Cost reference guide
Construction cost ranges by building type
All rates are per square foot of built-up area (BUA). Civil work only — does not include land, boundary wall, landscaping, or furniture.
| Building Type | Basic (₹/sqft) | Standard (₹/sqft) | Premium (₹/sqft) |
|---|---|---|---|
Residential (G+0) | ₹1,200 | ₹1,600 | ₹2,200 |
Residential (G+1) | ₹1,400 | ₹1,850 | ₹2,500 |
Commercial | ₹1,600 | ₹2,000 | ₹2,800 |
Institutional | ₹1,800 | ₹2,300 | ₹3,200 |
* Rates are indicative ranges for Tier 2/3 cities in Bihar, UP, Jharkhand, and MP. Actual costs depend on site conditions, finish quality, and local labour rates. For a precise estimate, generate a free AI BOQ below.
Example calculation
Project
Residential G+1, Standard finish
Built-up area
1,200 sqft
Estimated cost
₹22.2 lakh
@ ₹1,850/sqft × 1,200 sqft
Understanding the numbers
What drives cost differences
Basic vs. premium is not just about quality — it is about specification choices made at the design stage. Here is what moves the needle.
Structural specification
Basic construction uses M15 concrete and Fe415 steel — standard for low-rise residential. Standard upgrades to M20/M25 mix with Fe500 TMT bars. Premium uses higher-grade materials with additional structural reinforcement and engineer supervision throughout.
Flooring and finishes
Basic construction uses ceramic tiles, wall putty with emulsion paint, and standard sanitary ware. Standard includes vitrified tiles, OBD paint, and mid-range CP fittings. Premium encompasses marble/granite flooring, imported sanitary ware, and luxury finish specifications.
Doors and windows
Basic builds use standard flush doors and aluminium windows. Standard moves to hardwood frames with powder-coated aluminium. Premium includes teak wood frames, UPVC or aluminium sections with thermal break glazing, and designer hardware throughout.
Electrical and plumbing
Basic uses standard wiring (Finolex/Polycab) with 3–4 points per room and basic switchgear. Standard includes modular switches, earthing, and concealed plumbing with CPVC pipes. Premium involves complete home automation provision, three-phase power, solar readiness, and premium sanitary brands.
Location and logistics
Construction costs in district headquarters (Patna, Lucknow, Ranchi) run 10–15% higher than small towns due to land access costs and material delivery. Remote sites with poor road connectivity add 5–8% for transport. Projects with constrained access (narrow lanes, no vehicle access) add further cost.
Labour rates
Current mason rates in Bihar and UP range from ₹700–₹900/day for skilled masons and ₹500–₹650/day for helpers. These rates have risen 12–15% year-on-year since 2022 due to MGNREGS competition and migration to non-farm work. Our cost estimates reflect current CPWD Labour Analysis Rates for each state.
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