
- methodology
- trade pricing
- market conditions
- workload and delivery capacity
- expected quality standard
At Synabuild, our pricing approach is based on realistic delivery and proper project execution, not simply producing the lowest number on paper.
These are allowances used when some selections or parts of the work are not fully defined at the time of quoting or contract signing.
Prime Cost (PC) items:
A Prime Cost item is an allowance for the supply of an item that has not yet been selected. This usually applies to fixtures or fittings such as:
A Provisional Sum is an allowance for a scope of work that cannot be fully priced at the time because the details are still incomplete or uncertain. This may include:
Prime Cost (PC) items:
A Prime Cost item is an allowance for the supply of an item that has not yet been selected. This usually applies to fixtures or fittings such as:
- taps
- basins
- baths
- appliances
- light fittings
- tiles
A Provisional Sum is an allowance for a scope of work that cannot be fully priced at the time because the details are still incomplete or uncertain. This may include:
- joinery
- landscaping
- air conditioning
- excavation
- rock removal
Prime Cost items and Provisional Sums are not the same as variations. They are contract allowances that may go up or down depending on the actual cost once selections are made or the work is completed.
If the final cost is lower than the allowance, the contract price may reduce.
If the final cost is higher than the allowance, the contract price may increase.
The fewer PC and PS allowances in a contract, the more defined the price usually is.
That said, in some cases they are practical and fair. For example, excavation and spoil removal can be difficult to confirm precisely before work begins, especially when site conditions are uncertain.
The key is to make these allowances clear, reasonable, and transparent from the outset.
If the final cost is lower than the allowance, the contract price may reduce.
If the final cost is higher than the allowance, the contract price may increase.
The fewer PC and PS allowances in a contract, the more defined the price usually is.
That said, in some cases they are practical and fair. For example, excavation and spoil removal can be difficult to confirm precisely before work begins, especially when site conditions are uncertain.
The key is to make these allowances clear, reasonable, and transparent from the outset.
A contour and detail survey is one of the key documents used at the design stage of a project. It records the site's physical features, levels, and surrounding conditions so the design team can work from accurate information.
It may include:
It may include:
- site levels and contours
- visible services
- retaining walls and changes in grade
- significant trees
- boundaries and reference marks
- adjoining structures
- road and kerb levels
- other relevant site features
Yes, in many cases. We're happy to work with client-supplied items where it makes sense. We'll be upfront about any implications for warranties, installation responsibility, or sequencing that you should know about before deciding.
We work across Greater Sydney, including the Hills District, Parramatta, Penrith, Blacktown, Liverpool, South Western Sydney, St George, the Georges River area, and surrounds. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, just get in touch - we're always happy to have a conversation.