TIM BREWSTER

Building costs in Wanaka tend to be higher than in other parts of the country, something often attributed to supply and transport costs.

While building contractors said pricing generalisations can vary dramatically depending on specifications, a recent cost comparison for a Dunedin renovation found labour costs were the same, with materials generally cheaper and with more options in Dunedin.

Costs per square metre were also difficult to pin down, however a rough guide for entry level through to higher end were presented as follows:

Starter house: $2100-$2250 per sqm  

This estimate is based on build only, with no plans or fees on a flat easy to access site. Three bedrooms plus study, two bathrooms, standard double garage, kitchen, living and dining areas.

• Structurally simple design (within NZS3604 as much as possible): braced walls rather than steel frames, shorter spans, posts where necessary, trusses (could be exposed).
• Cladding: direct fixed-colour, coated profiled metal or timber weatherboards with traditional detailing around openings.
• Limited use of finishes: paint and clear-sealed plywood, concrete and timber floors.
• Modest fixtures, hardware, lighting.
• Kitchen design: modular components.
• Bathroom design: shower enclosures (no wetrooms), painted walls, simple functional off the shelf fixtures, minimal built-in joinery.
• No landscaping

Mid level: $2250 - $2400 per sqm

A slightly edgier design and perhaps an office large enough it could double as a fourth bedroom Also some feature cladding, using cedar and the like. Higher spec fixtures and fittings. There could also be a second lounge area.

• Structural design may include some steel frames in order to achieve more expansive areas of glazing, or steel beams to achieve longer spans.
• Cladding may include some natural timber products, such as vertical shiplap macrocarpa on a drained cavity, or concrete block external walls.
• Timber or thermally broken aluminium joinery.
• Internal finishes could include more extensive use of finishing timber.
• Some feature lighting, such as toe-space LEDs or a feature pendant in the dining space.
• Extra power and data provision.
• Custom joinery for kitchen and bathroom, as well as more built-in joinery throughout the house.

Designer architectural builds: $3200 - $6000 per sqm

This is similar to the medium specification, but it is a more challenging site, with a selection of premium fixtures and finishes:

• Fully customised wetroom bathrooms.
• Integrated joinery in all rooms (shelving, window seats, storage units, cabinets, etc.).
• AV installation.
• Extensive lighting installation.

PHOTO: Wanaka App