Planning to build in Uganda: know the cost before you start
A bill of quantities, so you know the cost before a contractor quotes.
Most building projects that stall do so because the money runs out. A lump-sum quote from a contractor doesn't tell you what's included, so it's hard to compare or hold anyone to.
A bill of quantities fixes that. A quantity surveyor measures every item of work from your drawings, from excavation to roofing, and prices it. Contractors then price the same list, so you compare like with like.
How we handle it
- 1Our quantity surveyors measure every item of work from your drawings.
- 2You get an itemised cost, and contractors price the same list.
- 3During construction we can set out the building, check claims and track the budget.
Worth knowing
- Start from approved drawings
- Building plans generally need approval from the local authority before work starts. Costing from the approved set avoids pricing a design that later changes.
- Budget for more than the building
- Site clearing, boundary walls, water and power connections, and professional fees all cost money. Ask for them to be listed so they don't surprise you later.
- Changes cost the most on site
- Variations made during construction are where budgets slip. With a bill of quantities, each change can be priced against the agreed rates before it's built.
This guide explains how the process generally works. Every piece of land is different, so talk to us about yours before you act on it. More on our quantity surveying & construction projects work.
Tell us about your land
What are you building, and where? Send it on WhatsApp or by email, or call the office Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm.
Common questions
What is a bill of quantities and do I need one?
It lists every item of work in your building, measured from the drawings. Contractors then price the same list, so you can compare bids fairly and control variations while you build. For anything beyond a small extension, it saves more than it costs.
Can you tell me what my house will cost to build?
Yes, from your drawings. Send the architectural and structural drawings and the site location, and our quantity surveyors will prepare an itemised estimate.