Unlike in the past when high construction cost barred some people from constructing decent houses, the changing technology has made it possible for people with low budgets to construct decent houses.

However, it is important to note that the cost of constructing a house is defined by various factors including location, materials used, design, and owner’s preferences, among others.

To cut construction costs, it is critical to plan out the procedure before beginning any job. The planning phase should include a budget restriction and techniques to stay within budgetary constraints.

Construction materials account for a huge chunk of a construction budget; therefore, this is the first area you need to be clever to cut costs.

You can employ the trick of using precast panels as an alternative to the brick walling system.

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According to Amos Kibaru a precast concrete manufacturer, it would cost a builder around Sh1.5 million to construct a precast bungalow shell, including labor.

He also projects that the interior finishing will require an extra Sh1 million, bringing the complete cost of the finished home to Sh2.5 million.

Kibaru noted that using the precast technology saves time as the entire house, including finishing, could be completed in just one month.

According to him, a three-bedroom bungalow shell measuring 2.5 meters in height, will need 176 T beams. With each costing Sh1200, it means a homeowner will need Sh211,200 for the entire cost of the T beams.

Additionally, you will require 195 one-meter panels, each priced at Sh850, totaling Sh165,750. The project also includes 10 rolls of Sika fibre, costing Sh1350 per roll, amounting to Sh13,500.

In terms of the panels, a three-bedroom house will need 140 pieces of 2.5m panels, each priced at Sh2,125, which comes to Sh297,500.

For the blockwork, 25 H blocks will be required at Sh150 each, totaling Sh3,750, and 104 C blocks at Sh200 each, costing Sh20,800.

The total amount for the shell materials is Sh712,500 while the roofing materials cost range at around Sh294,600. For labour Sh40,000 would be enough.

Other construction materials including windows are estimated to cost Sh86,400 and Sh25,000 for labour. Steel door cost ranges from Sh43,700 for materials and Sh15,000 for labor.

Transportation costs are not included, but is highly determined by location.