AP Designer Homes vs Metricon
An independent, side-by-side look at two of our building partners to help you understand your options.
Last updated June 2026 · reviewed by the BuildPilot team
Design Builder
Volume Builder
Note: BuildPilot partners with both builders. This comparison provides factual information to help you understand your options. It's not a recommendation of one over the other. The right builder depends on your specific needs, budget and preferences.
At a glance
- AP Designer Homes is a design builder; Metricon is a volume builder.
- Indicative build rates: AP Designer Homes $2,800 - $4,000/sqm, Metricon $1,900 - $2,800/sqm (per sqm guide only).
- AP Designer Homes is based in Adelaide; Metricon in Victoria (National).
Quick Comparison
About Each Builder
AP Designer Homes
Designer Homes Adelaide
Architecturally designed homes across Adelaide with focus on premium design and finishes.
Often suited for:
Architectural design specialists
Premium construction process
Metricon
Volume home builder (national)
One of Australia's largest volume home builders, operating across several states. Metricon's range spans first-home and house-and-land packages through to larger family and upper-tier homes, customised through its Studio M design centre. Ranking and award claims in its marketing are the company's own - verify current standings independently.
Often suited for:
Extensive range of pre-designed homes with customisation options through Studio M design centre
6-stage quality assurance process with dedicated site supervisors
How Do I Choose?
There's no "better" builder. There's only the builder that's right for your situation. Consider these factors:
- 1Your budget and priorities
Different builders suit different price points. Think about what matters most: price, inclusions, customisation or service.
- 2Your land and location
Some builders specialise in certain areas or challenging sites. Consider who builds in your area and has experience with your block type.
- 3Your design requirements
Do you want to heavily modify a plan, or are you happy with standard designs? Different builders offer different levels of flexibility.
- 4Visit display homes
Nothing beats seeing their work in person. Visit display homes from both builders to compare quality and style firsthand.
AP Designer Homes vs Metricon: common questions
Is AP Designer Homes or Metricon more affordable?
As an indicative per-square-metre guide, AP Designer Homes sits around $2,800 - $4,000/sqm and Metricon around $1,900 - $2,800/sqm. These are guides only - your real price depends on your design, inclusions, site costs and the current market, so get a written quote from each before comparing.
Which has been building longer, AP Designer Homes or Metricon?
AP Designer Homes was established in Adelaide based and Metricon in 1976.
Where does each builder operate?
AP Designer Homes is based in Adelaide and services South Australia. Metricon is based in Victoria (National) and services South Australia & Victoria.
What warranty does AP Designer Homes and Metricon offer?
AP Designer Homes offers a comprehensive warranty, and Metricon offers a lifetime structural guarantee. Warranty terms can change, so confirm the current details directly with each builder.
Who is AP Designer Homes best suited to?
AP Designer Homes is often a good fit for architectural designs, premium finishes, design-led builds, unique homes. Architectural design specialists
Who is Metricon best suited to?
Metricon is often a good fit for first home buyers, house and land packages, standard designs, display home variety. Extensive range of pre-designed homes with customisation options through Studio M design centre
Need Help Deciding?
BuildPilot can help you understand which builder might suit your specific situation. We work with both AP Designer Homes and Metricon. Our job is to help you make the right choice for you - not push you toward whichever builder pays the most.
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