This calculator uses indicative rates of $2,950 to $4,350 per square metre depending on finish level, with site allowances of up to 18%. For example, a 48 m² build is estimated from $133,000, a 60 m² around $166,000, and a 70 m² home from $194,000. These are estimates, not construction quotes. The plan set itself is $4,900 to $6,900, adapted to your address, and any licensed builder can price from it.
Choose a floor area, finish level and site type to estimate building costs. Your chosen builder provides the construction quote.
This is an estimate for budgeting. Your builder provides the construction quote. Includes design, delivery and foundations; excludes land.
Floor area, finish level and site conditions affect the estimated construction cost.
| FINISH LEVEL | RATE PER M² | INCLUDED FINISHES |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $2,950 | Standard cladding, windows and doors. |
| Classic | $3,550 | Timber details and upgraded bathroom and kitchen finishes. |
| Premium | $4,350 | Cedar cladding, tiled finishes and full-height glazing. |
| SITE TYPE | FACTOR | WHAT IT MEANS |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | ×1.00 | Level section, clear access, services within easy reach. |
| Sloped | +9% | Extra foundation and retaining work on a gentle fall. |
| Difficult | +18% | Steep ground, limited access or difficult soils may require extra work and engineering. |
Estimated ranges are roughly −6% to +8% around the calculator midpoint. Your builder confirms the actual price and any additional site costs.
Compare the indicative construction cost for each design with Essentials, Classic and Premium finishes.
| DESIGN | ESSENTIALS | CLASSIC | PREMIUM | WEEKS ON SITE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fern 48 · 48 m² | $133,000–$153,000 | $160,000–$184,000 | $196,000–$226,000 | 10–12 wks |
| Kōwhai 60 · 60 m² | $166,000–$191,000 | $200,000–$230,000 | $245,000–$282,000 | 11–13 wks |
| Rātā 70 · 70 m² | $194,000–$223,000 | $234,000–$268,000 | $286,000–$329,000 | 12–14 wks |
Indicative ranges for a simple site, including GST. The calculator adds about 9% for sloping sites and 18% for difficult sites. Construction is quoted by your builder. Plan sets: Fern 48 $4,900 · Kōwhai 60 $5,900 · Rātā 70 $6,900.
Compare a new small home, a consented minor dwelling, a sleepout and an existing property. Costs and approvals depend on the proposal.
| OPTION | UP-FRONT COST | CONSENT | TIMELINE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seventy plan set + your builder · ≤70 m² | $133,000–$194,000+ indicative | Exemption may apply if all conditions are met | Plans usually within 5 working days after release; builder confirms construction timing |
| Consented minor dwelling | Similar build cost, plus consent and processing fees | Full building consent lodged and processed | Allow time for council processing before construction |
| 30 m² sleepout | Costs depend on size, specification and permitted use | Separate exemption conditions apply; confirm proposed use | Ask the builder to confirm timing and facilities |
| Buying an existing unit | Land plus dwelling at market price | n/a | Depends on availability and settlement arrangements |
The Schedule 1A exemption has design, construction and documentation conditions. Seventy provides plans; you appoint a licensed builder. Check relevant planning requirements for any option.
Confirm the consent requirements before agreeing a construction budget and schedule. Read the building consent exemption guide, and your council guide.
The calculator uses $2,950 per m² for Essentials, $3,550 for Classic and $4,350 for Premium. It applies allowances for the selected site category and displays a range around the result. These are modelling assumptions, not a builder’s quote.
Allow for the plan set, construction, foundations, site preparation, service connections and any council fees or specialist reports. Ask your builder for a written list of inclusions, exclusions and allowances. Seventy sells the plans separately.
Yes. Labour, freight, access, ground conditions and local requirements can affect the quote. The calculator uses the same base rates for all regions, so it does not replace a local builder’s estimate.
The calculator adds about 9% for sloping sites and 18% for difficult sites. Actual costs may differ. Your designer and builder need to confirm foundation, retaining, access and other site requirements.
The plan-set prices and calculator estimates are in New Zealand dollars and include GST. Check the GST treatment of each contractor’s quote when preparing your budget.
The site uses indicative construction times of nine to thirteen weeks, depending on the design and site category. Your chosen builder confirms the actual schedule, including availability, site work and any approvals needed. Plan preparation happens before construction.
Compare the sizes, layouts and fixed prices of our architect-signed plan sets.