New Apartment Valuation: Key Factors That Influence Property Value
May 18, 2026
Buying a new apartment involves more than just the contract price. A new apartment valuation determines its market value by analysing comparable properties, building quality, local demand, and key features that impact the value of your new home. Understanding the property valuation process is essential for buyers and sellers of investment properties. For investors, getting… ... continue reading
Quantity Surveying Construction Costs: How to Control and Reduce Project Expenses
April 15, 2026
Construction costs continue to rise across Australia, driven by material price volatility, labour shortages and ongoing supply chain pressure. For developers, property investors and builders, staying within construction budgets is no longer just a goal, it is a crucial factor that determines whether a building project succeeds or fails. This is where quantity surveying construction… ... continue reading
Construction Estimator vs Quantity Surveyor: What’s the Difference?
November 10, 2025
In the construction industry, the roles of construction estimators and quantity surveyors are often confused. Both construction professionals are crucial in cost management but operate at different stages of the construction process and perform distinct tasks. Understanding the difference helps builders, developers, and homeowners select the right expert and avoid financial risks or budget overruns.… ... continue reading
Bill of Quantities vs Schedule of Rates: Which One is Right for Your Construction Project?
November 7, 2025
Accurate cost control is essential in the construction industry. Both the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) and Schedule of Rates (SOR) are commonly included in tender documents, which are essential for providing detailed project measurements, costs, and specifications during the bidding process. Two widely used methods for pricing and tendering in construction contracts are the Bill… ... continue reading
Construction Takeoff – A Complete Guide for Builders and Estimators
October 10, 2025
Every construction project begins with thorough planning. A construction takeoff is the process of determining what materials, labour costs, and resources a project will need. A takeoff in construction refers to the process of measuring and listing all materials and resources needed for a project. During a takeoff, contractors determine how much of each material… ... continue reading
Why Is Construction Estimation Important?
September 12, 2025
Construction estimation is the foundation of every successful construction project. It allows developers, builders, and investors to create accurate cost estimates of construction costs, plan resources efficiently, and prevent budget overruns. A solid estimate improves overall project success by ensuring adequate planning, resource deployment, and profit margins. In Australia, an accurate construction estimate goes beyond… ... continue reading
How Much Does It Cost to Build a House In Australia?
September 11, 2025
For most Australians, building a house is one of the biggest financial commitments of their lives and a crucial step toward owning their own home. A common question among home buyers and first home buyers is: what is the cost to build a house in Australia? The answer varies depending on many factors such as… ... continue reading
Duo Tax Improvement Report: How Renovations Affect Tax When Selling Property
September 8, 2025
Selling a property is not only about finding a buyer. It also involves understanding how tax works when you sell, especially regarding capital gains tax and your tax obligations. One of the most common questions from property investors is: can the money I spent on renovations and improvements reduce my tax liability? The answer is… ... continue reading
What are Commercial Fit Outs? (& How to Estimate Them)
September 5, 2025
A commercial fit out is the detailed process of transforming an empty or bare interior space into a fully functional and interior space suitable for occupation. For businesses, this means shaping a commercial space or business premises so it meets specific needs, staff requirements, customer expectations, and day-to-day operations. Whether for an office space, shop… ... continue reading
Granny Flats Are Now More Affordable in Victoria
June 20, 2024
Granny flats, also known as secondary dwellings or backyard studios, have become an increasingly popular housing option across Australia in recent years. As house prices continue rising out of reach for many families and the cost of living crisis makes its mark, granny flats provide a more affordable way for multiple generations to live together… ... continue reading
7 Renovation Estimation Mistakes We See Too Often
April 4, 2024
Whether it's updating your home or improving the features of your rental property, a new renovation project is always an exciting undertaking. Unfortunately, it can also come with many potential pitfalls, especially if you don't have experience in this area. If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. Our specialists at Duo Tax are here to… ... continue reading
How a Construction Tender Submission is Reviewed
February 26, 2024
If you’re like many of our construction estimation clients, chances are you’re pondering the thrilling yet challenging task of submitting a tender. You're probably even a bit lost about where to start or what the process entails. Well, let us assure you—you’re not alone. Understanding how a construction tender submission is reviewed can be the… ... continue reading
Why You Need a Construction Cost Consultant
February 16, 2024
The construction industry is booming in Australia. As both public and private spending on infrastructure and building projects continues to increase year after year, more individuals and companies are looking to take on new construction projects. However, undertaking any type of construction project requires careful planning and cost estimation to be successful. Going over budget… ... continue reading
How a Cost-Plus Contract vs. Fixed Price Contract Works
January 21, 2024
When embarking on a construction project, one of the most important early decisions is selecting the type of contract to use. Construction contracts provide the legal framework for projects. They outline payment terms, responsibilities, change order processes, and more. The specific type of contract used also significantly impacts both parties' incentives, costs, and financial risk.… ... continue reading

NSW Government Introduces Mandatory Embodied Emissions Reporting
October 19, 2023
The NSW government is taking a big step towards sustainability by introducing Mandatory Embodied Emissions Reporting. This requirement applies to residential and non-residential developments and is a big change in the construction industry. Quantity surveyors now have to consider the carbon emissions from building materials. What are Embodied Emissions? Embodied emissions, or embodied carbon, are… ... continue reading
The Latest Construction Costs Update Across Australia
May 1, 2023
Construction Costs in Australia for 2023: What to Expect and How to Manage Them If you've been dreaming of building your own home in Australia, you know that labour cost and building materials within a larger supply chain is one of the biggest considerations. The past three years have been a rollercoaster ride for the… ... continue reading
The Ultimate SMSF Property Buying Guide
November 23, 2020
The decision to purchase property through an SMSF requires careful consideration. This is perhaps why, in June 2019, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) reported that of the total estimated value of assets held by the almost 600,000 SMSFs, investment property only makes up about 13%. Nonetheless, using an SMSF to buy an investment property seems… ... continue reading
Are you considering knocking down an existing property to build an investment property? Things to consider
March 12, 2020
Although depreciation is never the primary reason why you build a new investment property, it certainly has quite a bearing on the cash flow of your property that you cannot overlook. A qualified Quantity Surveyor will help assist with all the necessary reports that are involved in the building of an investment property. The most… ... continue reading