First question that pops in our mind when we are planning to build our dream home is, ‘How much does it cost to construct a good home that suits my needs?’ Though, most of us have a  budget in mind, but are unsure of what to expect within that budget. How will my home look like if I spend X Crores on developing my dream abode or how will it turn out if you invest Y Lakhs? Understanding the cost of home construction and how it aligns with your vision is crucial for creating the perfect home that meets all your desires.? 

The first step in home construction is to decide on the architectural theme for your luxury home. Most 21st-century homes fall into one of these architectural styles:

• Contemporary Architecture :  Homes with creative and innovative designs characterised by more straight lines and more geometric shapes. Common materials include wood, concrete, aluminium fins, marbles, slim times (such as stonelam, neolith)
• Classical Architecture : Ideal for those looking to build a mansion, characterised by carvings, mouldings, cornices, columned porches
• Neoclassical Architecture : A blend of contemporary and classical architecture. This is also characterised by straight-line mouldings rather than intricate carvings
• Ultra-Modern Architecture : These homes seamlessly integrate with their natural surroundings, creating an indoor-outdoor living experience. This style uses natural materials and features glass walls, open decks and cantilevers.

Once the layouts and elevations are finalised and all the plans are sanctioned, your luxury home construction project is ready to begin. The cost of Home Construction can be broken down into the several key components :

• Design fees – The cost of hiring architects and designers to create your dream home.
• Sanctioning Cost of plans & approvals – Fees associated with getting all necessary approvals and permits.
• Cost of Civil Construction – The core cost of building the structure of your home.
• Cost of Electrical & Plumbing Services (MEP Services) – Expenses related to installing electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
• Cost of finishing – Includes flooring, painting, and other finishing touches that give your home its final look.
• Handling & Out of pocket expenses – Miscellaneous expenses that arise during the construction process.
• Cost of Loose furniture, soft furnishings and appliances – Budget for interior decor, furniture, and essential home appliances.

Cost of Civil Structure

The civil structure lays the foundation of the home construction project. The major jobs to be performed in building civil structure of your luxury home are

• Excavation – Preparing the site by digging to the required depth.
• Termite treatment – Protecting the foundation from termites
• Concrete works – Pouring and setting the concrete for the foundation, walls, and other structural elements
• Steel Works – Reinforcing the structure with steel bars and frameworks.
• Shuttering Works – Creating forms for pouring concrete.
• Block Masonry works and Plastering works – Building walls and applying plaster for a smooth finish.
• Waterproofing works – Ensuring the structure is protected from water damage

It is important to make Civil structures that are Earthquake resistant and Seismic Zone IV compliant in Delhi, especially for Luxury Homes. It is also advisable to have sunken areas for all the wet zones of the house.

Typically a light Civil Structure of 12 feet floor to floor height with Rathi/Kamdhenu Steel, Ambuja cement and hand mixed RCC would cost around Rs. 1200 per Sqft. If we use Tata Steel and Branded Machine mixed RMC from ACC/Ultratech/Lafarge, the same would cost around Rs. 1,400 per Sqft.

For larger slabs exceeding 3,000 sqft, expect a 25-30% increase in costs.

Ensuring Compliance with Structural drawings should ideally be >= 99% for a stable and durable building. Many local contractors cut corners by not adhering to the structural drawings, which can reduce the building’s lifespan by 5 years or more, merely to increase their margins.

Cost of Civil structure in Basement

Building a basement is about 50% more expensive than standard civil construction due to the additional excavation work and the need for RCC retaining walls on the periphery.

At Gouri Ekmeet Designs, every residence we design includes RCC retaining walls in the periphery of the basement. Many contractors and builders use brick walls to save costs, but this practice is unacceptable according to civil engineering standards.

MEP Services

Electrical and plumbing services are the lifelines of a home. Engaging a professional MEP Consultant to plan and design the entire services layouts is critical.

For MEP works, only heavy duty wires, cables, conduits and pipes should be considered. Using low-grade wiring and cables can lead to problems later. MEP is not the stage to cut costs. Additionally, pressure testing is vital at every stage for all plumbing pipes to ensure there are no leaks.

• Electrical
• Plumbing

For electrical works, we recommend high quality wires from Finolex, Havells, RR Kabel and Polycab. At Gouri Ekmeet Designs, we prefer using switches from Siemens, Schneider or Legrand. Alternatives from Norisys, L&T, Anchor, and Northwest are also available.

In modern home construction, PVC pipes are used for rain, water and waste plumbing. uPVC pipes for waste pipes and CPVC pipes or water lines. Brands like Supreme, Prince, Prakash offer good uPVC pipes whereas Astral and Finolex are best in cPVC piping. Most modern homes these days use flexible PEX pipes rather than rigid cPVC piping. They are easy to install and maintain and comparatively have less chance of leakage.

Cost of MEP services for a typical home ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 800 per Sqft depending on the material used. For good quality work, expect to pay around Rs. 700 per Sqft except light and bath fittings. The cost can increase by 20-25% with Home automation systems and other high tech electrical systems. Today, luxury homeowners prefer a high level of automation in their modern homes, from motion sensor lights to Alexa-operated curtains.

When planning home construction, it’s crucial to decide on the level of home automation during the electrical stage, as the wiring requirements differ. For instance, CAT6 wires are necessary for automation systems. Proper planning ensures that your luxury home is equipped with the latest technology for seamless automation, enhancing both convenience and sophistication.

Finishing Works

Finishing is a crucial factor where the main difference in home construction costs arises. Once you’ve built a sturdy structure, it’s time to enhance the beauty of your home both inside and out.

To understand the variations in finishing costs, let’s compare three types of homes: Functional Homes, Premium Homes, and Luxury Homes.

Following are the main components of finishes

Façade/Elevation

In home construction, the choice of materials for the facade greatly influences the overall aesthetic and cost. Contemporary homes often feature more glass, natural hardwood, and natural marbles on the facade. Nowadays, there are many alternatives available for wood and marble, such as High Pressure Laminate (HPL), Porcelain Slabs, and Stonelams/Neoliths, offering a modern look with added durability and ease of maintenance.

On the other hand, luxury home construction in a classical style typically uses plaster and paint or limestone for the facade. These materials contribute to the timeless elegance and sophistication characteristic of classical architecture.

Flooring

In home construction, flooring choices can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your home. Here’s a breakdown of flooring options for different types of homes:

For a functional home, the flooring typically combines tiles from reputable brands like Kajaria and Somani, along with laminated flooring from Pergo in the bedrooms.

In premium homes, you’ll start seeing Italian marble options such as Botticino and Travertino, as well as engineered wooden flooring, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.

For luxury homes, expect the finest materials like premium Italian marble, including Statuario or White Thosis. These homes may feature a combination of Italian marble and brass inlays for added opulence. Bedrooms often boast hardwood flooring, enhancing the luxurious ambiance.

Ceiling

Expect plain and simple ceiling in functional homes with coves in common areas. Premium homes will have false ceiling in the entire home. Luxury homes will have a premium paint on false ceiling and will have wooden ceiling or even marble on ceiling in key areas. 

Walls

These days, the possibilities for wall treatments are endless when it comes to home construction, especially in luxury homes. Various feature walls can be crafted using materials like wood, stone, glass, brass, fabric, and their creative combinations. In functional homes, a popular choice for feature walls is a combination of paint and wallpapers, offering versatility and aesthetic appeal.

For classical homes, the charm lies in intricate mouldings and cornices that add a timeless elegance. Consider exploring vinyl interior skins as an alternative to traditional wallpapers; they provide a more sophisticated look that complements the classic architectural style beautifully.

Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in the overall look of a home, especially in luxury home construction. The more statement lights you incorporate, the more luxurious your home feels. However, the key is to achieve elegance without overdoing it.

In home construction, lighting is typically categorised into task lights and statement lights. Task lights provide essential illumination for daily activities, while statement lights add a touch of style and sophistication. A well-balanced combination of cove lights, chandeliers, wall lights, table lamps, and floor lamps enhances both function and aesthetics.

Wood Work

The quality of wood is a key factor in determining home construction costs, especially in luxury home construction.

For functional homes, wooden door frames are often made from Champ wood or Maranti wood. If you’re looking for a slightly more expensive option, Ivory Coast wood is an excellent choice for Indian homes. However, the best wood remains Teak wood. Due to the ban on Burma teak because of scarce resources, CP Teak has become the preferred choice for luxury homes today.

One important aspect to consider when purchasing wood is its seasoning. Properly seasoned wood is essential to prevent doors from bending over time. Ideally, wood should be seasoned for 5 years in all weather conditions, though there are quicker methods available today. Regardless of the method, ensuring proper seasoning is crucial as it significantly extends the lifespan of hardwood.

When it comes to doors, you have several options based on cost and style. Flush doors, panelled doors, and hardwood doors are common choices, listed in ascending order of cost. These doors can be installed as either hinged shutters or sliding doors, depending on your design preference.

In recent years, wardrobes have significantly upgraded. Moving away from laminate finish shutters and wooden ply-based carcasses, modern wardrobes now feature a variety of materials for their carcass, shutters, and finish. Many contemporary homes opt for lacquered glass finishes, veneer finishes, or high-quality vinyl skins for their wardrobes.

Kitchen & Bathrooms

Kitchens are the heart of any Indian home, especially cherished by mothers. Functionality should always come first, with aesthetics following closely behind. Modern kitchens typically feature a breakfast or island counter, and many also include a pantry for storing supplies and purchases.

Like wardrobes, kitchens come in various finishes. In luxury home construction, stainless steel kitchens and lacquered glass kitchens are popular choices, offering a sleek and modern look. Meanwhile, laminate finish kitchens remain common in functional homes. Combining complementary colors with a stylish backsplash and kitchen counter can significantly enhance the kitchen’s overall appeal. Additionally, stainless steel sinks and mixers from reputable brands add a touch of sophistication and durability.

Bathrooms can be one of the most expensive areas of a home. In luxury homes, you’ll often see fittings from brands like Gessi, Vitra, Roca, and Villeroy & Boch. Premium homes might feature brands like Kohler and Jaquar, while functional homes commonly use Hindware and Cera. It’s important to note that brands like Kohler and Jaquar also offer basic series suitable for functional homes, and Hindware and Cera have international collections used in premium homes. Therefore, the series within a brand is critical when selecting bathroom fittings.

Furniture & Furnishings

Furniture, rugs, décor, wall art, and furnishings play a key role in reflecting the personality of homeowners and adding character to the house. 

The market offers endless options, but it’s crucial not to turn your home into a museum. An expert can guide you in choosing the right décor elements. Typically, these items can account for 25-30% of the total construction cost.

To sum it up, here’s the costs involved in constructing your dream home (excluding furniture and furnishings).

• Rs. 4000 per sft : Basic functional homes
• Rs. 5000-6000 per sft : Premium Home with good finishes
• Rs. 6500 per sft : Luxury starts kicking in

Use our home construction cost calculator for get an estimate for every setting.

Few important things to note while building your home :

• No Compromise on Basics:
  Always opt for high-quality materials such as Rathi/Kamdhenu steel and cement from reputable brands like ACC, Ultratech, Shree Ultra, Ambuja, and Lafarge. Avoid cheaper, non-branded alternatives available in the local market to ensure durability and strength.
• Termite/Waterproofing/Plumbing Works:
  These are critical aspects of home construction that can cause the most problems if not properly addressed. Give them due importance during construction to avoid future issues.
• No Upper Limit in Costing:
  With our 38-year legacy and experience in successfully handing over more than 700 properties, we understand that building a home is akin to an Indian wedding—there is no limit to how much you can invest to make it perfect. We’ve constructed homes costing as much as Rs. 25,000 per sqft and as low as Rs. 4,000 per sqft. It all depends on what fits your budget and vision.

The construction time for a residence varies based on the size of the home.

• Upto 6,000 Sq Ft of Constructed Area: 9 to 12 Months
• 6,000 to 12,000 Sq Ft of Constructed Area : 12 to 15 Months
• 12,000 to 20,000 Sqft : 14 to 18 Months
• 20,000 to 40,0000 Sq Ft : 18 to 24 Months
• 40,000 Sq Ft+ : 30 to 36 Months

When considering home construction in Delhi, especially for an earthquake-resistant home with basic yet decent quality finishes, expect to invest no less than Rs. 3500 per sq. ft. Be wary of any organisation offering to build your dream home at a significantly lower cost—they might escalate the project cost at the tail end or compromise on quality to meet the budget. Always prioritise quality to ensure your home is safe, durable, and built to last. Given calculations are as per the rates of June 2024

P.S. : A home reflects the personality of all its occupants. Home designing and construction should always be done by taking everyone’s interests into account. We at Gouri Ekmeet Designs engage with each family member to get an understanding about the kind of home that they want to live in.

About the writer

Gouri Ekmeet Singh

Product, Marketing & Technology

Gouri Sakhuja is the founder of Gouri Ekmeet Designs, a design and build firm based in New Delhi and operating across India. The firm is backed by 35-year old High-end Construction & Interiors Company which has delivered more than 500 residences including a lot of renowned personalities and celebrities with a total area spanning over 10 Million Sqft. Connect with her directly on gouri@gedesigns.in for further enquiries.