Construction Estimates for Homeowners | Civilised Estimating

Helping You Turn Your Dream Project into a Reality — Without the Guesswork

Building, renovating, or extending your home is one of the biggest and most exciting things you’ll ever do — but it can also be one of the most complex, stressful, and expensive.

Trying to take your idea from dream to reality without industry experience can leave you feeling overwhelmed. There’s a lot to manage: budgets, timelines, trades, materials, regulations — and the ever-present risk of unexpected costs. It’s tempting to skip services that seem “non-essential,” like professional estimating — but this is often where the biggest mistakes are made.

At Civilised Estimating, we help homeowners take control of their projects from the very beginning. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, we know what projects actually cost — not just in theory, but in real life. Our estimating services give you clarity and confidence, helping you make smart decisions, avoid unnecessary expenses, and bring your vision to life the right way.

Why Choose Civilised Estimating?

You’re not a builder — and you shouldn’t have to be. You just need someone on your side who understands how the building process works and can break it down for you in a clear, practical way.

That’s exactly what we do.

With Civilised Estimating, you’ll get:

A realistic view of how much your project will cost

The ability to compare quotes and avoid being overcharged

Help identifying where you can save without compromising your vision

Support managing your project if you’re acting as an owner-builder or project manager

Peace of mind that you’re making informed, confident decisions

We tailor every estimate to your unique project — whether you’re renovating a bathroom, building your dream home, or adding a new storey to your existing house.

What services do we offer?

We provide a range of professional estimating services for homeowners — from early budgeting guidance to trade-specific breakdowns for self-managed projects. Here’s how we can help.

Wooden puzzle pieces fit together to make a house, picturing how a preliminary cost estimate is ideal for Home owners in early stage planning

Preliminary Cost Estimates

Early insight, smarter planning.

At the beginning of your project — even before final plans are drawn — a Preliminary Cost Estimate can give you a general sense of what you’re working with. Whether you’re considering a new home, an extension, or a renovation, knowing the likely cost at the concept stage can help you avoid over-designing beyond your budget, focus on ideas that are practical and achievable, and save time and money on designs that will never make it off the page

We can work from rough sketches, basic concepts, or early-stage drawings to provide a high-level cost estimate. You’ll get a clearer idea of what’s possible before you invest too much in design fees or planning approvals — and you’ll be better prepared when it’s time to start getting quotes from builders.

A Home Owner examines plans for their new build and decides to get a detailed cost estimate from Civilised Estimating

Detailed Cost Estimates

Compare builder quotes with confidence.

Once your plans are finalised and you’re preparing to select a builder, it’s essential to understand what your project should cost — before signing any contracts.

A Detailed Cost Estimate provides you with an independent view of the total project cost, based on up-to-date material and labour pricing, local market conditions, and real-world construction knowledge.

This helps you evaluate whether quotes you receive from builders are fair and competitive, avoid hidden surprises or costly “variations” later on, understand where money is being spent — and where savings can be made, and choose your builder with confidence, knowing you’re informed and prepared

We’ll work closely with you (and your designer, if needed) to make sure our estimates reflect your specific plans, priorities, and personal goals for the space.

A Home Owner looks at plans for their residential build and decides they need a construction estimate

Construction Estimates

Planning to manage your own build? Start here.

If you’re considering acting as an owner-builder or managing your own renovation, a Construction Estimate can help you plan effectively — without needing the full detail of a commercial tender package.

We’ll provide you with a practical breakdown of:

The trades you’ll need

Approximate timeframes

Quantities and cost ranges

This gives you a strong base to start approaching trades, ordering materials, and setting a realistic project timeline. Our team brings real-world experience to every estimate — helping you avoid common DIY pitfalls and make smarter choices as your project progresses.

Bill of Quantities

Just the numbers you need — nothing more.

Sometimes you (or your team) just need straightforward, accurate quantities to plan, quote, or track costs. Whether you’re managing your project yourself or simply want to double-check what your builder has provided, a Bill of Quantities (BoQ) offers clarity and detail.

A BoQ includes:

Square metreage for trades such as tiling, painting, and flooring

Volume estimates for concrete, fill, excavation

Material counts for trades such as plumbing, electrical, and hardware

We use professional estimating software and follow current industry standards, so you can rely on our numbers — and avoid over-ordering, under-ordering, or costly delays.

Trade Take-Offs

Know exactly who and what your project needs.

A Trade Take-Off breaks your project down by trade, identifying which trades are required and how much work each trade will need to complete.

This is particularly helpful if you’re managing the project yourself or coordinating directly with subcontractors. It gives you the ability to schedule more effectively, prevent delays, and ensure you’re not overlooking key trades in your planning.

With our experience, we don’t just provide raw data — we offer insight that helps your project run smoother from start to finish.

Why Homeowners Trust Civilised Estimating

15+ Years of Industry Experience

We’ve worked with clients across Australia, supporting everything from modest renovations to full custom builds.

Construction Know-How

We’re not just number crunchers — we understand how homes are built and the challenges homeowners face along the way.

Clear, Professional Documentation

Our estimates are easy to understand, well-presented, and ready to use in builder negotiations or loan applications.

Tailored Support

We don’t do one-size-fits-all. Every quote is customised to your project, your budget, and your goals.

Friendly, Responsive Team

We know this process can be overwhelming. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Based in Sydney, Servicing All of Australia

Wherever you are located, we can support your project remotely with the same dedicated care and attention

Not Sure What You Need?

Every project — and every homeowner — is different. That’s why we take the time to understand your goals, your concerns, and your vision before recommending a solution.

If you’re not sure which estimating service is right for you, we’re more than happy to talk it through with you.

Whether you’ve already engaged a builder, are still in the design phase, or just have a vague idea in mind — we can step in at any point and offer practical, grounded advice to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Contact us now for your free consultation

If you’re planning a renovation, extension, or new build and want to avoid costly mistakes, we’re here to help.

Contact us today on Or email [email protected] to get started

Let Civilised Estimating give you the clarity and confidence to bring your dream project to life — without the stress.

Estimating Services for Home Renovations & New Builds | Civilised Estimating