If you’ve ever renovated a home or hired a builder, you’ll know this moment well: the excitement of receiving a quote, the relief of knowing the price, and the sense that everything is neatly planned out.
And then, somewhere between demolition and the final coat of paint, something unexpected pops up.
A rotten beam behind a wall. A product upgrade you fall in love with. A small change that seems simple but takes hours of extra labour.
Suddenly, you’re hearing a word you didn’t expect.
“Extras.”
For many homeowners, that word feels like a plot twist they didn’t see coming. But in the building world, extras aren’t a surprise at all—they’re simply the parts of the story that couldn’t be written until the job began.
Let me walk you through what they really are.
So… What Exactly Are “Extras”?
Think of a building quote as the first chapter of a book. It sets the scene, outlines the plan, and gives you a clear idea of what’s ahead. But like any good story, things can change once you turn the page.
Extras usually fall into four categories:
1. The Hidden Chapter: Unforeseen Work
Some things stay invisible until the tools come out—water damage behind tiles, uneven floors, wiring that isn’t up to code. When these surprises appear, extra work is needed to complete the original job safely and properly.
2. The Upgrade Moment
Maybe you spot a tapware finish you love, or a benchtop that feels more “you.” If it costs more than the base item included in the quote, the difference becomes an extra.
3. The Mid‑Story Plot Change
You might decide to move a wall, add shelving, or tweak the layout once you see the space taking shape. These changes require extra labour and materials—so they’re extras too.
4. The “While You’re Here…” Requests
It’s incredibly common. You see the team on site and think, “Actually, could we also…?” Anything outside the original scope becomes an extra.
How Are Extras Calculated?
Extras aren’t random. They follow a clear formula:
Material cost + labour cost + overheads + GST
Overheads cover the essential things that keep a building business running—insurance, tools, equipment, admin, and compliance.
When Do Extras Get Billed?
It depends on the size of the project:
- Large builds or renovations: Extras may be billed at several points throughout the project.
- Smaller jobs: Extras are usually added to the final invoice alongside the quoted work.
How We Keep the Story Clear (and Avoid Surprises)
My goal is always to make sure you feel informed, respected, and in control of your project. Here’s how I approach extras:
- I flag any potential extras I can foresee before quoting or starting the job.
- If something unexpected appears, I let you know as soon as I see it.
- If you request something outside the original scope, I’ll let you know it’s an extra so you know it’s not included in the quote.
- And if you’re ever unsure—about cost, scope, or whether something counts as an extra—I’ll walk you through it.
Because at the end of the day, a renovation or build isn’t just a project. It’s a story you’re shaping about how you want to live. My job is to help you write it clearly, confidently, and without any unwelcome plot twists.
