construction cost estimate

Following article describes cost for construction of residential building in USA. As a thumb rule cost per square feet of construction area is calculated for budget preparation. The construction cost can be divided under several head, the most common cost heads are

1. Consultant cost -this includes cost involved for architectural design, structural design, services design etc. The cost varies between Rs 43 -45 per Sft and about 2.5 % of total construction cost.
2. Civil works – The highest cost involved in this construction phase which includes excavation, footings, RCC work, Block work, plaster etc. The cost varies between Rs. 980 – 1000/- per Sft and about 53% of total project cost.
3. Finishing works – This include all finishes work i.e flooring, painting, marble works, wood works, MS railing, Gypsum plaster etc.The cost varies between Rs 420 – 450 /- per Sft. and about 23 % of total construction cost.
4. Services works – this includes essential services like plumbing, electrical , HVAC , fire fighting etc. The cost of CP, sanitary and other fitting are also included in this. the cost varies between Rs 305 – 320 /- per Sft and about 17% of total construction cost.
5. Site establishment and temporary works – this includes cost for barricading, clearing site, water and electrical charges for construction activities, site office construction etc. The cost varies between Rs 85 -90 /- per Sft. and about 4.5 % of total construction cost.

The table below gives more details idea about construction cost for each activities.