How much does it cost to build a house in Bangladesh?

Almost every plot owner asks the same first question: how much will the building cost? There is no single answer, but there is a sound method. Cost is built from quantities (how much concrete, steel, brick and finish the plan needs) multiplied by local prices. The result is then divided by the built-up area to give a cost per square foot (sft).

Why a flat "per sft" rate misleads

You will hear rates such as "Tk 2,500 to Tk 3,500 per sft" for ordinary residential work. Treat them as a starting guess only. Two houses of the same floor area can differ by 40% or more because of:

• Foundation: soft soil, a high water table or a tall building needs piles or a raft, which costs far more than simple footings.
• Number of floors: columns, beams and steel grow quickly above four storeys.
• Finish level: tiles, doors, windows, sanitary fittings, paint and electrical points make up a large share of the budget.
• Market prices: rod and cement prices move through the year and differ between Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet and smaller towns.

The main cost groups

1. Earthwork and foundation: excavation, footings or raft, plinth beams.
2. RCC frame: columns, beams, slabs and stairs, which carry most of the steel and cement.
3. Brick masonry and plaster.
4. Floors, wall tiles, paint and waterproofing.
5. Doors, windows, grills and railings.
6. Electrical, plumbing and sanitary work.
7. Utilities: septic tank, water tank, connections, and a lift in taller buildings.
8. Labour, overhead and a contingency for price changes and surprises.

Building a better estimate

Draw the plan to scale, take off the quantities, and price each group with quotes from your own dealers. The PlanCraft 3D planner does this for you: it measures walls, floors, openings, columns and pipes from your drawing, and its cost screen lets you edit every unit price and see the total in taka, dollars, rupees or euros.

Keep a contingency

Add at least 5% for price changes, and more if you plan to build over many months. Cement and steel prices can move several percent in a season.

This is a planning guide, not a quotation. Confirm structural design and final cost with a licensed engineer and local contractors before you commit money.

More guides