How Much It Really Costs to Build a Three-Bedroom House in Ghana
- Ghanaian architect Nathaniel Adjei Arthur gave insight into what GH₵50,000 could do in the construction of a three-bedroom house
- The construction expert gave his professional opinion that a durable house needs careful planning, and about GH₵100,000
- He warned that cutting costs reduces safety and durability and advised that proper budgeting, quality materials, and skilled labour are required for lasting results
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Constructing a three-bedroom house in Ghana on a tight budget can be very challenging, but learning and understanding the realities and outcomes of construction costs can make the process far more manageable.
Source: Twitter
Nathaniel Adjei Arthur, in an interview with YEN.com.gh, established that GH₵50,000 is enough to start building a three-bedroom house, although this amount is not enough to finish such a project.
Building a functional and durable house requires good planning and realistic expectations from the initiator.
Lack of proper budgeting leads to compromising on quality, safety, and durability, which in the long run ends up being catastrophic.
Breakdown of cement prices and material costs
Material costs can gobble up a significant amount of any budget.
Due to inflation, cement prices range between GH₵90 and GH₵100 per bag, depending on the brand, whether Dzata, Dangota, Diamond, and others.
A standard three-bedroom house will need at least 80 to 100 bags, which will amount to a total of around GH₵8,000 to 10,000.
Building materials like sand, stones, and iron can cost GH₵15,000, while roofing materials like iron sheets, wood, or ceilings can cost between GH₵10,000 and 15,000 or more.
Essentials such as electrical and plumbing materials cost between GH₵5,000 and GH₵7,000, with doors and windows taking up another GH₵4,000 to GH₵6,000.
Labour costs are another important aspect of the expenses to consider. Skilled workers, including masons, carpenters, electricians, and plumbers, can demand GH₵10,000 to 15,000 or more, depending on the state and duration of the project.
Beyond materials and labour costs, other expenses, such as building permits, inspections, painting, flooring, and fixtures, must also be accounted for. GH₵50,000 barely covers the basics, leaving little room for quality finishes or essential services like proper plumbing, electricity, and roofing.
Nathaniel Adjei Arthur emphasised that realistic planning and budgeting are key to avoiding compromises that could jeopardise the safety and functionality of the house.
He advised that with careful and realistic planning and estimating a budget of up to GH₵100,000, it is possible to build a solid, functional three-bedroom home.
Foundation, materials, and sustainability are key
Reducing costs on vital parts of the construction might save money in the short term, but Nathaniel Arthur advises that it can lead to structural durability issues in the long run that are costly to fix later.
A solid foundation is crucial for the stability and safety of your home. Compromising on the foundation can lead to structural issues and costly repairs down the line. Also, roofing, plumbing and electrical installations are critical for the safety and functionality of your home.
Hiring professionals to handle these installations is crucial to ensure they meet safety standards. The priority is the structure itself: foundation, beams, columns and concrete slabs, since these are key elements, you shouldn’t compromise on,” he stated
Nathaniel Adjei Arthur continued:
Ghana has abundant clay deposits, making clay bricks a viable local building material. Using locally sourced materials can reduce construction costs and promote sustainability. Also, incorporating sustainable building practices, such as energy-efficient designs and materials, can help reduce costs and promote environmental sustainability."
Also, the Ghanaian government has introduced incentive packages for real estate developers to make housing more affordable. These incentives can help reduce costs and increase access to affordable housing,” he added.
He added that by understanding costs upfront and prioritising both materials and skilled labour, homeowners can ensure their budget meets both their immediate needs and long-term expectations.
Nathaniel’s expert insights serve as a guide for anyone looking to navigate the challenges of building efficiently and responsibly within Ghana’s current market.
Who is Nathaniel Adjei Arthur?
Nathaniel Adjei Arthur is the founder and CEO of Detailed Plumbing Plus, a building architect and contractor, and a construction site supervisor at Dynamite World Properties.
He has vast experience in building from scratch to finish, making him one of the best and efficient building contractors in Ghana.
Nathaniel Adjei Arthur doubles as a dedicated and certified Ghanaian-German plumber with a deep passion for his craft. Nathaniel is committed to raising awareness about the vital role plumbing plays in daily lives and ensuring the highest standards of service within the building industry.
His mission is to educate the public and transform perceptions of the plumbing profession through exceptional work and unwavering dedication to excellence.
Source: Youtube
How to build a house with GH₵50,000
Previously, YEN.com.gh reported that Africa Building Hub, a construction expert who gives real estate tips via his YouTube channel, showed how a house was built in Tamale and sold for GH₵50,000, proving that functional homes can be constructed on a modest budget.
The project used exposed bricks instead of cement blocks, removing the need for plastering, painting, and some finishing costs like tiling, sinks, and cabinets.
Labour was the most expensive part of the construction, but negotiating well with workers can make such low-budget housing possible, even in Accra.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
