Frequently asked questions.

Do you provide free quotes?

We offer a free on-site consultation to discuss your project ideas, requirements, and budget. From there, we can provide a broad estimate. For accurate and detailed costings, we prepare a Preliminary Agreement. This ensures you receive realistic figures based on proper site assessments, plans, and professional reports.

Why don’t you provide a “per square metre” rate?

Every project is different. Site conditions, design, inclusions, and council requirements all impact costs. Square metre rates are misleading and often understate the true price. At kibild, we provide tailored costings that reflect your unique project.

Why do you charge for a quote when others offer it for free?

Quick, free quotes are often based on assumptions and can lead to budget blowouts later. At kibild, we invest the time to prepare accurate costings through a Preliminary Agreement. This upfront investment protects you from costly surprises.

What is included in a Preliminary Agreement?

A Preliminary Agreement may include:

  • Contour and detail survey

  • Identification survey

  • Soil or geotechnical testing

  • Drafting or architectural plans

  • Engineering design

  • Town planning advice

  • Specialist consultant reports

  • Service location reports (water, gas, telecoms)

  • Cost analysis and quoting

This stage ensures accuracy and transparency before committing to a fixed contract.

What fees are involved in the Preliminary Agreement?

Fees depend on the complexity of your project and what reports are required. All costs are outlined upfront. This investment ensures your quote is detailed, realistic, and avoids hidden surprises.

What documents are required for a detailed quote?

Typically required:

  • Plans (drafted or architectural)

  • Site survey

  • Soil report

  • Engineering documentation

  • Energy efficiency (BASIX/NatHERS)

  • Town planning approvals (if applicable)

  • Specifications and inclusions

If you don’t have these, we’ll connect you with the right professionals.

How much do you charge for a quote?

The fee can range from $500 for an estimate to $5,000 depending on the complexity and size of the job.

What’s the difference between a Bill of Quantities (BoQ) and a builder’s quote?

  • Bill of Quantities (BoQ): A list of quantities and materials, usually prepared by a Quantity Surveyor.

  • Builder’s Quote: Prepared by kibild, factoring in site conditions, buildability, and real trade pricing.

Our quotes are practical, realistic, and based on how the project will actually be built.

What are Prime Costs (PC) and Provisional Sums (PS)?

  • Prime Costs (PC): Allowances for items not yet chosen (tiles, appliances).

  • Provisional Sums (PS): Allowances for works where scope is unclear (e.g. excavation).

Too many allowances can make a quote misleading. We minimise these by clarifying details early.

How PC and PS can affect the contract price?

Unlike variation, PC and OS are adjustments to a contract. Having an agreed PS or PC can work in your favour. A good example is site cut where it is difficult to work out how much soil will be excavated and carting of the excess spoil.

The below example shows 3 alternate actual costs and the outcome on contract price based on agreed PS of $10,000 (GST inc).

Why are surveys needed?

  • Identification Survey: Confirms property boundaries (essential if building close to a boundary).

  • Contour & Detail Survey: Shows slope, levels, and features of your land, essential for design and engineering.

Both surveys provide accuracy and reduce risk.

Why is soil testing necessary?

Soil testing determines the type of foundation required. Different soils impact footing design and excavation costs. Without this, a quote cannot be accurate.

What is “Dial Before You Dig” and why is it important?

It’s a service that maps underground services like water, gas, and telecommunications. Knowing what lies beneath your land avoids costly mistakes and ensures safety.

What about town planning and overlays?

Some properties are affected by planning controls such as heritage, bushfire, or flood overlays. These influence what you can build. We identify these early and help you manage approvals.

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Pricing Solutions

SOLUTION 1: Concept Estimate $495 + GST

What is a concept estimate?

A concept estimate in residential construction is a rough cost projection made early in the project, based on general scope and key factors like size, complexity, materials, and location. It helps stakeholders assess whether to proceed and establish a budget, though it's less accurate than later estimates.

Is it worth getting concept estimate?

Getting a concept estimate from a builder is valuable because it:

  1. Provides a rough cost estimate: Helps determine if the project fits the budget before detailed plans.

  2. Aids decision-making: Clarifies scope, materials, and costs, guiding design choices.

  3. Identifies potential issues early: Spots challenges upfront, preventing delays and extra costs.

  4. Builds trust: Establishes clear communication and expectations with the builder.

In short, it helps make informed decisions, avoid problems, and ensure a smooth project.

SOLUTION 2: Full Cost Analysis/quote –  $500 to $5000 + GST

depending on size and complexity

We work with one of the top external estimators in the country to ensure a comprehensive and accurate cost analysis for their project.

Full cost analysis charge rates:

What are the benefits of a builder and an external estimator working together on a quote?

Collaborating on a quote between a builder and an external estimator offers several benefits:

  1. Accurate cost estimates: Combining expertise from both builder and estimator ensures all factors are considered for a precise estimate.

  2. Better project feasibility: Together, they can assess potential issues and help adjust project scope or design as needed.

  3. Increased transparency: Their collaboration fosters trust and clarity, ensuring clients feel confident in the estimates.

  4. Improved outcomes: A unified approach helps ensure the project is completed on time, within budget, and to high standards.

In short, this collaboration leads to more reliable, well-rounded quotes and better overall project results.

Why do builders have a better grasp of residential construction costs than architects or designers?

Builders typically have a better understanding of residential construction costs than architects or designers because they have hands-on experience with materials, labor, and equipment. Their familiarity with the construction process allows them to provide more accurate cost estimates, suggest cost-saving measures, and ensure designs are practical within the budget. While architects and designers focus on the vision and functionality of the project, builders have the expertise to ensure the design can be built affordably and efficiently.

Which team members are essential for a successful pre-construction process?

For the best outcome, these team members should be involved in the pre-construction process:

  1. Owner/Client: Sets the vision and makes key decisions.

  2. Architect/Designer: Creates the design and plans based on the client’s needs.

  3. Builder/General Contractor: Oversees construction, ensures feasibility, and provides cost estimates.

  4. Project Manager: Manages the project timeline, budget, and coordination.

  5. Engineer: Ensures structural integrity and compliance with building codes.

Involving these professionals ensures a well-planned, cost-effective, and high-quality project with minimal delays.

Why should people pay for a builder’s consultation during pre-construction?

Paying a builder for consultation offers several benefits:

  1. Expertise: Builders provide valuable advice on design, construction methods, and potential issues.

  2. Cost savings: They help identify cost-effective solutions and materials to reduce expenses.

  3. Risk mitigation: Builders can spot and address potential risks early, avoiding delays and extra costs.

  4. Stronger relationships: Paying for their expertise builds trust, ensuring smoother collaboration.

  5. Better outcomes: With their input, the project is more likely to meet expectations and be executed smoothly.

In short, builder consultation helps plan a cost-effective, well-executed project with fewer risks.

What happens after the Preliminary stage?

We provide a fixed price HIA contract with inclusions, exclusions, a clear construction schedule, and payment structure. Once signed, construction can begin.

How long does construction take?

Timeframes vary by project size and complexity. You’ll receive a construction schedule upfront with key milestones and a target completion date.

How do you communicate during the build?

We provide regular updates, phone calls, and site meetings. You’ll always know what’s happening, communication is central to how we work.

Do you use subcontractors?

Yes. We work with trusted, highly skilled tradespeople who share our values of quality and reliability. Many have worked with us for years.

What warranties do you provide?

  • 6 year structural warranty

  • 2 year non structural warranty

  • 3 month maintenance period after handover

Why choose kibild?

We are a family run, Riverina based builder focused on:

  • Personalised service and honest advice

  • Quality craftsmanship

  • Transparency in costs and communication

  • Trusted local suppliers and trades

  • Sustainable building practices

With kibild, your project is built on trust, care, and expertise