Why nearly half of home builders risk up to $100,000 on their projects

Nearly half of Queenslanders building their dream homes are risking cost blowouts of up to $100,000, as construction prices and tradie shortages reach a breaking point. Data analysis by tax depreciation firm TDA found 44.9 per cent of new dwellings cost more than expected during building approval, with demand stretching builders thin and international conflicts spiking the cost of materials. Close to 50 per cent of Queenslanders constructing their perfect home spend more than they bargained for during a build, thanks to short supply of builders and materials. Owner-builders Zac and Sara Krstev have worked on constructing fifty homes together, and said delivering homes was growing harder and more expensive than ever thanks to these constraints. “There were days when we expected eight trades and only three turned up,” Mr Krstev said. “But it wasn’t their fault. Good trades are in high demand and stretched across a lot of projects.” Experienced builders Zac and Sara Krstev said trade workers in 2026 were being pulled across too many projects at the same time. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail Mr Krstev said construction costs once rose annually, but now moved every quarter, and ...