Guesstimating the Cost (per sqm) to Construct a House / Building

Depending on time, location, finishes, materials, and design parameters, it ranges anywhere from a low-end P10, 000 ($210) to a high-end cost of P20, 000 ($420) or more. Add an additional 10% of the cost as contingency and you will have a rough idea on the per sqm cost of your building project.

Just as the title implies this is a “guess” so a project owner would know the cash flow required prior to pushing-thru with the project. This type of costing should not be the basis on choosing your contractor. A detailed unit price (on the basis of an architect’s plans and specifications) prepared by the contractor should always be your gauge on knowing the construction cost. This process is called bidding - wherein, pre-selected builders (usually three) competitively bid for the projects so you can compare several builders’ estimated project cost, construction schedules and logistic plans. Competitive bidding allows you to select a contractor on the basis of cost, schedule, reputation and approach.