What is the construction cost per square meter in the Philippines? (Updated 2022) - Martilyo (2024)

House construction costs and price-list (Updated for 2021)

Construction costs per square meter in the Philippines are quite confusing and contradictory to each other.

Here I’m going to give you the real house construction costs and price-list (Updated for 2021).

By the end of this post you’ll have a general idea of the estimated costs to build a house in the Philippines.

So check our quick answer below:

What is the construction cost per square meter in the Philippines?

A low-cost or rough finish will cost about P15,000 to P20,000 per square meter. For a basic finish, get ready to shell out P20,000 to P25,000 per square meter. While elegant finish will have an average square meter cost of P40,000 to P60,000.

Here’s your cost cheat sheet

The cost of your house will depend on a lot of things, such as the size, materials, number of stories, and more.

There are variables that you can control if you are working on a budget.

For example, you can stick with one story (stairs savings) or forego the expensive tiles.

Of course, if you just won the lottery, then no one will stop you from splurging on that giant pool and golden terrace.

If you want multiple rooms or just want a spacious second story to spy on your neighbors, a semi elegant finish budget of Php 25,000 to Php 35,000 per square meter will do.

If you are shooting for the stars (why not?), your posher residence with an elegant finish will have an average square meter cost of P40,000 to P60,000.

These costs cover the house itself, including the electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work.

Not included are the add-ons like the perimeter fence, the swimming pool, landscaping, and other costs.

The Rough Finish

A rough finish is the plainest (AKA bare) among finishes. Best described as a plain cement finish, the rough finish is the most budget-friendly and economical type.

When you inspect it closely, it does not offer that polished, ready-to-use look.

You won’t even need a floor polisher because the floors are probably cement—so please don’t buy that floor wax yet.

No trimming, painting, décor, and cabinets—you’ll have to buy those as well.

Remember, with Php 15,000 to Php 20,000 per sqm, the rough finish will require you to do a lot more work to beautify it with some painting jobs, bathroom decorations, and cabinet installation.

If you think your neighbors can see you through the jalousie windows, then it’s time to buy curtains, or of course, you can let them watch TV from outside. Sharing is caring.

What to Expect

Its main offering is the house, complete with its essential parts and fixtures such as the door, windows, and a basic G.I. Corrugated roof.

It also functions with the plumbing and electrical wires all-in.

The toilet bowl and sinks are operational—in case you really need to use the bathroom.

Check again for other fixtures though such as cabinets and the garage roof.

Chances are these are not provided for yet.

Here’s a checklist of estimated materials used in the rough finish:

To help you visualize the cost for a rough finish, here’s a rough estimate:

The Basic Finish

Next comes the basic finish which is already an upgrade from the rough finish. From tall, we are moving to a grande—and you’ll find some grand delight indeed!

Another way to describe this is an average finish that is fit for the Pinoy middle-class.

You now have more design-friendly (AKA beautiful) alternatives to choose from with P20,000 to P25,000 per sqm.

What to Expect

For the quality roofing, you now have the option to go for G.I. galvanized steel or G.I. tegula styled.

The windows can be Aluminum Analoc or powder coated—which are durable and long term.

These make your windows weather and wind-resistant.

Another cool thing is that the basic finish offers quality materials for the paint, plumbing, and electrical requirements.

This means that you’ll be worrying less during the typhoon season, and just stress about what movies you’ll be watching during the weekend (Don’t forget the popcorn!).

Fewer worries also on the garage that will be provided with a cover.

If you have a car or just need extra garage space, then you’ll have ample shelter from the sun and rain.

This will really come in handy when you need a man-cove or a place for pets.

The basic finish also entitles you to stone cladding that can just boost the design up a notch.

Now your home can achieve more texture or rustic touch, along with ceramic and granite tiles, for the win.

The bedrooms and kitchen are also stocked… with cabinets! Sorry, you’ll still have to stock your own food.

Again, please don’t forget the popcorn for movie night.

Since this is the basic finish we’re talking about, this is still synonymous with “average” or just a simple home.

You’ll still need to invest in more décor and trimmings if you want to add more oomph to your household.

Here’s a checklist of estimated materials used in the basic finish:

Semi Elegant finish

The semi elegant finish is now the venti of finish types. What’s so venti-llating about it? Well, for starters it already features materials being used in elegant finish types.

In between the basic and elegant finish, think of it as having a first-class look and materials but with a very efficient accountant or household manager.

The cost per sqm at P25,000 to P35,000 is still slightly lower than going all-out with the elegant finish.

But, one look at the house and some neighbors will surely say, “How elegant!” (You can thank the contractor for that.)

No worries also because a semi elegant finish will definitely win you more oohs and aahs.

On the budget scale, this is way up in the bourgeois meter!

This is for those who got a hefty bank loan, savings, trust fund, promotion, or just lucky (sounds like a game show winner).

What to Expect

The introduction of stone accents brings an extravagant look to the walls. Not just the walls.

Who wants to get stuck with just painted floors, when you can now choose to tile them with granite or ceramic?

If you want to hire an interior designer, now’s the time!

Your living room will truly be a place of “life” with more textures, a cove light ceiling, and granite tiles.

Make it burst with your shining personality—with an elegant touch, of course.

The semi elegant finish is already going aboard the mid-upper class territory.

You can tell with the shiny tiled floors and walls that have depth and dimension.

Next thing you know, you’ll be wearing 3D glasses at home.

One of the problems you’ll probably face will be… what material/s to choose! Well, that is a good problem to have.

If only all problems involved swatches and material selection, then the world would be a stress-free place.

Here’s a checklist of estimated materials used in the semi elegant finish:

Elegant finish

Now’s the time to dish out all the superlatives. Best. Highest. Prettiest. Elegant-est? Just kidding.

Ah yes, we’re not just talking about quality. This is the highest of all qualities.

The best of the best. Crème de la crème.

You can already bring out your thesaurus and find every word you can find: mansion, villa, manor.

This is the elegant finish which costs about Php 40,000 – Php 60,000 per square meter.

You can even erect an arc with your name on it!

The elegant finish makes uses of high-end materials to create sublime, customized, unique, and exquisite structures and designs.

You can build your own home, in its classiest form.

With a bigger budget in place, you can afford more flexibility and personalization in your house.

What made the standard finish more affordable is the use of the same materials (bulk) thus, offering lower costs.

What makes elegant, well, just elegant, is that every detail in place is painstakingly thought of and designed to make the overall house stand as a coherently magnificent structure.

What to Expect

With an elegant finish, you can dictate a lot of specifications (that are architecturally possible) that will go in your blueprint.

This is why the elegant finish has a cost per square meter that can go beyond its 40K to 65K cap.

With cove light ceilings and solid wood doors, you can name any theme you want, and it will be done.

From a Greek-inspired pristine home with arches or an Asian-Zen interpretation, your contractor and architect can make any wood, ceramic or glass follow your design dream.

If you want to shoot for the stars or touch the moon—we’d like to say go for it—but you should consult with your contractor and architect first.

Here’s a checklist (1) of estimated materials used in the elegant finish:

Warning: Reminders before choosing a contractor

One of the first things on your checklist is to look for a contractor.

A contractor is like your construction manager who oversees the day-to-day functions, manpower, vendors, and coordination with anything or anyone related to the construction.

The contractor will be your eyes and ears during the daily work and will also be your go-to guy for documents, disputes, and other dependencies.

That means that this guy better be ultra-dependable.

Here are some tips to help you choose the right contractor for the job:

1. Know your budget and your vision.

You’ll be sharing these with your contractor so that he can properly make a quote.

If you just say “Build me a house,” no one will take you seriously.

You better have an imagination of what kind of house you want, and how much you’re willing to spend for this—at the very least.

2. Go on a bidding spree!

Don’t be afraid to explore various contractors and compare their quotes.

A second or third opinion doesn’t only work in a doctor’s office. You can use that approach too.

Maybe you’ll find “the one” after 10 visits—but hopefully, in the interest of time and your sanity, you can find your guy after 2 or 3 quotations at most.

3. Do your research.

In selecting “the one,” make sure that he is truly legit and has the credentials to prove that he is who he says.

Head over to Martilyo directory to check the list of all house construction builders in the Philippines with their estimated rates per square meter.

What can you do:

• Visit his office. Inspect his certificates and medals. Oftentimes, a contractor should be a licensed professional. His company should also be registered, etc.
• Check out his list of achievements and creations—are they even still standing? You can even do an ocular inspection of an ongoing project. That would be a fun date!
• Research online communities and forums that provide reviews of contractors. Awesome if he gets glowing recommendations. Forget it if there are negative reviews or worse, complaints that he runs a fly by night operation.
• Ask for recommendations from family and friends who might have contacts in the biz. People you know and trust would be a good source for word-of-mouth referrals.
• Go around town. See interesting construction sites near your area that look interesting or organized. Jot down that contractor’s details and contact him.

4. Pay attention to detail.

When going over the quotations and contracts, make sure that everything is covered. Or better yet, have him go through everything one by one.

5. Get to know your contractor.

A lot can be observed and assessed when you get to talk and discuss the agreements with the contractor.

Can he answer the legalities?

Does he display a lot of knowledge of the materials, labor rates, resolution, permits, vendors?

Is he proud of his past contracts and his current partners?

What you’re looking for is a knowledgeable, honest, trustworthy, and competent contractor with awesome people management skills.

If he doesn’t even want to talk about his past projects or partners, that’s a red flag.

6. The price is right.

They say that you get what you pay for—and that’s quite right!

If you feel that the quotation of a certain contractor is way too low, that might be another red flag.

Oftentimes, an unusually low contract may mean that he is considering very cheap (inferior quality) materials or undercutting costs to offset other variables.

When in doubt, cross it out!

A Word of Caution

So that’s basically it! Now you have an idea of the basic costs of building a house in the Philippines.

But be very careful on choosing house contractors:

Check my personal story here on why we had a huge mistake when we chose our first contractor.

Here’s my contact details, just in case you need to ask a question ~ Tatay Paul (0917-5069839) or tataypaulmartilyo (at) gmail.com