“In times of increasing inflation, constructing a house has become nearly impossible. However, there are still some ways through which you can beat the impossible. By adopting a little prudence and implementing a code of conduct, anyone can construct 5 Marla houses in countries like Pakistan.”
If you’re planning to construct a 5-marla house in Pakistan in 2023, calculating the cost of construction is going to be your first challenge. Inflation is the biggest threat, other factors like location, material quality, labor charges, and your time cannot be ignored while constructing a 5-marla house in Pakistan.
To ease out your construction cost calculation pain, in this blog, I will list down major expenses that you have to bear while constructing a 5-marla house in Pakistan.
Covered Area in 5 Marla House
First, it is essential to understand what a 5-marla house entails. A 5-marla house in Pakistan is equivalent to approximately 1361 square feet. This type of house is commonly preferred by small to medium-sized families.
Now, let’s dive into the costs of the construction of a 5-marla house in Pakistan in 2023.
Construction Material:
In Pakistan, the average cost of construction per square foot ranges from PKR 4,000 to PKR 6,500. For a 5-marla house, the average cost of construction materials can vary between PKR 4.7 million to PKR 8.7 million. To gain a better understanding of the costs involved, it is helpful to focus specifically on the foundational elements commonly used in construction.
Steel:
Steel plays a crucial role in the foundation of a house, so during construction, the most important component is steel. Usually, 60-grade steel is recommended, Contractor is best equipped to determine the precise amount of steel needed for the construction of 5 marla house. Rates of steel bars in the market fluctuate based on supply and demand, with the possibility of both increases and decreases. There are many options available in the market that provide a balance of high-quality steel bars and competitive prices.
Bricks:
The number of bricks required for a 5-marla house will depend on the design of the house, like the number of floors, and the thickness of the walls. Usually in our traditional construction method contractors decides the maximum amount of required bricks, but an estimated idea about the construction of a 5-marla house may require around 70 to 90 thousand bricks. The cost of bricks can vary from 18-25 PKR per brick, you can find various quality bricks in the market at an affordable price range.
Concrete:
Concrete is used in the foundation and slab of the house. The amount of concrete required will depend on the size of the house, the thickness of the foundation and slab, and the number of floors. As a rough estimate, a 5-marla house may require around 85-90 cubic meters of concrete. In the current inflationary environment, where prices of other items have increased, similarly the prices of concrete raised as well, but there are many varieties available in the market with reasonable prices and quality.
Sand:
Sand is used in the mortar for laying bricks, as well as in plaster and concrete. The amount of sand required will depend on the size of the house and the thickness of the plaster and mortar. An ideal estimate of a 5-marla house may require around 25-30 cubic meters of sand. There are many local options available in the market, and most people tend to choose local contractors because their prices are typically five times lower than the market price.
Crush:
Crush is used in the concrete for the foundation and slab, as well as in the backfilling. The amount of crushing required will depend on the size of the house and the thickness of the foundation and slab. A 5-marla house may require around 40-50 cubic meters of crush. Market prices of crush are different in areas, Punjab has changed different rates, Sindh has different while KPK and Balochistan side has another.
Cement:
Cement is used to bind and solidify the materials together, as its purpose is to make things more solid. During construction, cement is a crucial binding material used in various phases such as masonry work, plastering, joint-making, constructing floors, roofs, lintels, pillars, and more. To ensure immense strength in masonry and high-end plastering, as well as moisture resistance, it is important to select high-quality cement. Almost 600 cement bags would be required in the construction of a 5-marla house, an estimated quantity. The price per kg bag of cement is up to 1,000 pkr and the market has a range of popular cement brands available that are offering quality material.
Labour Cost:
Labor costs depend on the size and complexity of the project, as well as the location of the construction site. It is common practice here that people engage a local contractor who will also provide the necessary labor force. The contractor assumes responsibility for compensating the laborers and sets their fees accordingly. In Pakistan, the average labor cost for construction work is 900/sqft to 1200/sqft.
Plumbing and Electrical Work
Plumbing and electrical work are essential components of any construction project. The cost of plumbing and electrical work can vary depending on the type of fixtures and materials used. The average cost of plumbing and electrical work to a 5-marla house in Pakistan is PKR 700,000 to PKR 10,000,000.
Miscellaneous Costs
Miscellaneous costs include fees for obtaining building permits, architectural and engineering services, and interior design. The average cost of these miscellaneous expenses for a 5-marla house in Pakistan is PKR 500,000 to PKR 800,000.
Let’s put the topic in a nutshell If we estimate the basic cost of constructing a five-marla house, keeping in mind the current inflation, then this rough estimate can also be around at least 80,000,000 According to a rough idea of the market, only grey structures costing almost 65,000, 000 at least. This cost estimate is subject to various factors, including the location of the construction site, the quality of materials used in construction, and the complexity of the project. It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional builder or contractor to get an accurate estimate based on your specific requirements.
