Core Drilling Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost of core drilling. The scale of the job and how easy the site is to access are the main cost drivers, along with any making-good afterwards.
Your core drilling details
Your estimate sits within the typical range.
The call-out and setup are a fixed cost, so drilling several holes in one visit is far cheaper per hole. Know exactly where services (pipes, cables, reo) run before drilling to avoid a costly strike.
💰 Ways to save
- Get at least two or three quotes, trade rates and mark-ups vary widely.
- Clear and prepare the area yourself where you safely can, you are paying tradie rates for any time spent shifting your gear.
- Bundle related jobs into one visit so you pay the call-out and setup once.
How we estimate this
Core drilling in Australia typically costs around $150 to $400 in 2026 for a small-to-medium hole in brick or block, with a call-out, rising to $600 to $1,500 for large-diameter holes in reinforced concrete or difficult positions.
Pricing reviewed: November 2026.
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Pricing reviewed November 2026. Indicative Australian costs, not a quote.
Understanding core drilling costs in Australia
Core drilling in Australia typically costs around $150 to $400 in 2026 for a small-to-medium hole in brick or block, with a call-out, rising to $600 to $1,500 for large-diameter holes in reinforced concrete or difficult positions.
Core drilling cuts clean round holes for pipes, cables and vents. The hole size, the material (brick vs reinforced concrete), and the position drive the cost, and the setup is a fixed charge so multiple holes share it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does core drilling cost in Australia?
Roughly $150 to $400 in 2026 for a small-to-medium hole including the call-out, and $600 to $1,500 for large holes in reinforced concrete or awkward positions.
Why is core drilling priced per hole plus a call-out?
The call-out covers travel and rig setup, a fixed cost regardless of how many holes. Each hole then adds a per-hole charge, so drilling several in one visit is much cheaper per hole.
Are you a tradesperson / contractor?
Everyone on this page is working out what core drilling costs because they are ready to hire. Put your business right beneath the calculator, in your state, so you are who they find. From $50/mo.