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Define Your Needs: Start by determining the type, size, and style of house you want. This will influence every other aspect of the project.
Budgeting: Estimate the total cost, which includes land acquisition, construction materials, labor, and permits. For a basic house, costs can range from KES 30,000 to KES 50,000 per square meter.
Financing: Secure funding through savings, loans, or other financing options. Ensure you have a contingency fund for unexpected expenses.
Search for Land: Identify suitable land that meets your needs and preferences. Location significantly affects cost, with urban areas being more expensive than rural ones.
Legal Checks: Verify the legal status of the land, ensuring clear title deeds and no encumbrances. Engaging a lawyer for this process can save future headaches.
Purchase Land: Complete the purchase process, which includes paying for the land and obtaining all necessary legal documentation. Land prices vary widely; for instance, land in Nairobi can cost between KES 10 million to KES 20 million per acre, while rural land might cost as low as KES 500,000 per acre. Get affordable plots for sale in Thika.
Hire an Architect: Engage a licensed architect to design your house. Architectural fees typically range from 4% to 7% of the total construction cost. Contact us to hire an architect
Create Architectural Plans: Develop detailed plans and blueprints. These should include all structural, electrical, and plumbing designs.
Consult a Structural Engineer: Ensure the design is structurally sound and complies with local building codes. Structural engineering fees can range from KES 50,000 to KES 200,000 depending on the complexity of the project.
Building Permits: Submit your plans to the county government for approval. Permit fees can vary but typically range from KES 5,000 to KES 20,000.
NEMA Approval: Obtain an environmental impact assessment approval from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) if required. This can cost around KES 40,000 to KES 80,000.
Other Approvals: Secure any other necessary permits, such as those for water, electricity, and sewage connections. Each utility connection can add KES 10,000 to KES 50,000 to your budget.
Clearing and Fencing: Clear the land and erect a temporary fence to secure the site. This typically costs around KES 50,000 to KES 100,000.
Soil Testing: Conduct soil testing to determine the type of foundation required. Soil testing costs about KES 20,000 to KES 50,000.
Site Layout: Mark the site according to the approved plans. This is usually included in the architect’s and contractor’s fees.
Excavation: Excavate the ground for the foundation, costing around KES 50,000 to KES 150,000 depending on the soil type and depth.
Foundation Construction: Build the foundation, with costs varying based on the type (strip, raft, or pad foundation). This can range from KES 500,000 to KES 1,500,000.
Curing: Allow the foundation to cure properly to ensure strength and stability. This process is included in the overall foundation costs.
Wall Construction: Erect the walls using materials such as bricks, stones, or blocks. Costs here can vary, with bricks or blocks costing KES 1,200 to KES 1,500 per square meter.
Laying the Slab: Construct the floor slab, ensuring proper reinforcement and leveling. This can add KES 1,500 to KES 3,000 per square meter to your costs.
Roofing: Install the roof structure and covering materials. Roofing costs range from KES 700 to KES 1,500 per square meter.
Electrical and Plumbing: Install electrical wiring, plumbing, and other utilities. Expect to spend around KES 500,000 to KES 1,000,000 for a standard house.
Windows and Doors: Fit windows and doors, with costs varying widely based on materials and design. Budget around KES 100,000 to KES 300,000.
Plastering and Painting: Apply plaster to walls and ceilings, then paint. This can cost between KES 300 to KES 700 per square meter.
Flooring: Install floor finishes, with tiles costing around KES 1,000 to KES 2,000 per square meter.
Exterior Work: Complete external finishes such as painting, cladding, and landscaping. Budget around KES 100,000 to KES 500,000 for these tasks.
Interior Finishing: Install fixtures and fittings, such as kitchen cabinets, bathroom fittings, and lighting. This can add another KES 500,000 to KES 1,500,000.
Government Inspections: Schedule inspections with the county government to ensure compliance with building codes. This might add KES 20,000 to KES 50,000 to your costs.
Final Approvals: Obtain the certificate of occupancy and other necessary final approvals.
Handover: Take possession of the house after the final inspection.
Maintenance: Plan for regular maintenance to keep the house in good condition. This includes periodic inspections and repairs, which can cost around KES 50,000 annually.
Project Management: Hiring a project manager can ensure your project stays on track and within budget. This might cost around 5% of the total project cost.
Contracts: Ensure all agreements with contractors and suppliers are in writing to avoid disputes.
Insurance: Obtain construction insurance to cover potential risks during the building process, typically costing around 1% of the project value.
Building a house in Kenya is a significant investment that requires careful planning and budgeting. By understanding the detailed breakdown of costs, you can better manage your resources and ensure a successful construction project.
If you prefer to buy a house in Kenya or build your home with professional real estate developers contact us today.
