Kumar IronWhy one number never fits
Builders in Uttar Pradesh quote a rate per square foot of built-up area, and these quotes are usually a rough, varying figure. They change with city, plot shape, number of floors, brand of materials, quality of fittings and whether the rate includes materials or only labour. Ask for today's material rates and a written list of what the rate includes before comparing two quotes.
Compare quotes on a like for like basis: same built-up area, same specification for steel grade, cement type, bricks or blocks, flooring, doors, windows, plumbing and electrical.
The main cost components
| Component | What it covers | Share of total |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation and structure | Excavation, footings, columns, beams, slabs: steel, cement, sand, aggregate, shuttering | Large, usually the biggest single block |
| Masonry and plaster | Bricks or AAC blocks, mortar, internal and external plaster | Medium |
| Flooring and finishes | Tiles or stone, putty, paint, waterproofing | Large, depends most on your choices |
| Doors, windows, grills, gates | Wood, aluminium, UPVC or MS sections | Medium |
| Plumbing and electrical | Pipes, fittings, wiring, switches, tank | Medium |
| Labour and supervision | Mason, bar bender, carpenter, helpers, engineer | Large, varies by contract type |
The shares are described in words on purpose. They shift from house to house, so ask your engineer to split your own estimate into these heads.
Material quantities for a normal house
Quantities are easier to rely on than rates, because they come from the drawings. As rough thumb rules for a framed RCC house: TMT steel is about 3.5 to 4.5 kg per sq ft of built-up area and cement is about 0.4 to 0.5 bags (50 kg) per sq ft. Exact numbers depend on spans, number of floors, foundation depth and wall thickness.
Multiply these by your built-up area to get a starting material list, then ask for current rates on each item. Our steel and cement calculators do the same sum for you.
Where you can save and where you should not
- Do not cut structure: steel grade, bar sizes and concrete quality are hard to fix later. Stay with IS 1786 bars and ISI marked cement.
- Finishes are where choices change the total most: floor tile or stone, paint system, fittings and elevation work.
- Order in lots matched to the work stage and compare dealer rates on the same day, since steel and cement rates move.
- Fix the design before you start. Changes after casting cost far more than changes on paper.
Questions to ask any contractor
- Is the rate with materials or labour only?
- Which brand and grade of steel and cement is included?
- Does the rate include plaster, flooring, paint, plumbing and electrical?
- How are extras and design changes charged?
- What is the payment schedule, and is it linked to stages of work?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the construction cost per sq ft in UP?
- It is a rough figure that varies by city, specification and the day's material rates, so we do not quote one as fact. Get a written estimate with your drawings and ask for today's material rates.
- How much steel and cement does a 1000 sq ft house need?
- As a thumb rule, about 3500 to 4500 kg of TMT steel and 400 to 500 bags of cement for the whole house. Your engineer's drawings give the exact numbers.
- Is it cheaper to buy materials myself or give a full contract?
- Buying materials yourself gives you control over brand and quality and lets you compare rates. A full contract is simpler but you must specify brands and grades in writing.
- Which material rates should I check first?
- TMT steel and cement, since they make up a large part of the structure. Call or WhatsApp us with brand, size and quantity for today's rate.