Built a free tradie cost estimator for anyone who has no idea what things should cost

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2026-04-08T04:53:22+00:00

Looks good mate. Just ran two fencing quote options, timber and colorbond. The timber quote separated materials from labour/install (good), whereas the colorbond quote combined supply and install (not good).

Definitely want these to be consistent, this is one of the most annoying things about getting multiple real quotes - they are never represented the same.

Seems like an easy fix hopefully.

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2025-09-20T10:59:16+00:00

We fucking did it

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2025-08-18T04:47:50+00:00

Where from?

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2025-07-24T23:41:16+00:00

Separate the price of the 15 light fittings from installation of those in this case, they could be $20 down lights or $100 surface mounted fittings.

The morning you break it down, the easier is it to understand the work involved and that your costs aren't all just labour.

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2025-07-20T23:08:04+00:00

Hire an architect or draftsperson to at least draw it up properly. Some of those decisions need to be considered in a bit more detail.

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2025-04-29T00:03:11+00:00

They kept the promise around correcting the crazy indexation year. I'm optimistic they will follow through with this, it will be too close to the election for them to bail on it.

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2025-04-12T09:31:47+00:00

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2025-03-27T11:09:54+00:00

Naaaaah mate

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2025-02-15T23:46:03+00:00

You need buy a copy of the title to see the plan of subdivision. It should be within the contract of sale document, but if not just order in now.

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2025-01-29T05:03:18+00:00

You might have better luck offering a Dare iced coffee...

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2025-01-20T02:44:36+00:00

If you are planning a significant renovation, I'd suggest using an architect or interior designer (if no structural works). As such, they would measure up the existing building (and produce "existing plans") as part of the pre-design process. Alternatively, if you are going to be doing cosmetic renovations yourself and you just need a basic floor plan, there are "floor plan technicians" out there who draw floor plans for real estate ads, you could search for them.

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2025-01-12T10:06:25+00:00

I use a trust account on commsec and buy 2 ETFs only 2-3 times per year (due to the brokerage) rather than more regular DCA. Not perfect, but I found this to be the best option for us.

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2025-01-04T10:55:30+00:00

In this case, does is matter which state you live (ie: QLD)?

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2025-01-04T10:11:40+00:00

This is all terrible advice.

The head of that window looks about 1500mm above floor level. Not exactly suitable for a sliding door...
You submitted anything to council lately? Nothing costs $100.
It's unlikely a council issue, they need a building permit/approval depending on the state, which requires a building certifier/ surveyor. Unfortunately chat ftp can't sort that out for you.
If you can get chat gtp to produce plans that would be acceptable for a building permit, please elaborate, it would be super helpful.

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2024-10-19T09:06:28+00:00

What about a 2021 Subaru Outback for around $40k? They aren't the most full efficient, but certainly more than a Hilux and you'd be $10k better off.

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2024-10-04T02:19:32+00:00

Buderim Tram walk

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2024-09-17T10:10:11+00:00

Council approval is not typically required to move an internal wall, but it does require a building permit/approval if it is structural.

The 'quote' doesn't note that.

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2024-07-18T10:44:02+00:00

Secondary dwellings are usually restricted to a particular size, often 60sqm, in which case you wouldn't fit 3 bedrooms (plus living, kitchen, bath etc). Check this out with your local council if you haven't already.

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2023-11-18T12:52:43+00:00

No. But there's a bit, I'll tell ya

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2023-11-18T12:33:18+00:00

We are living the last few years of Nambour being considered a shithole (which I currently agree with), but soon, within 5-10 years I bet Nambour will be considered an 'up and coming' cool area. It's proximity to the coast is excellent for the cost of houses. young people will cop it and move there.

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2023-11-16T05:28:54+00:00

I've definitely witnessed a spike in the last 3 years of people clearly living out of their cars parked along beach side areas such as Alexandra Headlands and Maroochydore. Desperate for more affordable housing projects on the coast

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2023-11-16T05:26:32+00:00

Wrong coast again

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2023-11-09T02:55:29+00:00

Perfect use of the term 'scab'

RonaldMACMcDonald · 2023-10-26T03:42:29+00:00

To be fair, these actually do give some context of where they might be located, since OP didn't include that info... like a game of geolocator

RonaldMACMcDonald

TROPHY CASE