The construction industry has seen significant growth, with the introduction of new technologies such as precast construction transforming how homes are built. This method is preferred for its faster build times, reduced labor costs, and increased durability, making it a popular choice for many homeowners.
If you are planning to build a three-bedroom bungalow house using precast construction, it’s important to understand the costs involved. From materials to labor and transportation, various factors impact the overall price. This guide will break down these expenses to help you plan your project more effectively.
Amos Kibaru, a contractor from Kenya, shares that the cost of constructing a precast bungalow shell, including labor, totals KSh 1.5 million. He also projects that the interior finishing will require an extra KSh 1 million, bringing the complete cost of the finished home to KSh 2.5 million.
Kibaru mentioned that the entire house, including finishing, could be completed in just one month, a considerable reduction in time compared to traditional construction methods.
“Using precast material, it takes about 10 days to erect the house. Then to complete everything, including finishing, which we are now doing on the house, takes up to around 21 days. It is very fast,” Kibaru stated in an past interview with a local media house.
He posted a table on his X social media account, outlining the cost breakdown, along with the quantities and prices of various building materials such as precast components, blocks, roofing materials, and labor.
For the shell of a three-bedroom bungalow measuring 2.5 meters in height, you will need 176 T beams, each costing Kshs 1200, bringing the total cost for the T beams to Kshs 211,200.
Photo: Amos Kibaru/X
Additionally, you will require 195 one-metre panels, each priced at Kshs 850, totaling Kshs 165,750. The project also includes 10 rolls of Sika fibre, costing Kshs 1350 per roll, amounting to Kshs 13,500.
In terms of the panels, you’ll need 140 pieces of 2.5m panels, each priced at Kshs 2125, which comes to Kshs 297,500. For the blockwork, 25 H blocks will be required at Kshs 150 each, totaling Kshs 3,750, and 104 C blocks at Kshs 200 each, costing Kshs 20,800.
The total amount for the shell materials is Kshs 712,500. For other aspects of the construction, the roofing will cost Kshs 294,600 for materials and Kshs 40,000 for labor. The windows will cost Kshs 86,400 for materials and Kshs 25,000 for labor, while the steel door will cost Kshs 43,700 for materials and Kshs 15,000 for labor.
The total cost for these additional items is Kshs 504,700. The overall total for the entire project sums up to Kshs 1,217,200.
Transportation costs are not included, but they typically range around Kshs 26,000. This is because most units of this size require two 12-tonne lorries, with the average transport cost within Nairobi being Kshs 13,000 per trip. For other locations, the rates are expected to be higher due to longer distances and additional logistical factors.
It is important to note that interior finishes can greatly differ in cost based on personal preferences, with higher-end materials and designs increasing the overall expense.
Precast materials can be used exclusively for such a structure, or in combination with other materials such as steel or wood, depending on factors like project requirements, local conditions, and resource availability.
With the increasing cost of building materials and other associated expenses, such as fuel, precast construction is becoming an increasingly viable and cost-effective choice. Its numerous benefits, including substantial time savings and improved efficiency, make it a growing trend in the construction industry, offering a practical alternative to conventional building methods.
