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.
30+
Years in Building
95%
Client Satisfaction
95%
Timely Completions
Portfolio
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.
How much will my extension or custom build cost?
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.
How long will my project take?
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.
Do I need an architect or a building designer?
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.
Do I need council approval for my project?
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.
Can I stay in my home during construction?
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.
How do I choose a reputable builder or architect?
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.
Testimonial
We would like to sincerely thank Michael and the McVeigh Homes team following the
successful completion of our home renovation and extension. Michael and his team exceeded our expectations in every aspect of the project, which included additional living space, a new pool and a complete upgrade of our kitchen.
From the outset, the design and quotation process was seamless and efficient. Michael’s transparency and honesty during the contract negotiation and any variations throughout the build phase truly set him apart.
We appreciated his straightforward communication, which fostered a sense of trust throughout the project.
The work was consistently completed on time, and we were particularly impressed with the professionalism of the site manager and crew. Even when we made changes along the way, the team was more than willing to accommodate our requests without hesitation.
After the project was handed over, Michael's commitment to customer satisfaction
continued, as he was quick to address any outstanding minor details.
We wholeheartedly recommend Michael McVeigh and McVeigh Homes for any
renovation or building projects. Their dedication to quality, professionalism, and customer service will ensure a hassle-free, enjoyable experience.
Building our home with McVeigh Homes was a fabulous experience. Michael and Cathy
McVeigh came highly recommended to us from a close friend who had built with their company a few years earlier.
Having no experience of our own in building a home, Michael came on board and coordinated the design and build. He kept his finger on the pulse the whole time and we were kept up to speed on all aspects of our build.
There was also plenty of flexibility to modify and value add to our build which has resulted in us having a home well above our initial expectations. What impressed us most was the quality
and finish of our dream home.
The willingness and drive that the McVeigh team has, to ultimately fulfil a client's expectations was truly inspirational. We feel we not only have a beautiful home, but one that's exceptionally well designed and built.
We would not hesitate in recommending Michael, Cathy and the team with the highest appraisal.
Michael McVeigh, owner of McVeigh Homes recently undertook a construction project for us involving building 2 small lot homes in Bardon. Council requirements necessitated restoring the old, existing house as it was deemed to have significant character even though it was in a seriously dilapidated state. It had to be substantially demolished and lifted carefully before it was given a major renovation and extension; in conjunction with construction of another brand new house right beside it.
Most builders baulked at our complex project but Michael had the experience and expertise to
complete it smoothly, within budget and on time. His team did an amazing job and we were thrilled
with the 2 beautiful homes he created for us.
We are currently collaborating with him again on the renovation and modern extension of our character home in Auchenflower.
We are more than happy to recommend Michael to anyone
contemplating a major renovation or new build.
Working with McVeigh Homes for the second time has been just as rewarding as the first.
This latest project involved a complete transformation of our kitchen and BBQ entertaining area, and
the results have exceeded our expectations.
Just like our previous renovation-a more complex pool and BBQ area-the team once again delivered with professionalism, precision, and care.
From the initial planning stages to the final touches, everything was completed on schedule, within budget, and to an exceptional standard. The craftsmanship, attention to detail, and open communication made the entire process smooth and stress-free.
We returned to McVeigh Homes because of the trust and confidence built during our first experience, and they absolutely delivered again. If you're looking for a builder who is reliable, professional, and truly committed to quality, we can confidently recommend McVeigh Homes.
Thank you for another beautiful transformation of our home!
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