Construction cost = built-up area × rate per unit area, plus contingency and fees. A 2-storey building of 150 m² per floor (300 m²) at 500 per m² is 150,000 for construction; with 10% contingency and 6% fees the budget is 174,000, or 580 per m² all-in.
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Construction Cost Calculator
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Results
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Estimated total cost
174,000
Construction (base)
150,000
Contingency (10%)
15,000
Fees (6%)
9,000
Total built-up area
300 m²
All-in cost per m²
580.00
This is an order-of-magnitude budget. Land, furniture, external works and financing are not included.
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Generated with myconstructioncalculator.com. Estimates for planning and ordering only; verify against drawings and specifications.
Formula
Total area = Area per floor × FloorsBase cost = Total area × Rate per m² (or ft²)Contingency = Base × contingency %Fees = Base × fees %Total = Base + Contingency + Fees
Worked Example
A 2-storey house, 150 m² per floor, rate 500 per m², 10% contingency, 6% fees:
Total area = 150 × 2 = 300 m²
Base = 300 × 500 = 150,000
Contingency = 15,000; fees = 9,000
Total = 174,000: that is 580 per m² all-in
Contingency by Design Stage
Stage
Typical contingency
Concept / feasibility
15–20%
Developed design
10–15%
Tender drawings priced
5–10%
Under construction
3–5%
Assumptions
A single average rate for the whole building. Basements, roofs with plant, and high-spec areas cost more per m².
This is a budget, not a quotation. For a reliable figure, get a bill of quantities priced, starting with tools like the concrete and brick calculators.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I estimate construction cost per square metre?
Use recent rates for similar buildings in your area (from contractors, a quantity surveyor or published cost guides) and multiply by the total built-up area. Rates vary several times over between countries, cities and specifications.
How much contingency should I add?
Around 15–20% at concept stage, 10–15% once the design is developed, and 5–10% when drawings are complete and priced.
What is not included in construction cost?
Land, furniture, landscaping, boundary walls, utility connections, financing and taxes are often outside a per-m² rate. Check what your rate covers.
Which currency does the calculator use?
Any. Enter your rate in your own currency and the results come out in the same currency.
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