DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LOW, MIDDLE AND HIGH COST FINISHES IN CONSTRUCTION-KENYA

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LOW, MIDDLE AND HIGH COST FINISHES IN CONSTRUCTION-KENYA

Construction costs in Kenya can be divided into 3 categories: Low, Middle and High cost .
The main driver of this is the finishes.
Generally, all building constructions are broken down into
1. Foundation-15%
2. Walling, ring beam-20%
3. Roofing-15%
4. Windows and Doors-10%
5. Finishes[plaster, tiling ,painting, ceiling Sanitary fittings[wash hand basins,wc,shower e.t.c]-15%
6. Septic tank, wiring, wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, fence e.t.c-19%
7. Professional consultancy fees-6%
8. Land-varies widely depending on location

Each specific building has a different breakdown from the other depending on the design and specification. For example, the DIAMOND HOUSE type has a very low foundation and roofing % cost due to the design which minimizes the cost of the foundation and roofing.

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COST DIFFERENCES
SHAPE
The shape of the design has a minimal influence on the cost of a house.
MAERIALS
The materials specified make the greatest change. For example, the DIAMOND HOUSE pictured below:

From DIAMOND HOUSE FLAT ROOF

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IBYS_tj9bCfRylTjKPtWcw?feat=directlink
ROOF
If the roofing is changed from GCI Gauge 32 sheets [KES 400 per sq.m] to Stone coated steel tiles [KES 1600 per sq.m], this represents a 400 % increase in roofing. In between this, there are other middle cost roofing materials such as clay and concrete roofing tiles at KES 600 per sq.m.
The GCI iron sheet-gauge 32 represent low cost finishes, the Clay and Concrete roofing tiles represent middle cost finished while the Stone coated steel roofing tiles represent the high cost finishes.
FOUNDATION
If the foundation changes form the DIAMOND HOUSE technology [KES189,000] to the usual traditional foundation method[KES269,000], this represents a 30% increase in cost.
DOORS & WINDOWS
A flush door costs KES 1800 in any hardware shop in Kenya. A similar type MDF door costs KES 5,000 in the same hardware. In between this, there are other types costing KES 3,000.
The flush door represents the low cost finishes; the KES 3,000 door represents the middle cost finishes while the KES 5,000 door represents high cost finishes. The same applies to windows-for low cost windows we have louver systems, for middle cost we have aluminum sliding sections and for high cost we have hard wood frame and designer steel windows.
FINISHES
For paint, we have low cost paints from manufacturers such as SOLAI and Contractor paints[KES 100 per sq. m, middle cost paints from BASCO [KES 150 per sq.m]and high cost paints such as Crown Ruff and Tuff[KES 600 per sq.m].
For floor tiles, we have low cost finishes such as colored plaster [KES 200 per sq.m],for middle class we have ceramic tiles[KES 1,000 per sq.m] and high class we have marble[KES 10,000 per sq.m].
For wardrobes and Kitchen cabinets, the costs depend on the size and complexity of the unit design. The more complex it is, the higher the costs.
CONSULTANCY FEES
Architectural consultancy fees are at 6% of the total estimated cost of construction as documented in Chapter 525 of the Laws of Kenya.
LAND
Land cost varies according to location.
Land in areas such as Muthaiga. Karen and Runda costs over KS 20million per care, representing the high cost areas. Land in Kitengela, Ngong, Ruiru cost around KES 3 million per are, representing the middle cost area and land in Kangundo,Isinya, Kimuka costs KES 500,00 per acre representing the low cost areas.
CONCLUSION
The difference in whether a house is low, middle or high cost is determined by the materials that the house owner chooses for finishes and documented by the Architect, Quantity Surveyor and Structural Engineer during design stage, approved by the local authority and later on implemented on the ground.
Architect Francis Gichuhi kamau
www.a4architect.com
+254721410684


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16 responses to “DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LOW, MIDDLE AND HIGH COST FINISHES IN CONSTRUCTION-KENYA”

  1. James Avatar
    James

    Thanx 4 the informative job

  2. ADEN I ADAN Avatar
    ADEN I ADAN

    i would like to know how much i can pay for six single rooms in one plot in an area like gilgil, for rental purposes cause that is where i live using middle cost type…flat roof please.

  3. Davis Muguimi Avatar
    Davis Muguimi

    i would like to inquire how i can get a bill of quantities. i already have a plan

    thanks

  4. Mbugua Avatar
    Mbugua

    When you say Architectural fees are 6%, does that cover designs, approvals and supervision?

    Stonking site by the way. It’s a great help.

    1. frank Avatar

      Hi Mbugua,
      Here is the breakdown
      https://www.a4architect.com/about-us/fees-breakdown/

      The fees cover design,dealing with the council and supervision till completion. Statutory fees charged by the council are not included.

  5. Nyawira Avatar
    Nyawira

    I just owned a property in Ruiru near the super highway and would like to build a 3 storey bulding with self contained 2 bedroom appartments. How much should I be reckoning with. Thanks in advance

  6. Dominic Muriuki Avatar
    Dominic Muriuki

    I have a lovely private two storey residential hows in Tena Estate Nairobi.I would like to convert it alongside six two bedroom extra letting houses,maintaining my one.Kindly give construction overview and probable costs.o intend to start work in january,2015.

  7. info@a4architect.com Avatar

    Hi Muriuki, you can call me on 0721410684 or visit our offices here https://www.a4architect.com/contact-us/ so that we can understand your request better.

  8. Margaret Avatar
    Margaret

    I would like to know how much you would charge to draw a plan for a residential house middle cost type.One storey.a master ensuite l bedroom and smaller bedroom on upper floor and similar bedrooms on the ground floor. plot in njiru

  9. Martin Avatar
    Martin

    hi, if i were to plaster a 10 by 10 meters wall, or decide to use the conventional tiles, what difference in costs would i incur? Which would be more expensive and by what margin in percent? Thanks in advance.

  10. Oliver Avatar

    Wow,this is a wonderful job,i am pleased.

  11. rose Avatar
    rose

    I would how much will cost me to build a 5 bedroom manssionatte in Syiokimau

  12. Daniel shitemi Avatar
    Daniel shitemi

    Great ..

  13. joseph Avatar
    joseph

    Nice article and very informative website.

    It would be totally wrong or inappropriate to just consider an architect as the only consultant. What about others – Qs? engineers? etc

  14. James mwaura Avatar
    James mwaura

    Yes its a good guidance ,but I would like to know the cost of a bungalow measuring 15m by 11 meters?

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