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Project Costs

Understanding Additional Project Costs

At Footprint Homes, we believe in being transparent from the very beginning. While the cost of your home is relatively straightforward, additional project costs can vary significantly depending on your site, council requirements, access, available services, and overall project complexity. Every property is different. Some sites require minimal additional work, while others may involve engineering, infrastructure upgrades, council approvals, site preparation, or specialist reports. Our goal is to help you understand the full picture early, so you can make informed decisions and avoid unexpected costs later in the process.

Typical Additional Costs May Include:

  • Concept plans and preliminary design
  • Site visits and assessments
  • PIM (Project Information Memorandum)
  • Building and/or resource consents (where required)
  • Surveying and boundary confirmation
  • Geotechnical (soil) reports
  • Foundations and site preparation
  • Stormwater management and drainage
  • Sewerage, septic, or wastewater systems
  • Water tanks, pumps, and water supply infrastructure
  • Off-grid power or solar systems
  • Transport, craneage, and site access requirements
  • Additional onsite construction costs (for onsite builds)

Important Information

  • Many of these costs are charged directly by councils, engineers, surveyors, contractors, and service providers.
  • Pricing varies considerably depending on location, site conditions, and council requirements.
  • Footprint Homes does not add any mark-up to third-party services and can help coordinate trusted professionals on your behalf.
GRANNY FLAT EXEMPTION GUIDELINES
Budget Allowance Guide Based on previous projects, additional site works, council-related costs, and third-party services commonly range from approximately $25,000–$50,000+, depending on the property and project requirements. Exempt Buildings & SleepoutsIn some situations, buildings under 30m² without a bathroom or toilet may fall under different council requirements (such as a sleepout). Rules vary between councils, and we can help determine what may apply to your project. Free Site-Specific EstimateBecause every site is unique, we recommend obtaining our FREE site-specific estimate early in the process. This provides a clearer understanding of the likely total project cost—not just the price of the home itself. Even though the home may be small, building legally and properly requires careful consideration of site, services, and council requirements. We're here to guide you through the process and help identify likely costs before you commit.