I am rebuilding a 2.5 storey semi-d, land size 3000sf, built-in around 4200sf. Original hse was demolished and piling was done. My archi charges a flat rate of 60k. Building cost is abt 1m including demolishing. This works out to be 240psf. 20% of the quote went into piling. My agreement was inked 1 year ago. My understanding is current construction cost hovers around 400-500psf based on earlier news articles abt the construction industry.
My quotation is final unless we choose materials that were not spec during our planning process. The risk in any building project is cost spiralling out of control. Thus, be wary when you get relatively low quotes as most contractors, as someone here said, will want to secure their pipeline. Try to be as specific as possible when requesting a quote. This way you can better compare the rates and also avoid any misunderstandings in the building process.
A friend, also in the process of reconstruction, engaged a all in one ID co to provide design and building services. Rates were cheap but he was so frustrated during the design stage that he terminated the service. Time was wasted.
As I am in the process of rebuilding, I am in fact interested to hear from experienced owners, how long they took to complete their house.
Happy rebuilding