How Much Does It Cost To Build A New Custom Home, Renovate Or Extend?

Every site is different, and that difference affects cost. A professional site consultation allows your builder to assess slope, soil type, drainage, access and even mine subsidence risk, all of which influence materials and engineering requirements.
Nexus Built completes detailed site inspections before finalising any quote, ensuring the pricing reflects real conditions and helps prevent unexpected variations later.

Builder experience directly affects accuracy, efficiency and long-term quality. Inexperienced builders may offer cheaper rates but can miss important details, leading to delays, poor workmanship or expensive variations.
Nexus Built brings decades of experience in residential construction, delivering craftsmanship that’s precise, durable and reflective of your investment.

Price per square metre only tells part of the story. To make a fair comparison, review:

• Site conditions and access
• Design complexity and materials
• Inclusions and finishes
• Builder communication and project management
• Warranties and aftercare

Nexus Built provides detailed and transparent quotes that clearly outline what is included in your build, helping you understand exactly where your investment is going and ensuring there are no surprises later.

An accurate estimate needs more than just a floor area figure. Nexus Built’s Custom Homes, Extensions and Renovation Estimator gives Newcastle and Lake Macquarie homeowners a free, fast and realistic cost guide.
After completing the online form, our team follows up with a detailed site consultation to confirm the estimate and discuss your options in depth.

That’s completely fine. A ballpark figure can help you start planning, but it’s important to understand it’s only indicative.
Site factors, design complexity and finish levels all impact cost. Nexus Built can provide an initial price range and explain what influences it, giving you confidence before moving forward.

It’s smart to allow a little extra in your budget for the unexpected. A contingency of around 5–10% is generally a good guide, but the exact amount depends on your home and site.

In the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie areas, surprises can include rocky ground once excavation begins, mine subsidence issues, tricky drainage, or changes needed to meet flood or bushfire requirements.

A builder who knows the local conditions can help you plan for these possibilities before work starts, so your budget stays realistic and there are fewer surprises later on.

Variations can occur during a build for many reasons, often due to unforeseen issues such as soil conditions, site access challenges, or design adjustments. These are not always predictable before construction begins.
Nexus Built minimises surprises by conducting thorough pre-construction assessments, maintaining clear communication, and documenting inclusions and allowances. This proactive approach helps you understand potential changes early and keeps your budget and timeline as predictable as possible.

The cost to build a home in Newcastle varies depending on your site, design, and level of finish. As a general guide, a quality custom build typically starts from $3,200 to $4,200 per square metre. Homes with premium finishes, architectural complexity or challenging site conditions may sit above that range. That said, every block and brief is different, and square metre rates only tell part of the story. The best way to get a clear, tailored estimate is to start with a site consultation and a conversation about your goals, budget and vision. We’re here to help you make informed decisions, not generic guesses.