House construction cost calculator
Estimate the total cost to build a house in Nepal from the built-up area and a finish tier, per square foot, with an editable rate and a material/labour split.
See the estimated cost broken down by material and labour share, plus an indicative split across structure, masonry, electrical/plumbing and finishing trades. Computed entirely in your browser.
Build details
Total floor area across all storeys, including walls.
Default market-survey midpoint, editable to match your quote.
Edit either share, the other adjusts automatically so the two always add to 100%.
Estimated total cost
Rs 45,00,000
1,500 sq ft × Rs 3,000/sqft, Standard tier
Cost per sq ft
Rs 3,000
Material (60%)
Rs 27,00,000
Labour (40%)
Rs 18,00,000
| Sub-trade (indicative) | Share | Cost |
|---|---|---|
Structure (RCC / foundation) | 35% | Rs 15,75,000 |
Masonry & finishing | 30% | Rs 13,50,000 |
Electrical & plumbing | 15% | Rs 6,75,000 |
Doors, windows & paint | 20% | Rs 9,00,000 |
| Total | 100% | Rs 45,00,000 |
An indicative estimate from a general Nepal construction-industry per-sqft benchmark (market survey, as of 2082/83) — confirm the current rate with a local contractor or engineer's cost estimate. It excludes land cost, boundary wall, compound work, furniture and interior fit-out, and any site-specific costs (soil condition, access, connection charges). The material/labour split and sub-trade breakdown are illustrative proportions of the same total, not a separate quotation.
From built-up area to a build budget
A per-square-foot rate is the quickest way to plan a residential build budget in Nepal, before a contractor prices individual items.
Pick a finish tier
Economy, Standard or Premium each carry a default per-sqft rate. Edit the rate directly if your contractor quotes a different figure.
Total = area × rate
Built-up area (all storeys, including wall thickness) multiplied by the per-sqft rate gives the estimated total build cost.
Split the total
The total splits into material and labour shares (editable, summing to 100%), then into an indicative structure/finishing/MEP breakdown.
Construction cost, answered
How is house construction cost per sq ft estimated?+
Multiply the built-up area (total floor area across all storeys, including wall thickness) by a per-square-foot rate that matches your finish tier. This calculator starts from a market-survey midpoint for Economy, Standard and Premium tiers, and you can edit the rate to match a contractor's quote for your area.
What does this calculator exclude?+
It covers only the building's construction cost (materials and labour to complete the structure and finishing). It excludes land cost, boundary wall and gate, compound paving, furniture and interior fit-out (sofas, wardrobes, curtains), landscaping, and site-specific costs such as difficult soil, poor access or new utility connection charges.
Why do construction rates vary so much by district?+
Material transport cost is the biggest driver: Kathmandu Valley and other road-connected Terai towns generally see the lowest rates, since cement, steel and sand move in by truck. Hill and remote districts pay more because materials often travel the last stretch by smaller vehicles, tractor or portering, and skilled labour may need to be brought in.
Can I use this estimate for a bank home-loan application?+
It gives you a starting figure to plan around, but banks in Nepal generally want a detailed cost estimate or valuation from a certified engineer, or a signed contractor's quotation, before approving a construction loan. Use this calculator to sanity-check that estimate, not to replace it, and always confirm the final figure with your lender and engineer.
How accurate is the material/labour split?+
The default 60% material to 40% labour split is a typical industry rule of thumb for ordinary residential construction in Nepal, but the real ratio shifts with your finish tier, how much you self-supervise, and local wage rates. You can edit the material share above and the labour share adjusts automatically so the two always add to 100%.
What is the sub-trade breakdown based on?+
The structure, masonry/finishing, electrical/plumbing and doors/windows/paint shares are illustrative proportions of the total build cost, based on how a typical Nepali residential build's budget is usually distributed across trades. They are not a substitute for itemised quotations from each contractor, since the real split varies with design and finish choices.
Sources & data note
Figures are indicative and based on general Nepal construction-industry per-sq-ft benchmark rates from a market survey, there is no single official government-published per-sqft rate. The material/labour split and sub-trade breakdown are illustrative proportions of the same total, not itemised quotations. Confirm the current rate and a detailed cost estimate with a local contractor or civil engineer before relying on a figure.