Queensland Homeowners, Your Questions Answered

With our 40 years of experience, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions we receive from second and third homeowners building their dream home.

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We Have A Rich History Of Crafting Projects

Since 1991, Michael McVeigh and the team at McVeigh Homes have been building and renovating homes across Brisbane. Here are some of our featured projects that highlight the quality of our work.

Home extensions in Queensland typically range from $1,900-$4,000+ per square metre, depending on your location, finishes, and project complexity. Brisbane averages $2,500-$3,600/m², while a standard 80m² extension costs between $160,000-$320,000.

For custom home builds, expect to budget around $450,000-$550,000 for a typical 245m² home.

What affects the cost?

  • Quality of finishes and materials
  • Structural complexity
  • Site access and conditions
  • Council fees and engineering requirements

Keep in mind that building costs in Queensland have risen significantly over the past few years, so it’s important to get current quotes and budget for contingencies.

Home extensions: 3-6 months for simple projects, 8-12 months for complex renovations

Custom home builds: Currently averaging 12 months (up from 8 months pre-COVID)

Timeline breakdown:

  • Design and planning: 4-12 weeks
  • Development approval: 4-12 weeks (up to 6 months for complex projects)
  • Building approval: 1-7 days (private certifier) or 2-4 weeks (council)
  • Construction: 3-6 months (extensions) or 12-18 months (new homes)

Common delays in Queensland:

  • Weather (rain delays during wet season, November-March)
  • Trade and material availability
  • Council approval processes

We’ll give you realistic timelines upfront and keep you updated throughout the project.

Architects are university-qualified professionals who can design any building type. They excel at:

  • Complex or challenging sites
  • Heritage homes and Queenslander renovations
  • Queensland’s subtropical climate design (passive cooling, ventilation, solar orientation)
  • Navigating complex council requirements
  • Cost: $3,000-$10,000+ for design fees

Building designers typically have diploma-level qualifications and focus on residential projects:

  • Great for straightforward extensions
  • More budget-friendly option
  • Cost: $2,000-$5,000 for similar scope

Choose an architect when:

  • Your property has character overlays or heritage restrictions
  • You’re dealing with difficult site conditions
  • Design quality will significantly impact your property value
  • You want innovative, climate-responsive design

For simple, straightforward extensions, a building designer may be the right fit.

For custom home builds, expect to budget around $450,000-$550,000 for a typical 245m² home.

What affects the cost?

  • Quality of finishes and materials
  • Structural complexity
  • Site access and conditions
  • Council fees and engineering requirements

Keep in mind that building costs in Queensland have risen significantly over the past few years, so it’s important to get current quotes and budget for contingencies.

Most home extensions and renovations in Queensland require two types of approval:

  • Development approval from your local council (planning and land use)
  • Building approval from council or a private certifier (structural and technical compliance)

You’ll definitely need approval if:

  • You’re building an external extension
  • Your property is in a character overlay or heritage area
  • You own a pre-1946 Queenslander home
  • Your property is affected by flood or bushfire overlays

Approval costs range from $200 to $20,000+ depending on your project scope. Building without approval can result in fines, demolition orders, and problems when selling your property.

For custom home builds, expect to budget around $450,000-$550,000 for a typical 245m² home.

What affects the cost?

  • Quality of finishes and materials
  • Structural complexity
  • Site access and conditions
  • Council fees and engineering requirements

Keep in mind that building costs in Queensland have risen significantly over the past few years, so it’s important to get current quotes and budget for contingencies. We will guide you through this with our wealth of experience.

Most homeowners can stay during their extension, but disruption levels vary significantly.

Expect minimal disruption for:

  • Small single-room additions
  • Separate granny flats or studios

Expect significant disruption for:

  • Kitchen or bathroom renovations
  • Structural work to existing walls
  • Major multi-room extensions

What to plan for:

  • Construction hours: typically 7am-5pm weekdays
  • Dust and noise (we use barriers and containment strategies)
  • Temporary loss of amenities (kitchen, bathroom access)
  • Site access and parking for trades
  • Security during construction

Queensland considerations:

  • Summer heat and humidity may affect your comfort
  • Wet season can cause delays and access issues
  • Steep blocks (common in Brisbane) can create additional access challenges

If you have young children, pets, or work from home, discuss these factors with us early. Some projects may require temporary relocation for your comfort and safety.

 

For custom home builds, expect to budget around $450,000-$550,000 for a typical 245m² home.

What affects the cost?

  • Quality of finishes and materials
  • Structural complexity
  • Site access and conditions
  • Council fees and engineering requirements

Keep in mind that building costs in Queensland have risen significantly over the past few years, so it’s important to get current quotes and budget for contingencies.

Essential checks for Queensland builders:

  • Current QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission) license – verify at the free QBCC Licensee Register
  • Queensland Home Warranty Scheme insurance (mandatory for work over $3,300)
  • At least 3 recent local client references
  • Evidence of financial stability

For architects and designers:

  • Registered architects (university-qualified, can design any building type)
  • Building designers (typically diploma-qualified, focus on residential)
  • Ask about their experience with Queensland’s subtropical climate and local council requirements

With construction insolvencies up 21% in recent years, it’s more important than ever to do your due diligence.

Testimonials

What our clients are saying

30+ Years Specialising Exclusively in Custom Home Design & Build.

BY THE NUMBERS:

  • 100% Fixed-Price Contracts (No Hidden Costs, Ever)
  • Zero Budget Blowouts in Our Project History
  • Average Client Satisfaction Score: 9.8/10