It is an aspiration for many people to construct a house that they would live in, but reading on what comprises the cost is always a complex issue. Here, you will find the general cost per square feet of constructing a house for people planning to build a home in India or anyone researching construction costs per square feet. They are therefore estimates and these depend on the region, type of material to be used, cost of labor, and the design.
Understanding the Calculation of Construction Costs
The People can estimate the classes concretely needed to construct the house after determining the built-up area of the house. Here’s how to do it:
- Preparation of Floor Plans
Begin by finalizing floor plans. In case they cannot be provided, approximate the area by using designs of other similar sized houses. - Floor-Wise Calculation
Take the measurements of length and breadth for each floor and then find their product to get the area. If the shape of the rooms is irregular, then each room area should be measured separately, and then all these values should be added. - Summing Up Areas
Integrate all the built-up areas of the floors. Indirectly add the terrace and balcony spaces which are normally counted for half of their floor area they cost less as compared to other areas.
Note: This is so because the built-up area comprises walls, columns and other areas that cannot be used for any other purpose. It varies from carpet area which describes the actual floor space that one can use in the premises.
Construction Costs Per Square Foot by Stages
Construction cost is not limited to a particular amount; the costs involved in the construction process are split into chains. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Pre-Construction Stage
It consists of designing, surveys, and testing of the soil samples. Some of the key parts and their estimate costs include the following:
- Architectural Design: ₹20-150/sq ft
- Structural Design: ₹5-100/sq ft
- Site Survey: ₹2000-₹15,000 (lump sum)
- Soil Testing: ₹5000-₹25,000 (lump sum)
These stages ensure one’s home is constructed effectively to safety measures and other testing requirements.
2. Construction Stage
This process includes cost of material, human resource cost, cost of contractor and last but not the least is the cost of fixtures and fittings. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
a. Contractor Charges
Contractors’ rates are usually at 10% for profit, overheads at 10% of the total cost of the project.
b. Material Costs
Contractors’ rates are usually at 10% for profit, overheads at 10% of the total cost of the project.
- Structural Materials: ₹150-₹300/sq ft (e.g., bricks, concrete blocks)
- Doors & Windows: ₹300-₹1500/sq ft depending on the material
- Finishing Materials: ₹40-₹5000/sq ft based on quality
c. Labor Costs
Labour expenses are between 40-50% of the project cost and depend on demand and ability of the workers or labourers; and the location of the construction site.
d. Services (Electrical & Plumbing)
Electrical and plumbing are two out of the miscellaneous costs that constitute 18% of the total cost of construction.
e. Miscellaneous Costs
Other expenses that are normally incurred include cost of borewells, underground sumps, and water tanks among others which will add about 10-20% to the total cost.
Construction Cost Estimates
To make things clear let us now use an example of the cost of painting a 100 sq ft room and the cost involved in painting a 1000 sq ft house.
1. Cost of Constructing a 100 sq ft Room
Here’s a cost estimate for a 10’x10′ room with standard specifications:
| Component | Low Range (₹) | Mid Range (₹) | High Range (₹) |
| Walls (260 cft) | 52,000 | 65,000 | 78,000 |
| Windows (15 sq ft) | 4,500 | 9,000 | 22,500 |
| Door (3’x7′) | 6,000 | 25,000 | 45,000 |
| Roof Slab (RCC) | 11,000 | 13,000 | 16,000 |
| Flooring | 3,000 | 7,000 | 12,000 |
| Plastering | 14,000 | 21,000 | 42,000 |
| Painting | 8,750 | 14,000 | 24,500 |
| Electrical Fittings | 10,000 | 16,000 | 26,000 |
| Miscellaneous | 10,000 | 16,000 | 20,000 |
| Total Cost | 1,19,250 | 1,86,000 | 2,86,000 |
A room construction contract requires a payment of ₹1193 per square feet except when specific materials and floor finish selection influence the total cost.
2. Cost of Constructing a 1000 sq ft House
Construction costs for houses depend on the range of finishes and features:
| Category | Low Range (₹) | Mid Range (₹) | High Range (₹) |
| Architectural Design | 20,000 | 50,000 | 1,00,000 |
| Structural Design | 5,000 | 10,000 | 25,000 |
| Material Cost | 8,55,000 | 10,44,000 | 13,65,000 |
| Labor Cost | 5,70,000 | 6,96,000 | 9,10,000 |
| Contractor’s Profit | 1,80,000 | 2,25,000 | 3,00,000 |
| Miscellaneous Costs | 1,80,000 | 2,25,000 | 3,00,000 |
| Total Cost | 18,10,000 | 22,50,000 | 30,00,000 |
New costs per area are: The construction cost for shelters start from 1810 rupees per sq ft and goes up to 3000 for the luxury segment.
Factors Influencing Costs
There are many elements which can cause variation to the cost of construction;
- Location: In this case, information can be gathered from the fact that areas that are urbanized generally have high costs of labor and materials.
- Design Complexity: The complexity in design means that more labor is incurred in coming up with advanced designs and costs of materials are slightly higher than those of simple designs.
- Quality of Materials: Superior quality of materials making up the case also add to cost since they are more expensive than standard materials.
- Market Conditions: There is competition as well as seasonal influences where the labor rates may be influenced by the kind of work being done.
Using a Construction Cost Calculator
Walls And Dreams construction cost calculator is one of the useful tools that can be used to estimate the cost accurately. The calculator allows customization of:
- Structural materials
- Finishing materials
- Service types
- Location
Walls And Dreams is established as a reliable partner for constructing your dream home due to the company’s 470+ quality checks.
Conclusion
India has diverse residential construction costs per sq ft depending on the area, the choice of the building materials and the desired designs. While in basic segment houses are priced between ₹1800 per sq ft to ₹3000 per sq ft, luxury houses range from ₹6000 per sq ft to ₹10000 per sq ft These factors reinforce the planning and calculation part of the affordable homes targets.
No matter whether a person is planning to construct a small house or a large luxurious house, it is always beneficial to be very clear about the costs so that the construction can be completed in a proper streamlined manner and the desired house can be constructed which the person has always dreamed of having.
