The amount for a home building quote depends on several factors, including your location, the complexity of the project, and the experience level of your builders.

Key costs to plan for include:

1. Architects and draftsmen.
2. Submitting building plans.
3. Infrastructure requirements, like foundation and underpinning.
4. Building materials and delivery.
5. Engineering and building inspections.
6. Extra budget for setbacks

Also keep in mind: the drying time for cement and concrete castings can significantly impact how long a job takes and how many days labour you’ll need to pay for. Final phases like plastering, tiling and painting can only be done on fully dry surfaces, which further affects the overall timelines and cost of your building work.

Our advice: Get a clear, itemised quote

Always ask your building contractor for a detailed, itemised quote that includes:

1. Material costs
2. A breakdown of the building phases or steps
3. Labour charges (hourly or daily rates)

This helps you understand the full cost of your building project upfront and avoids unexpected costs down the line.

Typical daily labour costs:

Labour costs vary depending on the builder’s level of experience. Below are some average daily rates:

1. Labourer: R350 - R500
2. Apprentice: R500 - R800
3. Trade qualified: R800 - R1500
4. Experienced main building contractor: R2000 - R2500
5. Multi-skilled, experienced building contractor: R3500+

For the best results, it’s worth hiring recommended builders to supervise and guide the building team. This ensures a high-quality, long-lasting build and can save you money in the long run. If needed, rather save up to hire the best building team you can afford – the results will be worth it.

How can I keep my building costs down?

Book through HandymanDirect - and save money through expert help

1. Hire a reputable contractor who understands your vision and the best, most affordable way to achieve it.
2. Avoid mid-project changes, as they often cause delays and extra costs. Provide images or examples of what you want upfront.
3. Ask for a clear, detailed building quote upfront. It’s accepted practice to pay a deposit, but never the full amount upfront.
4. Check about handling fees. It’s often cheaper to buy and return building materials yourself than let your builder do it.
5. Stay involved. Regularly walk the building site, take regular progress photos, and address concerns early with your builder to ensure a high-quality outcome and save on overall costs.
6. When you book your building service through HandymanDirect, we’ve got your back. Simply send us a few photos, and we’ll provide an expert opinion - and even speak directly to the builder on your behalf.