How Much Does It Cost to Build a Truck Workshop Per Square Metre?

When it comes to building a truck workshop, one of the first questions people have is “How much will it cost me?”  

As you’d imagine, this simple question doesn’t have a simple answer, as the costs to build a truck workshop vary based on a range of factors including size, features, location, and site conditions. 

In this guide, we’ll provide clarity by exploring the key variables that impact pricing. If you’re in the early planning stages or want to understand what drives costs up and down, this article will help you anticipate costs and make informed decisions. 

Table of Contents

1. Base Build Costs: Structure and Dimensions
2. Office Space Costs: Shell and Fit-Out
3. Workshop Fit-Out Costs
4. Exterior and Civil Works
5. Regional and Site Specific Cost Variations
   

If you have a good idea of size and spec for your project and want an automatic estimate, why not try our Budget Estimator Tool? Simply fill in your details and get a budget range sent directly to your email.

BASE BUILD OF THE WORKSHOP: STRUCTURE AND DIMENSIONS MATTER 

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST FOR THE WORKSHOP SUPERSTRUCTURE? 

The base build of a truck workshop typically ranges from $800 to $1,500 per square meter, depending on features and complexity. This includes the foundations, concrete floor, walls, and roof but excludes pits, fit-out, offices, and earthmoving/civil works. 

Here’s a closer look at the factors that influence the price: 

• Building Dimensions: Standard truck workshops are 30-36 meters wide with 6-7.5-meter bays. This is different to warehouses which usually have larger bays (which can reduce the cost per square meter of these structures) Larger dimensions and higher stud heights can increase the cost. Keeping the apex height below 8 meters can help reduce costs by avoiding additional fire compliance requirements such as sprinklers. 

• Span and Shape:  Smaller buildings often have higher costs per m² due to fixed costs (e.g., design) spread over a smaller area. Shapes outside of a standard rectangle also increase the cost per m2. 

• Precast Panels: Adding precast concrete walls for durability or fire compliance increases the costs towards $1500. You can learn more about precast panels here.  

• Door QTY: Truck workshops typically require more doors for access compared to warehouse buildings. For example, a smaller 1,000m² workshop might need 6-10 doors for drive-through bays, while a larger 8,000m² warehouse may only require 4-5 doors. Each door adds to the total cost. Find out more about cost of doors here.  

CONSIDERATIONS: 

• Ground Conditions: Costs are based on a level site with all earthmoving completed. If substantial earthworks, grading, or rock removal is needed, expenses can quickly rise. Always get a Geotech report done early in the planning process. You can find out how much a Geotech report costs here.  

• Canopies: Adding canopies for outdoor workspaces costs around $600-$800 per square meter, depending on the design. Read more about canopies here.  

OFFICE SPACE COSTS: SHELL AND FIT-OUT 

HOW MUCH DOES AN OFFICE SPACE COST IN A TRUCK WORKSHOP? 

Office spaces in truck workshops are critical for administrative work and customer interactions.

SHELL (BASE BUILD) COSTS

Office shell costs generally fall into three categories, depending on the features and quality: 

Base/Basic Offices ($2,500–$3,200 per m²) 
Features: Minimal design with standard toilets, simple cladding (e.g., coloured steel Hardies Panel), and basic windows. 
Example:  Cirtex Kopu– A robust yet no-frills option. 

Commercial/Mid-Range Offices ($3,200–$3,700 per m²) 
Features: Includes larger glazing areas, moderate architectural detailing, and upgraded cladding options. 
Example: Equip Two – A mid-range two-storey build with a touch of sophistication. 

Executive/Premium Offices ($3,700–$4,500 per m²) 
Features: High-end materials like aluminum cladding, precast panels, expansive glazing, and additional architectural features. 
Example: Advanced Quip or Cleanline Tasman – Designed for larger staff teams and customer-facing showrooms. 

FIT-OUT  

The level of the interior finishing can have quite an impact on the cost per m2 of the offices. For example,  

• Bathrooms and Kitchens: These spaces significantly drive up costs per square metre due to specialised finishes for floor and wall coverings, waterproofing, and cabinetry. There is also a sliding scale of quality and cost of finishes, such as commercial Vinyl, through to custom tiles. The number of bathrooms per m2 also has an impact. For example, if you had a small office but a larger number of bathrooms for workshop staff, this would increase the cost per m2 .

• Custom Features: Furniture, architectural glazing, or specialised decor can add to the budget. 

• Wall Linings: For heavy-duty applications, options like tri-board or painted timber may be preferred over standard plasterboard for durability.  

FACTORS INFLUENCING OFFICE COSTS

• Square layouts are generally more cost-effective than elongated designs, which have more walls per square meter of floor space.
• Larger office spaces spread fixed costs (e.g., bathrooms and kitchens) over a greater area, reducing the overall cost per square metre. 

Single vs Double Levels

• While double-storey offices cost more per square metre due to structural and fire compliance requirements, they can save money if land is expensive. 
• Learn more about single vs double-level designs. 

External Cladding and Glazing

• Basic cladding options like coloured steel are economical, while high-end materials like composite panels or architectural glass add to the cost. 
  
  

WORKSHOP FIT-OUT COSTS: SYSTEMS AND CUSTOM FEATURES 

WHAT ADDITIONAL FIT-OUT ITEMS SHOULD I BUDGET FOR? 

The fit-out phase brings your truck workshop to life with the systems and features needed for day-to-day operations. Fit-out costs can range from $200,000 to $500,000, depending on your workshop’s size and complexity. 

Here’s what to consider: 

• Pits: Underground pits can cost between $200,000 and $300,000, each depending on specifications (E.g., requirements for in-pit services, ventilation, brake rollers etc.), size, and ground conditions 

• Electrical Systems: Wiring for a heavy equipment workshop is around $60-$100 per m2 – depending on the electrical requirements of the tools and plant installed. 

• Wash Bays: Costs range from $50,000 to $300,000 based on complexity and compliance with environmental regulations. 

• Ventilation: Essential for safety, ventilation systems cost around $30,000. 

• Gantry Cranes: If required, designing the workshop to support gantry loads increases upfront costs. The crane itself is a separate expense. Read more about the cost of a gantry here.  

Often people work with companies like Levanta or Advance Fluid Control, who specialise in the fit out of workshops. 

EXTERIOR AND CIVIL WORKS: PREPARING THE SITE 

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT TO PAY FOR EXTERIOR WORKS? 

The site preparation and exterior works can easily be underestimated and can significantly impact your budget. Costs vary widely based on site conditions and design requirements: 

• Site Preparation:  If your site is already gravelled and is on good ground it may only cost $10-30k to prepare the building site However, if you are developing a site that requires removal of soil and substantial backfill to prepare the building platform and yard, this can cost $50 - $100 per m² of land. 

• Yard Concreting: Durable yards for truck movements cost $120-$190 per meter². This depends on your local concrete prices, subbase preparation, and additional costs like kerbing, drainage, and line marking.  

• Stormwater Management: Costs depend heavily on site conditions and council requirements. Basic systems may range from $10 per m², but for sites requiring extensive soakage or advanced treatment systems, costs can escalate up to $80 per m². 

Other considerations include: 

• Crossings: Adding new site entries or exits can cost $20-50k each. 

• Development Contributions: These fees, required by local councils, can be substantial. Confirm early to avoid surprises. One way to plan effectively is with a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) that can help identify potential cost factors, such as development contributions, early in the planning process. For more information, consult our PIM blog.  

REGIONAL AND SITE-SPECIFIC VARIATIONS 

HOW MUCH DO COSTS VARY REGIONALLY? 

Material and labour costs can differ a lot based on location. A good example of this is the cost of concrete per m3 – this can vary a lot depending on local transport and aggregate costs. This then affects the cost of your foundations, floor, pits, and pre-cast walls.  

Urban areas may have higher costs due to labour demand, while remote sites face increased transportation expenses. Site-specific factors like soil conditions, flood mitigation, and zoning restrictions will also play a role.  

CONCLUSION: PLAN AHEAD WITH EXPERT GUIDANCE

Building a truck workshop is a significant investment, with costs ranging from $900 - $1500 per sqm for workshops and between $2,500- $4,500 for office spaces. To recap, the main factors influencing costs are: 

• The dimensions, materials, and features of the workshop. 

• Office space shell and fit-out costs. 

• Essential systems like oil lines, pits, and wash bays. 

• Exterior works, including site preparation and stormwater management. 

• Regional and site-specific variables. 

GET EXPERT SUPPORT TODAY! 

Planning your workshop? Use our Budget Estimator Tool for a quick cost range, or contact us for a personalised estimate. Our experienced team can guide you through every stage of the build to ensure you get value for your investment. With accurate planning and expert advice, your truck workshop can be tailored to your needs without blowing your budget.