m2 Costings
We work out a building cost per m2 figure for the project you're planning, before there are full drawings. It's useful for owners and developers testing an idea, and for builders asked for an early number, anywhere in New Zealand.
Overview
When you need a building cost per m2 figure
A building cost per m2 figure helps you decide early whether a project is worth taking further. We work out a cost per square metre for your project before there's a full set of drawings. Owners and developers use it to test a site or a concept, and builders use it when a client wants a rough figure. It's part of our measurement and estimating work.
You might need an m2 costing when you're weighing up a site before you commit to buying it. It also helps when an architect has sketched a concept and needs a budget to design to. If you're choosing between two options, you can get a figure for each.
What we handle
What goes into the rate
How far you can rely on a per square metre figure depends on three things.
What counts as floor area
Gross floor area is measured over all the external walls of the building. It includes stair wells, lift wells, ducts and enclosed rooftop structures. Exposed areas such as balconies and terraces are excluded.
Comparable projects, not a published average
We benchmark against projects similar to yours, so the rate reflects the kind of building you're planning.
What the rate includes
A rate is more useful when it states what it includes and the date it's priced to.
In New Zealand
The area measure used in cost analysis
The New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors has adopted gross floor area for building cost analysis. Footprint, net area and gross floor area are different measures. A rate only makes sense if you know which one it uses.
What you get
A rate and a total for your project
You get an indicative rate per square metre and a total for the project worked out from it.
An early figure, not a price
It's meant to guide an early decision about the project.
Who this is for
It's for owners and developers who want to know whether a site or concept is worth taking further. It also helps architects and designers keep a concept within a budget, and builders answer a client's first question about cost.
If you already have drawings, see cost estimation instead.
How it works
How an m2 costing works
- 01
Send what you have
Tell us about the site and what you have in mind, and send any concept sketches.
- 02
We settle what the figure covers
We come back to you on what the rate should cover, so it fits the decision you're making.
- 03
We work out the rate
We compare your project with similar ones and price it per square metre.
- 04
You get the figure
We send you the figure, and you can use it to decide your next step.
Why AMS
Why get your m2 rate from a quantity surveyor
Decide before you spend on design
You get the figure ahead of full drawings, so you can drop, change or keep the idea before much money goes into design.
A rate you can compare
Because the rate's basis is set out, you can compare it with a builder's number or a figure for another site.
A number to give a client
If you're a builder, you can give your client a figure that has been worked out for their project.
Frequently asked questions
Is a per square metre rate accurate enough to build from?
No, it's only meant as an early guide. Two houses with the same floor area can differ a lot in cost. Site conditions, foundations, cladding and finish level all play a part.
Is this the same as an insurance rebuild valuation?
No, a rebuild valuation works out what it would cost to rebuild an existing building, so the sum insured can reflect it. An m2 costing is an early figure for a project you're planning. If you need a figure for insurance, see insurance rebuild valuations.
Can you do this for a renovation?
Yes, we can look at a renovation, but it's harder to price as a rate per square metre. Much of the cost can depend on what's found once the building is opened up. That makes a renovation figure less certain than one for a new build.
What is the building cost per m2 in New Zealand?
There's no single rate that suits every project. A published average mixes different regions, building types and finish levels, so it may not match yours. We work out a rate for your project instead.
How is this different from a full cost estimate?
An m2 costing works from floor area, before there's anything to measure. A full cost estimate, such as an elemental estimate or a cost plan, is built from drawings. You can start with the m2 figure to test the idea, then move to a full estimate once the design firms up.
Need a quantity surveyor for your next project?
Send through your plans or a short description of the project and we will come back to you.