If you're thinking about building or renovating next year, the time to start is now, not in January.
Building costs in Queensland are climbing quickly. House construction prices rose 8.0% in a year ,one of the sharpest increases in the country. Nationally, house construction output prices rose 2.0% in the June quarter alone, the largest quarterly rise since September 2022. Industry analysts are warning builders not to price 2027 jobs on 2026 rates. In Brisbane, they expect extra pressure through 2027 and 2028 as Olympics infrastructure competes with home building for the same labour and materials.
Builders are busy, too. Queensland has a record 52,500+ homes under construction, the fourth record quarter in a row.
None of this means you should rush into construction. It means preparation matters more thanever, and most of that preparation happens at the design stage.
Why design time is the best investment you can make
Design and documentation take time. Depending on the project, it can be months from a firstconsultation to drawings that are ready for approval and pricing. Starting before the year-endshutdown means:
You're ready to price in the new year,rather than starting the design then.
You can get on a good builder's schedule early,while the best builders are booking out.
You make decisions calmly,not under pressure from a looming start date.
Our design stages explain each step, from the onsite consultation through to construction documentation.
Five ways to protect your budget in a rising market
1. Resolve the design before you price it
The more complete your drawings, the more accurate and comparable your quotes will be. Incomplete drawings lead to provisional sums and allowances, and those are where budgets blow out.
2. Document thoroughly
Detailed construction documentation, including selections, finishes and joinery, reduces variations once building starts. In a market where prices are rising, every variation is priced at today's rates, not last year's.
3. Design to a realistic budget from day one
Tell your architect your real budget early. Good design is about getting the most from the money you have, through smart planning, efficient structure and prioritising where the money goes.
4. Plan for staging
If the full wish list is beyond this year's budget, design the whole project now and document it in stages. You can build the essentials first and add the rest later, without compromising the final result.
5. Understand your contract
Fixed-price contracts are common in Queensland residential building, and the QBCC has recently issued guidance on fixed-price contracts for licensees. Make sure you understand what's included, what's provisional and how variations are handled before you sign.
What a well-planned project looks like
Our Newmarket new home sits within a heritage overlay. That kind of site needs careful design to satisfy planning requirements while delivering a modern family home. In Northgate and Hawthorne, we've renovated traditional Queenslanders and pre-1946 character homes, where thorough documentation of the existing house is essential before pricing. See more in our completed projects.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the design stage take?
It depends on the size and complexity of the project, the site and any planning approvals. We'll give you a realistic timeline at the onsite consultation.
Should I wait for building costs to come down?
We can't predict the market. Current forecasts point to continued pressure in Brisbane through 2027 and 2028. A resolved design and good documentation put you in the best position whenever you decide to build.
Can you work with a builder I already know?
Yes. We regularly work alongside our clients' chosen builders, and good documentation makes that collaboration smoother.
Planning a 2027 build or renovation? Request our BAASTUDIO starter kit and project questionnaire, or call 07 3137 0222.
