Cost of works for development

Purchase of this guide

This guide is intended to assist owners, builders and applicants in providing an estimated cost of works for development.

Estimating Cost of Works and Application Fees

Part 13 Division 1 Section 251 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 requires Council to determine the estimated cost of work by reference to a genuine estimate of the completed costs associated with the construction and preparation of the building and/or the construction costs of carrying out of a work, and/or the demolition cost of a building or work, as it applies to the application. 

What rate does Council base the estimated cost on?

Council calculates the cost of works on the estimated 'market price' for the completed project. This may not necessarily reflect the actual cost of the development to the applicant, for example, an applicant may source materials free or second hand and use their own labour (owner-builder).

Council uses building cost indicators contained in the current edition of the Rawlinson's Construction Cost Guide. A list of the common development types and rates are included in this guide. 

How does Council calculate the cost?

On the NSW Planning Portal application form (for a DA, CC or CDC), you must:

• State your estimated cost of works; and
• Pravide the areas (in m2) for each of the generic parts of the project e.g. the gross- floor areas including any outbuildings such as garages; or
• State the number of additional lots, for subdivision applications.

Council will check the gross floor area of your proposed development and multiply it by the unit cost for that component (as identified in the list of rates with this guide below)

Notwithstand he above calculations, COUNCIL RESERVES THE RIGHT to review the estimated cost of development submitted and seek additional application fees in the event of any errors in calculation and/or omissions of any other relevant building cost element not specifically listed above. Thismay affect the application fee payable.

Couniil's Planning and Building staff can assist you if you need help completing the 'estimated cost of works' question on your application form. Please contact Armadale Regional Council's Building and Development Team on 02 6770 3600.