This guide is general, educational information to help you understand typical costs and choices. Prices are approximate, based on examples seen in south-east Queensland in 2024–2026, and will vary with location, size, materials, supplier and time. It is not financial, legal, building or professional advice, and not a quote. Always get written quotes from licensed trades and check your own contracts before making decisions.
Supply, painted
Single-storey house
Estimate
Supply, estimate
Letterbox and clothesline
A painted pillar letterbox typically costs about $370 to $480, with a lead time of one to two weeks. Many owners buy the letterbox and clothesline themselves and have the landscaper install them with the garden works.
Fold-down and folding-frame clotheslines suit narrow side yards. Check the fence or wall can take the fixings before buying.
Key safe for trades
A combination key safe lets trades get in when you cannot be there, for example for flooring, epoxy or blinds. Change the code after each job.
The first clean
A builder’s clean at handover rarely covers everything. A professional clean of a single-storey house (windows, tracks, floors, bathrooms and kitchen) costs about $450, and is often required before a rental starts.
The switchboard
While the house is empty, test and label each circuit breaker. Extra circuits, such as for a second air conditioner, cost about $665 each when added through the builder.
Related guides
Everything on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. Costs, prices, interest rates, rules and government schemes change over time, and the figures shown are approximate examples that may already be out of date. Nothing here is financial, tax, legal, building or professional advice, a recommendation or a quote. Do your own research, get written quotes and seek advice from qualified professionals before making any decision.