Cost guides
Building contractors
Building contractors

How much does a building contractor cost?

  • R7000 – R9000/sqm
    Building cost per square metre
  • R800 – R2000/sqm
    Home renovation
  • R15,000 – R55,000
    Bathroom renovation
  • R50,000 – R150,000
    All-inclusive kitchen renovation
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Building contractor prices depend on several factors. We have examined prices of different services and what influences them and pointed out what you need to pay attention to in order to get the best value for your money.


Building cost per square metre

  • R7000 – R9000/sqm

The cost of building a house is normally measured in rand per square meter of floor area. The larger the floor area, the higher the total cost. In addition to size, the cost of building is also influenced by location, design, project management, and construction type and quality. The average cost of a building cost per square metre is R8000/sqm, or typically between R7000/sqm and R9000/sqm.

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3-bedroom house — cost per sqm

  • R7000 – R15,000/sqm

Even though we are witnessing a rapid increase in the proportion of two bedroom homes in SA, three-bedroom houses are still the most popular choice. A spacious 3-bedroom house can measure up to 200 sqm, but it usually measures between 120 and 150 square metres. The average cost of a 3-bedroom house is R11,000/sqm, or typically between R7000/sqm and R15,000/sqm.

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Home renovation

  • R800 – R2000/sqm

A home renovation involves all the building, craftsmanship and installation work needed to turn a dilapidated old building into a modern, energy-efficient home. There are many factors that affect the total cost, e.g. type of work and the extent of the renovation involved. Even the quality of the materials and the chosen accessories affect the cost of the renovation. On top of the estimated costs, you can add additional 20% to your home remodel budget for any unseen problems. The average cost is usually R1400/sqm.

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Bathroom renovation

  • R15,000 – R55,000

A bathroom renovation can range anywhere between giving your bathroom a facelift and a complete transformation of your bathroom. The total expense depends on the size of the bathroom, the chosen materials, and the type of fixtures, counters and finishes. Bathroom renovation costs range between R15,000 and R55,000 with an average of R35,000.

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2-bedroom granny flat

  • R200,000 – R400,000

Whether you want to build a granny flat for your family or to generate extra income, the first thing is getting the right contractor for the job. The best approach is to obtain multiple quotes from granny flat builders and compare them carefully, because the cheapest quote may not include everything on your wish list. The final cost largely depends on the chosen materials and your location. The average cost is usually R300,000.

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All-inclusive kitchen renovation

  • R50,000 – R150,000

A complete kitchen renovation includes more than just a new lick of paint, a new backsplash, and new light fixtures. It often includes making structural, electrical, and plumbing changes, new flooring, appliances, and custom cabinets. The total expense varies depending on the size and complexity of the remodel, the chosen materials, and any high-end technology additions. For all-inclusive kitchen renovation, expect to pay between R50,000 and R150,000.

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Recent jobs for building contractors

New build

  • City (or suburb) where you need the service: Albertinia
  • What type of property do you want to build?: House/Townhouse
  • Approx. size of the new build: 100–200 sqm
  • Do you have all the necessary building plans?: No plans are required
  • Estimated project start: As soon as possible

This will need to be a 3 bedroom house that is open plan. We are looking at the prices of standard bricks and / or Building blocks. We have a plan that has been approved however, the plan is from another ERF and the elevations on the plot is more or less level. Ground is Sandy as far as I can tell. We need a builder that is NHBRC registered that can work with the bank. Attached is the plan, how ever, we only need the house done with the patio, not the garages ect. if that can be quoted separately to see how far we ca go

New build

  • City (or suburb) where you need the service: Port Elizabeth
  • What type of property do you want to build?: House/Townhouse
  • Approx. size of the new build: 100–200 sqm
  • Do you have all the necessary building plans?: No plans – I need the Pro's help
  • Estimated project start: As soon as possible

It's a unit townhouse development. I intend offering three bedrooms,bath, open plan kitchen lounge and dining area. Double garage and open patio/ braai area. Approximately sqm. The other unit will be three bed, one full bath, open plan kitchen living and dining area. Single garage and open patio/ braai area. Approximately 92sqm.

New build

  • City (or suburb) where you need the service: Stanford, Hermanus
  • What type of property do you want to build?: House/Townhouse
  • Approx. size of the new build: 200–600 sqm
  • Do you have all the necessary building plans?: Yes, I have all the necessary plans
  • Estimated project start: As soon as possible

Good day, We have a site agent who will oversee our build, together with an engineer. Would you like to give us a labour quote for the wet works? • It would include site clearing • setup site construction • profiles and setting out of the home • foundations excavate • building house till wall plate • plastering inside and out with plaster bounds on exterior for windows • floor screeds We will provide a container for site storage. There are no ceilings that need to be skimmed. We would need you to be registered with Workers Comp. We will supply ready mixed concrete. We will hire skips for rubble removal. We will supply all material. The floor size is .5m square. Should you be interested I will send you a building plan. Regards,

New build

  • City (or suburb) where you need the service: Stilbaai / Jongensfontein
  • What type of property do you want to build?: House/Townhouse
  • Approx. size of the new build: 200–600 sqm
  • Do you have all the necessary building plans?: Yes, I have all the necessary plans
  • Estimated project start: As soon as possible

farm-style housing development for a 3 bedroom house with 3 En-suite bathrooms and open plan living / kitchen area. Must include space for 2 cars in a garage, as well as ample space for cupboards in the garage for storage. Plans will be developed by our own architect. Only a rough estimate per sqM is needed.

New build

  • City (or suburb) where you need the service: Pretoria
  • What type of property do you want to build?: House/Townhouse
  • Approx. size of the new build: 200–600 sqm
  • Do you have all the necessary building plans?: No plans – I need the Pro's help
  • Estimated project start: I'm flexible

Hi I would like to have a 4 bedroom house. I'm a work from home mom. I'm kind of Claustrophobic. I prefare an open an house with enough space. I like cooking. I like to host my friends and family. So I need a porch, not too big and a pool (3x4m) A double garage main bedroom with ensuit and a walking closet. At least 1 bathroom with shower and a powder room. Please see attached sketch, I need something similar, I'm open minded so we can find a work around. House should be be around sqm Regards

Renovation/remodel

  • City (or suburb) where you need the service: Springbok, Northern Cape
  • What kind of property do you have?: House/Townhouse
  • What rooms do you want to renovate/remodel?: Bathroom(s)
  • Approx. size of the renovation/remodel: Less than 100 sqm
  • Do you have all the necessary building plans?: No plans are required
  • Estimated project start: I'm flexible

7.75sqm: bath out, build wall for shower, shower trap & drain at floor level, complete shower plumbing, basin replace & complete plumbing, bathroom large window replace with x aluminum, floor tiling, wall tiling, ceiling paint, replace door, toilet remains, tiling around toilet, various new fitting, cabinets and hangers

Renovation/remodel

  • City (or suburb) where you need the service: Wetton, Lansdowne
  • What kind of property do you have?: House/Townhouse
  • What rooms do you want to renovate/remodel?: Bedrooms/Living room/Dining room, Garage
  • Approx. size of the renovation/remodel: Less than 100 sqm
  • Do you have all the necessary building plans?: No plans – I need the Pro's help
  • Estimated project start: As soon as possible

I would like to convert my garage into a living area, with about a cm extension on the one side as well. The roof will also need replacing. The completed build would need a bedroom, kitchenette, lounge and bathroom. Additionally I also want another bedroom in the main house, extended NB: Please send me a wtsapp or an email

Renovation/remodel

  • City (or suburb) where you need the service: Noordheuwel, Krugersdorp
  • What kind of property do you have?: House/Townhouse
  • What rooms do you want to renovate/remodel?: Kitchen, Bathroom(s), Bedrooms/Living room/Dining room, Deck/Patio/Balcony
  • Approx. size of the renovation/remodel: 100–200 sqm
  • Do you have all the necessary building plans?: Yes, I have all the necessary plans
  • Estimated project start: I'm flexible

New flooring in all of the house - Laminated wood New Ceilings in all of the house Complete kitchen remodel - 35sqm 3 bedrooms remodel - 26sqm (Bathroom included) / 12sqm / 11sqm Bathroom remodel (Shower & Tub in both bathrooms) Patio Remodel - 28sqm (New Built in Braai) NOTE!!! Please don't phone me. Contact me via Whatsapp for more info.

Renovation/remodel

  • City (or suburb) where you need the service: Hout Bay, Cape Town
  • What kind of property do you have?: Flat complex
  • What rooms do you want to renovate/remodel?: Kitchen, Bathroom(s), Bedrooms/Living room/Dining room
  • Approx. size of the renovation/remodel: Less than 100 sqm
  • Do you have all the necessary building plans?: No plans – I need the Pro's help
  • Estimated project start: As soon as possible

Need new floor throughout - would like laminate - new kitchen -new kitchen cabinets, new back splash, appliances- new bathroom - take out bath, put in one nice shower, new toilet, sink, tiles - flat needs plastering touch ups, whole flat needs paint. Have just bought flat and live in Zambia, completion is June 1st so would like work to start as soon as possible after then. Flat is 59m2 so a relatively small job.

Extension/addition

  • City (or suburb) where you need the service: Dawn View, Primrose
  • What kind of property do you have?: House/Townhouse
  • What do you want to add to the existing property?: Bathroom(s)
  • Approx. size of the addition: Less than 100 sqm
  • Do you have all the necessary building plans?: Yes, I have all the necessary plans
  • Estimated project start: I'm flexible

I'm in the process of purchasing a property that has approved building plans to add an en-suite bathroom and walk in closet to the main bedroom. I'd like to get an idea of what it will cost to implement the plans at the property once we move in, in June. I've attached the plans here, this will only include the new addition on the bedroom (right) side.