MistriCalc → Construction Cost Calculator
Construction Cost Calculator
Estimate the total cost to build, the material-versus-labour split and the cost per floor — from your built-up area and a rate per square foot.
Cost & budgeting explainer
Run your numbers first, then read how it works. Start with the calculator below — the example values are pre-filled in PKR — then keep scrolling for the method, a worked example and the questions builders ask most. Everything runs in your browser; nothing you type is stored.
Calculator
Your construction cost = built-up area × rate per square foot. For 1,500 sq ft at Rs 7,500/sq ft the estimate is about Rs 11,250,000. That total typically splits roughly 60% materials and 40% labour, and dividing by the number of floors gives a per-floor figure for budgeting and staged payments.
Key takeaways
- Total = area × rate. 1,500 ft² × Rs 7,500 = Rs 11,250,000.
- Material vs labour ≈ 60 / 40 for a typical residential build.
- Grey structure ≈ Rs 4,000, standard / A-class ≈ Rs 7,500, premium ≈ Rs 12,000+ per sq ft (2026 guide).
- Use built-up area, and agree the area definition with your contractor.
- Metro cities (Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad) sit at the higher end of each band.
How construction cost is estimated
The square-foot method is the quickest way to budget a house. You pick a rate that bundles materials and labour for a given finish level, then multiply by your built-up area. It is an estimate — the real cost depends on your design, soil, structure, fittings and the local market — but it is accurate enough to plan a budget and compare contractor quotes.
The material-versus-labour split defaults to a common 60/40 assumption — adjust the material share to match your build. Premium, material-heavy finishes push materials higher; structures with heavy on-site work raise the labour share.
Worked example: a 1,500 ft² standard house over 2 floors
Take a 1,500 sq ft built-up home at a standard / A-class rate of Rs 7,500/sq ft. Total cost = 1,500 × 7,500 = Rs 11,250,000. Materials at 60% ≈ Rs 6,750,000 and labour at 40% ≈ Rs 4,500,000. Spread over 2 floors, that is about Rs 5,625,000 per floor — useful for planning slab-wise payments to your contractor.
Indicative rates per square foot (2026)
| Finish level | Rate (Rs/sq ft) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Grey structure | 4,000 | Foundation, frame, walls, plaster — no finishing |
| Standard / A-class | 7,500 | Good flooring, fittings, paint, electrical and plumbing |
| Premium | 12,000 + | Branded fixtures, modular work, false ceilings |
Indicative 2026 bands for Pakistan; metro cities like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad sit at the higher end and your contractor may differ significantly.
Estimate the materials too
Drill into the big-ticket materials with the concrete calculator, steel weight calculator and brick calculator. Check buildable area first with the FAR / FSI calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate construction cost per square foot?
Multiply built-up area by the rate per sq ft. 1,500 ft² × Rs 7,500 = Rs 11,250,000. The rate should cover materials and labour for your finish level.
What is the material to labour ratio in construction?
Roughly 60% materials, 40% labour for a typical residential build. Premium finishes raise the material share; labour-heavy work raises labour. This tool uses 60/40 by default.
What is a good construction rate per square foot in Pakistan?
As a 2026 guide: grey structure Rs 4,000, standard / A-class Rs 7,500, premium Rs 12,000+. Metro cities like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad sit at the higher end. Confirm a local quote.
Does the rate per square foot include finishing?
A turnkey rate usually includes structure plus standard finishing. Premium fixtures, modular kitchens and landscaping often sit outside the base rate — clarify what a quote covers.
Should I use covered area or built-up area for costing?
Construction cost is normally estimated on built-up (covered) area, not a smaller usable area. Some quote on a larger basis. Use the same definition when comparing rates.
What is the difference between grey structure and finished cost?
Grey structure is the bare frame (foundation, columns, slabs, walls, plaster) at about Rs 4,000/sq ft. A finished standard / A-class rate of about Rs 7,500 adds flooring, fittings and paint; premium reaches Rs 12,000+.
The square-foot costing method and the typical 60/40 material-to-labour split are standard residential-estimation practice used by Pakistani contractors and quantity surveyors. Rate bands are 2026 market estimates in Pakistani rupees and vary by city and finish level.
Last reviewed 2026-06-14