Owning a home is a huge achievement in one’s life, not only having a place to call your own but it is also a place to put down your roots. There are many reasons for you wanting to build your own home instead of opting out to buy a ready-made one. You will be able to build your dream house, everything you envisioned can be realized. All will be new, from the building itself down to the furnishings. You will be able to have control of your spending and decide what items you want to invest in more. There are many things to factor in when building your own home, so after you do your research, you will know your undertaking is definitely worthwhile.

So, how much does house construction cost in the Philippines? Before you set your budget, be aware that the cost of construction may vary depending on several variables such as the type of finish you want may it be standard or elegant; the location of the property, if your lot is located lower than the road then it would require landfilling which will add to the cost; and the timetable you want the project to be finished, if you want the house to be finished immediately, a rushed construction would basically require additional manpower to meet the timetable. If you are now ready to invest in your dream house, consider the ensuing costs that you need to prepare.

Permits and Documents

Before starting your construction you have to secure permits for your project to push through, and all these have corresponding fees. Make sure that you have paid your real estate tax first as it is a requirement before you can secure a permit. Some of the most common permits include a barangay permit from the barangay your property is located, a building permit, an occupancy permit, a copy of the lot title or lot plan, a tax declaration with the latest tax receipts, and your community tax certificate. All of these can be procured at the municipal or city offices.

Construction Materials

The bulk of your building costs will go to construction materials and services. The cost of constructing a single-family home in the Philippines based on the national average and prevailing costs currently ranges from Php 15,000.00 to Php 20,000.00 per square meter of the total floor area. The estimated cost per square meter also includes electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection systems but it does not include lighting fixtures, grills, perimeter fence and gate, and landscape. Moreover, the estimated cost per square meter will depend on various factors, aside from the location and timetable you have to consider the size of the property, floor-to-ceiling height, number of rooms, number of toilets and baths, finishes, and fixtures, materials used and structural system.

Contractor and Architect Fees

You need an architect to design your home. Architects generally charge 10 to 15% of the construction cost of the project and based on how complex and large it is. Generally, the higher the construction cost, the lower the percentage. A contractor generally charges 10% and above of the total house construction cost. It is advisable to employ an Engineer/Contractor who is an expert in his field.

Construction Workers’ Salary

Construction workers are usually paid at a daily or hourly rate. An entry-level construction worker has 1 to 3 years of experience and a senior-level construction worker has more than 8 years of experience. Make sure to allot around Php 280.00 to Php 815.00 per day for your workers as their pay is based on their work experience. There is a good guide about minimum wage in the Philippines.

As a general rule, the bigger and fancier your house, the more you have to add to your budget. If you want quality then it will cost you more but you will be spared from costly and endless repairs and fixes if you choose low-cost. Employ experts in the field of construction to ensure you have a house that is not only beautiful but structurally safe and sound that will last for a very long time.

Being able to borrow emergency money for your miscellaneous expenses is important in building your home. Robocash.ph can provide you with loans in just minutes without having to present so many documents and queuing up in line.