Builder Cost Calculator & Price Guide — Australia 2026
Choose your job and answer a few questions. The price range changes with each answer, so you know what to expect before you talk to anyone. When you are ready, you can ask up to three local builders to quote.
Choose the job
Home BuildingWhat’s the job?
Estimated price
We’ll show a range from similar jobs, then tighten it as you answer.
Choose the job
Home BuildingHow it works
- 1Choose the job
- 2Answer a few questions
- 3See a local range
Instant estimate · no email or phone number needed to see it
Prices include GST. They come from SureQuote's pricing for each job, updated October 2026.
Understand typical builder costs, key price drivers, and after-hours pricing before you request quotes.
Price Ranges
Common builder jobs & costs
Prices based on Australian market data. Most jobs are quoted as fixed price rather than hourly.
Prices include GST. They are indicative ranges for a typical job, from SureQuote's pricing for each job, updated October 2026. Your quote can differ for your specific job. Price yours in the calculator, then matched tradies can reach out to quote.
Learn the rules for hiring builders in your state
Licences, contracts and deposits for home building work differ across the country. Check yours before you sign.
| Rule | NSW | VIC | QLD | SA | WA | TAS | NT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LicenceWhat the register calls it | Contractor licence (general building work) | Domestic builder registration (unlimited) | Contractor licence (Builder—low rise) | Building work contractor's licence | Building contractor registration | Builder licence | Building contractor registration | Builder licence |
| Licence needed fromJob value that triggers it | Over $5,0001 | Over $10,0002 | Over $3,3003 | Any job value4 | $20,000 or more5 | Any job value6 | $25,000 or more7 | Any job value8 |
| Check the registerThe official public register | Building Commission NSW register | Building and Plumbing Commission register | Queensland Building and Construction Commission register | Consumer and Business Services register | Building and Energy (WA Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety) register | Consumer Affairs Tasmania register | Northern Territory Building Practitioners Board register | Access Canberra — ACT Construction Occupations Registrar register |
| Written contractRequired above | Over $5,000 · large job contract over $20,0009 | Over $10,000 | Over $3,300 · Level 2 regulated contract (full written contract) from $20,000 | From $20,000 | Over $7,500 | From $20,000 | From $25,000 | Does not apply |
| Deposit capMost you can be asked for | Up to 10%109 | Not listed | Not listed | Up to 5%11 | Up to 6.5%12 | Not listed | Up to 5%13 | Does not apply |
| Warranty insuranceBuilder must hold it above | Over $20,000 · minimum cover $340,0009 | Over $20,000 | Over $3,300 | From $20,000 · minimum cover $250,000 | Over $20,000 · minimum cover $200,000 | Does not apply | From $25,000 · minimum cover $200,000 | From $12,000 · minimum cover $200,000 |
| Cooling-offAfter you sign | 5 business days · on contracts over $20,000149 | 5 business days · on contracts over $10,000 | 5 business days · on contracts over $3,300 | 5 business days · on contracts over $20,000 | Does not apply | 5 business days · on contracts over $20,000 | Does not apply | Does not apply |
- 1NSW · Licence needed from: Add the cost of labour and materials, including GST.
- 2VIC · A contract for one trade only, such as painting, plumbing or tiling, needs no registered builder. Add other building work and it does.
- 3QLD · Licence needed from: Building or renovating a home usually needs a Builder licence. Smaller jobs inside a bigger licensed contract still need a licence.
- 4SA · Licence needed from: Staff employed by a licensed business need no licence of their own.
- 5WA · Licence needed from: Only permit work in the main populated areas needs a registered builder. Sheds, carports and patios have a higher threshold.
- 6TAS · An owner builder with a permit can do building work on their own home without a licence.
- 7NT · Licence needed from: Registration covers a new home or an extension that adds floor area. It also covers a garage, carport or retaining wall built with it.
- 8ACT · Licence needed from: Exempt work needs no licence. Demolition and pools need an extra endorsement on the licence.
- 9NSW · A contract only for inside painting, demolition, or carpet, vinyl or a timber overlay does not get these protections.
- 10NSW · Deposit cap: Applies to jobs over $5,000. The cap does not apply to smaller jobs.
- 11SA · Deposit cap: Applies only to contracts of $20,000 or more. Smaller jobs have no deposit limit.
- 12WA · Deposit cap: This limit applies to jobs that cost more than $7,500 and less than $500,000.
- 13NT · Deposit cap: Applies only to a registered builder's contract of $25,000 or more. It covers a new house, an extension or a structure built with it.
- 14NSW · Cooling-off: The price includes GST.
NSW Sources: nsw.gov.au, Home Building Regulation 2014, Home Building Act 1989. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
VIC Sources: consumer.vic.gov.au, Building Regulations 2018, bpc.vic.gov.au, Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995, Building Act 1993. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
QLD Sources: Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991, qbcc.qld.gov.au, Queensland Building and Construction Commission Regulation 2018. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
SA Sources: Building Work Contractors Act 1995, sa.gov.au, Building Work Contractors Regulations 2026, cbs.sa.gov.au. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
WA Sources: wa.gov.au, Building Services (Registration) Act 2011, Home Building Contracts Regulations 1992, Home Building Contracts Act 1991. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
TAS Sources: Occupational Licensing Act 2005, consumeraffairs.tas.gov.au, buildingstandards.tas.gov.au, Residential Building Work Contracts and Dispute Resolution Act 2016. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
NT Sources: nt.gov.au, Building Regulations 1993, bpb.nt.gov.au, Building (RBI and Fidelity Fund Schemes) Regulations 2012. Checked 17 Oct 2026.
ACT Sources: planning.act.gov.au, accesscanberra.act.gov.au, Building (General) Regulation 2008. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
Common Questions
Builder pricing FAQ
How much do builders typically charge?
Do builders charge call-out fees?
Do builders need a licence in Australia?
Is the SureQuote estimate a quote, and why can a tradie's quote be different?
What happens after I submit my job, and how many tradies will contact me?
Is it free to get quotes, and does the tradie's fee raise my price?
Can I add photos to my job?
Do I have to hire one of the tradies?
Does SureQuote check tradies' licences and insurance?
Browse the directory
Looking for builders near you?
Compare local builders and request quotes. Choose your state to see profiles, ratings and service areas.
Get a personalised estimate for your job
These are general ranges. Answer a few questions in the calculator for a price for your job, then matched local builders reach out to quote.