When most people start their building journey, the first number they look at is the square metre price. It seems simple: cheaper per metre = better deal. But here’s the truth that too many buyers discover too late—cheap homes are the most expensive homes to live in.
Builders use a strategy of low-dollar provisional sums that can significantly reduce the price on paper but when you go to build the home, you discover that the allowances are too low to achieve your desired outcome. For example, allowing a sum of $8,000 for a kitchen when in reality you will need $25,000 or $5,000 for lighting and you will really need $15,000. This is a way of lowering the price and the ‘quote shock’ to only bring heartache later in the project.
The Hidden Costs of “Cheap”
A lower build price often means corners have been cut. That shows up in three ways:
- Running Costs
Poor insulation, outdated appliances, and inefficient design lead to higher power bills—month after month. What you thought you saved on your mortgage is eaten up in electricity bills. - Comfort Costs
Cheap construction doesn’t protect you from the Australian climate. Winters feel colder, summers hotter. That’s not just uncomfortable—it forces you to spend more on heating and cooling. - Resale Costs
The property market is shifting. Buyers are searching for efficient, all-electric homes. A home that looks “cheap” today may be harder to sell tomorrow.
What Makes a Green Home Smarter?
At Green Homes, we take a different approach:
- Better insulation keeps your home comfortable year-round.
- Solar-ready wiring and EV-ready garages make the transition to the future seamless.
- Every design meets or exceeds high energy ratings.
The Bottom Line
A Green Home may cost a little more up front, but it saves you from the hidden costs that make “cheap” homes expensive for decades.
Explore our designs and see why smart homes aren’t just greener—they’re cheaper where it matters most.