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I got the attached estimate from a contractor. Can anybody , aware of the present rates go over this and let me know how good it is. He has given electrical and plumbing rates as 6% and 8% of the overall civil works. He told me that he would give me a unit price cost for each electrical and plumbing things and then I have the flexibility of choosing whatever I want. Is there any tricks in it ? Also I felt that the rates a bit on the higher side. Please let me know if any details / clauses are missing here or something is over or under priced !!

The house total estimate is roughly about 32 lakhs for 1790 sqft house.

Thanks a lot.

Also can somebody explain me the below points...

1. Why there is a rate difference between ground and first floor for the same work ( say plastering ) ?
2. The internal plastering area for first floor ( 3030 sqft ) is way above ground floor ( 2350 sft). Why is it so ( parapet masonry is mentioned separately anyways )?

Overall this quote is coming to about 1.75 Lakhs per square. I feel its very high . Please let me know your thoughts.

I posted my item-wise contract details in member's only section sometime back. You can compare the rates with the Excel sheet attached there.

Hi jackalbda,

Thanks for sharing your estimation. I'm taking your estimation as a template and go through with my contractor. I will be starting construction next month. If you any further information, please share with me.

Regards,
Pradeep
pradeepecr@gmail.com

[quote="jackalbda"]Also can somebody explain me the below points...

1. Why there is a rate difference between ground and first floor for the same work ( say plastering ) ?

I think it is because they have to transport the materials up one level and so there is a slight difference in cost (labor to port it up is the factor that is causing it). At least that is my understanding.

Be careful with these item rate contracts for construction. When you are constructing for the first time, you are not aware of the whole process. Looking at the quote we tend to arrive at Rs x/square and compare with the market rate and think it is ok. But one does not realize that there will be many items missing from item rate contracts and finally when the bill comes, there is a big surprise. So beware.

One suggestion for windows: The quoted rate is 680+140 = 820 rupees for wooden windows of Sal Wood. for this price you can get good UPVC windows from Deepa Building systems or some other vendors. The grills for windows are quoted rate/kg + fixing charges, if you go with UPVC windows.

Thanks tvsh. Could you please tell me what all expenses might come as unexpected ? Right now am constructing with this estimate and it would be helpful if you can tell me what could be missed in this.

In the initial days I did a similar exercise on the cost front for the wooden windows vis-a-vis the UPVC ones. UPVC ones always stood expensive, with the basic models (no grills) - 50% higher. The new models with grills cost even much higher. I am sure everyones agrees that windows with grills are a necessity on the security point of view.

jackalbda wrote:Thanks tvsh. Could you please tell me what all expenses might come as unexpected ? Right now am constructing with this estimate and it would be helpful if you can tell me what could be missed in this.

Firstly, the quantity estimates are all estimates. The plan changes and the estimates changes as well. so plan on a minimum of 10% increase in the quantity of area for plastering, walls, ceilings, etc.
secondly, there are way too many small things that are not quoted. An example, a drip guard for the chejjas;. It is a small strip that is below the chejja, Cleaning of the debris, temporary electricity charges, water charges, Iron pillar support for canopies, etc.

The Advantage of item rate contract is you can supply and execute those items that you find unreasonable.

m3_07 wrote:In the initial days I did a similar exercise on the cost front for the wooden windows vis-a-vis the UPVC ones. UPVC ones always stood expensive, with the basic models (no grills) - 50% higher. The new models with grills cost even much higher. I am sure everyones agrees that windows with grills are a necessity on the security point of view.

UPvc gets cheaper as the volume increases. I constructed a house that has 21 windows and door (for balcony). the profiles are similar to fenesta 3000 and I got it from Deepa building Systems. It costed me 475 Rs per sft for 3 track UPvc windows. I paid 65 rupees per kg for the grills. I felt that the total cost per sft for both the grills and UPVC did not cross 625 rupees. This was about a year ago. The prices have all increased now. so is the cost of wood. The Upvc windows are white in color, the wooden finish ones are certainly much more expensive.