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Builders charge $80–$160/hr for labour-only work, but most projects are quoted as a fixed price. A small bathroom renovation costs $15,000–$35,000, a home extension $2,000–$5,000 per square metre, and a new home build $1,200–$3,500 per square metre depending on spec.

It depends on the scope of work. Minor internal renovations often don't require DA approval, but structural work, extensions, and changes to the building footprint generally do. Your builder should advise on approvals required, and a good builder will manage the DA process for you.

Home warranty insurance (called Home Building Compensation in NSW, Domestic Building Insurance in VIC, and Home Warranty Insurance in QLD/WA) protects homeowners if a builder dies, disappears or becomes insolvent before completing work or honouring statutory warranties. It is mandatory for residential building contracts above the threshold in each state.

Check the licence register in your state, ask for references from recent projects, and request to visit a completed job if possible. Get at least three fixed-price quotes. Avoid paying more than 5–10% deposit before work begins, and ensure all work is under a written contract.

A simple single-storey extension of 20–40m² typically takes 12–20 weeks from DA approval to completion. DA approval itself can take 6–12 weeks in most councils. Allow 18–30 weeks total from engagement to handover for a standard extension.