connectCost guide

What does foundations cost?

NZ, incl. GST · updated 1 November 2026

Typical foundation for a new build

$55,000

Most jobs land between $20,000 and $130,000.

BallparkNZ 2026 ballpark. Real Connect quotes take over once there are enough.

An estimate for planning, not a quote.

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Foundations

House foundation

Estimated installed price

$56,000

Most jobs like this land between $43,000 and $74,000, incl. GST, supply and labour.

$250–$410 per m²

RibRaft or waffle raft slab, 150 m²$250–$410 per m²$37,500–$61,500
Site scrape and hardfill$35–$85 per m²$5,250–$12,750
NZ 2026 ballparkAn estimate for planning, not a quote.

Includes: Set out, boxing, pods or mesh, reinforcing steel, the concrete, the pour and the finish.

Not included: Site excavation and retaining, drainage and plumbing under the slab, consent fees, and remediation of poor ground beyond what is ticked.

People use Connect for foundations jobs big and small.

What drives the price

Floor area, RibRaft versus a conventional slab versus piles and bearers, ground conditions and how much fill or remediation is needed, how steep the site is, access for the trucks and pump, and engineer design and producer statement.

Example jobs

RibRaft slab, 150 m² house, flat good ground$45,000–$65,000
Conventional slab, 60 m² sleepout or garage$15,000–$25,000
Sloping site, 180 m², piles and bearers$58,000–$105,000

Example totals are typical NZ ranges incl. GST.

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Questions

How much does foundations cost in NZ?

A typical foundation for a new build is around $55,000 incl. GST, with most jobs between $20,000 and $130,000. Floor area, RibRaft versus a conventional slab versus piles and bearers, ground conditions and how much fill or remediation is needed, how steep the site is, access for the trucks and pump, and engineer design and producer statement.

Is this a quote?

No. It is an estimate based on NZ ballparks to help you plan. Post the job on Connect and vetted local tradies will quote your actual job, free.

Why do quotes for the same job vary so much?

Because tradies often quote slightly different jobs. Connect writes one scope with you first so every quote is for the same work and you can compare them properly.

Prices on this page are estimates incl. GST for a typical residential job in NZ and will vary by site, access, materials and season. They are not a quote.

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