Building a house is a dream for many, but the costs can often be overwhelming and difficult to calculate. In this comprehensive guide, we'll go over the various factors you need to take into account to determine the cost of building a house. Whether you are planning to build a small detached house or a luxury villa, this guide will help you gain a better understanding of costs and make a realistic budget.
We will cover everything from purchase prices for land and materials to costs for architectural services and contractors. In addition, we will discuss different types of building materials and their costs, as well as how you can save money without compromising on quality.
By reading this guide, you'll be well equipped to plan and budget for your dream home without any unpleasant surprises along the way. So let's start rounding up the costs of your dream home and making your home building dream a reality.
What does it mean to build a house?
Building a house is a dream for many, but the costs can often be overwhelming and difficult to calculate. In this comprehensive guide, we will go through the various factors you need to consider in determining the cost of building a house. Whether you are planning to build a detached house or a luxury villa, this guide will help you gain a better understanding of costs and make a realistic budget.
We will cover everything from purchase prices for land and materials to the costs of architectural services and contractors. In addition, we will discuss different types of building materials and their costs, as well as how you can save money without compromising on quality.
By reading this guide, you'll be well equipped to plan and budget for your dream home without any unpleasant surprises along the way. So let's start compiling the costs of your dream home and making your home builder dream a reality.
Factors that affect the cost of building a house
There are several factors that can affect the cost of building a house. Here are some of the most important factors to consider:
Size and Layout: The size and layout of the house will affect the cost. A larger house with more rooms will naturally be more expensive to build than a smaller house. In addition, a complex layout with many angles and protruding parts can also increase costs.
Building materials: The choice of building materials can have a big impact on costs. Some materials are cheaper than others, but it is important to also consider the quality and longevity of the material. Some materials may be cheaper initially, but may require more maintenance or need to be replaced sooner.
Location: The location where the house is to be built can also affect the costs. Some areas may have higher land prices or require extra earthwork, such as blasting or drainage. In addition, the availability of labor and materials may vary by location, which may affect costs.
These are just a few examples of factors that can affect the cost of building a house. It is important to carefully research and plan for each factor to get a more accurate estimate of costs.
The cost of the land and earthworks
One of the first costs to consider when building a house is the cost of the land and any earthworks needed. Land prices can vary greatly depending on the location and size of the plot.
The cost of ground work for a detached house can vary depending on several factors such as the condition of the plot, type of soil, size of the house and local conditions. Here is a general breakdown of earthwork costs:
Ground survey and land preparation:
Geotechnical investigation: SEK 15,000–30,000
Clearing and removal of trees or other vegetation: SEK 10,000–50,000 depending on the amount
Excavation and planning of the land: SEK 50,000–150,000 depending on the nature of the land and the amount of work required
Drainage and foundation:
Drainage and stormwater management: SEK 50,000–150,000
Foundation construction (slab on ground, crawl space, etc.): SEK 100,000–400,000 depending on size and choice of foundation type
Procurement of materials and gravel:
Materials for backfilling and compacting the ground: SEK 10,000–50,000
Connections and wiring:
Connection to water, sewage and electricity: SEK 50,000–200,000 depending on distance to mains and local conditions
In total, the cost of earthworks can vary from around 300,000 to 800,000 SEK, but in some cases, especially if the land requires extra preparation (e.g. if it is very stony or has poor bearing capacity), the costs can be higher.
It is always a good idea to do a thorough investigation and get quotes from several contractors to get a more accurate idea of what the earthworks will cost for your particular lot and project.
Material costs for house construction
Material costs make up a significant part of the costs of building a house. The choice of building materials can affect both the costs and the quality of the finished house.
There are different types of building materials to choose from, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some common building materials and their approximate costs:
Wood: Wood is a popular building material that is relatively cheap and easy to work with. The prices of wood can vary depending on the type of wood used and its treatment, but it is generally an economical option.
Concrete: Concrete is a strong and durable material that is commonly used for foundation construction and framing. The prices of concrete can vary depending on the quality and quantity needed.
Brick: Brick is a traditional building material that gives a rustic and classic look. Brick prices can vary depending on the type and size, but it can be a more expensive option compared to other materials.
Steel: Steel is often used to create structures and frames that are strong and durable. The prices of steel can vary depending on the type and quantity needed.
Material costs for building a detached house can vary greatly depending on the size of the house, design and which materials are used. Here is a rough estimate of the various material costs based on an average house of 120-150 m²:
Foundation and earthworks
Concrete for slab or foundation: SEK 100,000–250,000
Drainage material and gravel: SEK 10,000–50,000
Insulation material (under foundation): SEK 20,000–50,000
Frame and supporting parts
Wooden or steel frame: SEK 150,000–300,000 depending on material
Bearing beams, columns, etc.: SEK 50,000–150,000
External walls and insulation
Outer panel (wood, brick, plaster, etc.): SEK 100,000–300,000 depending on material
Insulation for external walls: SEK 50,000–100,000
Windows and doors: SEK 100,000–300,000 depending on quality and size
Roofing work
Roof chairs and support: SEK 50,000–150,000
Roof covering (tiles, sheet metal, etc.): SEK 100,000–200,000
Insulation and waterproofing: SEK 50,000–100,000
Interior walls and ceilings
Plaster and interior wall material: SEK 50,000–150,000
Insulation for interior walls: SEK 20,000–50,000
Plumbing materials
Pipes and sewage system: SEK 50,000–150,000
Heating system (e.g. underfloor heating, radiators, etc.): SEK 50,000–200,000
Water heaters and other installation products: SEK 20,000–100,000
Electrical material
Power lines and junction boxes: SEK 30,000–80,000
Power plant and lighting: SEK 20,000–50,000
Switches, connectors and security systems: SEK 10,000–30,000
Kitchen and bathroom
Kitchen (including cabinets, worktops, appliances): SEK 100,000–400,000 depending on standard
Bathroom fittings (toilet, shower, sink, etc.): SEK 50,000–150,000
Floors, walls and furnishings
Floor coverings (parquet, tile, laminate): SEK 50,000–150,000
Tiles/clinker for kitchen and bathroom: SEK 20,000–80,000
Painting and wallpapering: SEK 30,000–100,000
Other materials
Scaffolding and tools: SEK 10,000–30,000
Small materials such as nails, screws, joint compound: SEK 10,000–30,000
Total material cost:
The total material cost for a detached house can be between SEK 800,000 and 2,000,000, depending on the house's size, design and the material choices you make. For more luxurious materials and customized solutions, the costs can be even higher.
It is recommended that you collect quotes and discuss with contractors and suppliers to get a more accurate idea of the costs for your specific project.
Labor costs to build a house
Labor costs are another important factor to consider when calculating the cost of building a house. The cost of labor may vary depending on the location and complexity of the construction project.
Labor costs to build a single-family house according to the contractor can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the house, design, material selection and geographic area. Here is an estimate of various labor costs that may be included in the construction of a detached house, based on average Swedish prices:
Foundations and earthwork:
Excavation, digging and foundation: SEK 200,000–400,000
Drainage and water diversion: SEK 50,000–150,000
Frame erection:
Erecting the frame of the house (wood or stone): SEK 300,000–600,000
Roofing and insulation: SEK 100,000–300,000
Outer and inner walls:
Installation of external walls and insulation: SEK 150,000–400,000
Plastering and construction of interior walls: SEK 100,000–300,000
Roof and facade work:
Roofing: SEK 100,000–300,000
Facade cladding (wood, plaster, brick, etc.): SEK 150,000–400,000
Plumbing (water, sewage, heating):
Installation of pipes and drains, water, and heating systems (e.g. underfloor heating): SEK 100,000–300,000
Electrical installations:
Wiring of electricity and installation of power station and lighting: SEK 70,000–200,000
Flooring, furnishing and finishes:
Installation of floors, tiles and other surface layers: SEK 150,000–400,000
Assembly of kitchen and bathroom: SEK 100,000–400,000 depending on standard and choice of materials
Painting and wallpapering:
Painting of indoor and outdoor surfaces: SEK 50,000–200,000
Total labor cost:
Based on the above estimates, the total labor cost to build a detached house can be between 1,200,000 and 3,000,000 SEK , depending on size, materials and complexity.
Note that these are pure labor costs and do not include costs for materials, architects, building permits or other permits. It is recommended to get quotes from several contractors to get a more accurate cost picture.
Contractor and consultant costs
When building a house, it may be necessary to hire different contractors and consultants to help with different parts of the project. These may include architects, engineers, construction managers and interior designers.
The costs of contractors and consultants may vary depending on their experience, expertise and the scope of their work. Some may charge a flat fee based on the size and complexity of the project, while others may charge an hourly rate.
To keep costs under control, it can be good to compare quotes from different contractors and consultants. It can also be useful to ask for references and check their previous projects to assess their quality and reliability.
Having clear and unambiguous contracts and agreements with contractors and consultants is important to avoid misunderstandings and unpleasant surprises along the way.
Costs for permits and building permits
When building a house, it may be necessary to apply for various permits and building permits to comply with local building codes and regulations. These costs may vary depending on the location and size of the project.
Permits and building permits may include costs for application fees, investigations and any necessary inspections. It may also be necessary to hire consultants or architects to assist with the application process.
To get an idea of the costs for permits and building permits, you can contact your local building authority or municipality. They can provide you with information about the specific requirements and costs of your project.
Being well prepared and having a clear understanding of the permit and building permit process is important to avoid delays and unnecessary costs.
Read also: How much does a building permit cost?
Costs for installations and technical systems
Costs for installations and technical systems in a new detached house can vary depending on which systems you choose, the size of the house and building standards. Here is an estimate of costs for various installations and technical systems:
Plumbing installations (Water, sewage and sanitation)
Water pipes and sewer pipes: SEK 50,000–150,000 (This includes installation of pipes for water and sewage to the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room.)
Sanitary installations (toilets, sinks, showers): SEK 20,000–100,000 (Depending on the number of bathrooms and the standard of the interior.)
Water heater or other water heating: SEK 10,000–50,000 (The choice between electric water heater, district heating or solar heating affects the cost.)
Underfloor heating (Waterborne or electric): SEK 50,000–150,000 (Waterborne underfloor heating is more expensive but more energy efficient in the long term.)
Electrical installations
Basic wiring and junction boxes: SEK 50,000–100,000 (Installation of wires, connectors, and switches for the entire house.)
Power station and main fuses: SEK 15,000–30,000 (Includes installation of power station and connection to the power grid.)
Lighting (indoors and outdoors): SEK 20,000–50,000 (The cost varies depending on the number of fixtures and the quality of the lighting system.)
Installation of sockets for electric car chargers: SEK 10,000–25,000 (If a charging station for electric cars is installed in the garage or driveway.)
Ventilation
Mechanical exhaust ventilation: SEK 30,000–80,000 (A simple mechanical exhaust air solution that ventilates the air from the kitchen and bathroom.)
FTX system (Mechanical supply and exhaust air ventilation with heat recovery): SEK 60,000–150,000 (An advanced ventilation system that also recovers heat, which improves energy efficiency.)
Heating system
Heat pump (air-water, geothermal or air-air): SEK 80,000–200,000 (Heat from geothermal is the most expensive option but most energy efficient over time. Air-to-air heat pumps are cheaper but do not provide as much energy savings.)
Radiator system (if underfloor heating is not used): SEK 30,000–70,000 (Installation of radiators throughout the house if underfloor heating is not applicable.)
Communication and security systems
Internet and network installations: SEK 10,000–30,000 (Installation of cabling for broadband, Wi-Fi, and other network connections.)
Alarm and security system: SEK 10,000–40,000 (The cost varies depending on whether you install a basic alarm system or a more advanced one with cameras and remote monitoring.)
Smart home solutions (optional)
Smart lighting, heating and security: SEK 20,000–100,000 (Including installation of systems that control light, heating, locks and security via apps.)
Total installation cost:
Based on the above estimates, the cost of installations and technical systems in a new detached house can be between SEK 300,000 and 1,000,000, depending on the choice of technology, the size of the house and the complexity of the systems. Energy-efficient and high-tech systems tend to be more expensive initially but can provide savings in the long term.
It is recommended to get quotes from specialized plumbing and electrical contractors to get a more accurate quote tailored to your project.
Summary and conclusion
Building a house can be an exciting and challenging process. By carefully researching and planning for costs, you can avoid unpleasant surprises down the road and create a realistic budget.
We've gone through various factors that can affect the cost of building a house, including land costs, material costs, labor costs, contractor costs, permit costs, installation costs, and fit-out and finish costs.
In conclusion, building a house can be a big investment and requires careful planning, not least when it comes to earthwork, material costs and installations.
By bringing in professional help, you ensure that the work is done correctly and that you get the most out of your investment.
If you are interested in getting a quote for your construction project, don't hesitate to send aquote request here. For more information about our services and how we can help you throughout the construction process, visit our main page onConstruction Help .
