Construction Cost & BOQ Calculator

An early construction budget is usually based on built-up area multiplied by a cost rate, then broken down into major materials and labour. This calculator gives that first estimate, which is useful for feasibility checks, loan applications and comparing contractor quotes before detailed drawings exist.

How to use it

1. Enter the total built-up area in square feet or square metres.
2. Enter the construction rate per unit area for your location and specification.
3. Review the total cost and the breakdown by material and labour.

Typical cost breakdown for a residential RCC building

• Cement: about 16%
• Steel: about 24%
• Sand and aggregate: about 12 to 13%
• Bricks or blocks: about 4 to 5%
• Finishing (tiles, paint, doors, windows, fittings): about 15 to 20%
• Labour: about 20 to 25%

Actual proportions vary with design, region and specification.

Worked example

A 1,500 sq ft house at 2,000 per sq ft costs about 3,000,000. Using the shares above: steel about 720,000, cement about 480,000, labour about 750,000, and finishing about 540,000.

What area-rate estimates leave out

• Land, approvals and architect or engineer fees.
• Foundations on poor soil, basements and retaining walls, which can add significantly.
• External works: compound wall, landscaping, borewell, septic tank.
• Price escalation over a long construction period.

Use this as a planning figure, and replace it with a detailed BOQ-based estimate once drawings are ready.