How much does it cost to build a home in St Lucia in 2023?
Planning on building a dream house in St Lucia can be challenging when you have no idea about house construction cost. Here’s an in-depth guide on how much does it cost to build a home in St Lucia in 2023 which can help you plan accordingly.
This guide will give you a general idea about the factors that you need to consider when estimating the cost of a house. It is important to note that the price of building a house in St Lucia varies majorly and is dependent on:
- Location
- Design
- Type of Construction
The Average Rate per Sq Ft for building a house in St Lucia starts at EC$270.00 (USD$100.00).
Do you need a builder in St. Lucia? For architectural drawings, quotations and building services, contact RedFin Ltd
Types of Houses in St Lucia
There are 4 types of homes that are typically built in St Lucia:-
- Traditional Wall homes
- Wooden Homes
- Modular homes
- Steel Framed Homes
The Major Factors That Affects the Construction Cost
Location:-
The construction cost is directly related to the location of the house. If the house that you are building in an urban area or a prime location where building materials are readily available, then the price of transportation will be comparatively cheaper than a house in the countryside.
Design Phase:-
This phase includes the draftsman/ architect putting together the working drawings to meet client expectations and municipal department (DCA) requirements for approval. Also within this phase the client is required to state their budget with regards to the project so the architect will be guided accordingly. Generally, house construction costs in St Lucia are calculated per square feet.
Timeframe for Design & Approval
The estimated time for design and approval of a complete set of working drawings would range from 3-6 months depending on the complexity of the design and client expectation.
Construction Phase:-
This phase commences on approval of architectural/working drawings from municipal departments.
- A contractor is nominated by the client and a contractual agreement is made between the two parties with both having legal representation.
- The construction of the proposed dwelling is done solely based on the working drawings provided by the client.
- The contractor is hereby suppose to provide the clients with a cost estimate for the project with a Phase and Cost approach for the project.
- The contractor must work and engage the architect / draftsman during the construction process to ensure quality and set budget.
Prior to construction client needs:
- Complete set of approved working drawings (3-6 months)
- Cost estimates (5 days)
- If you are going to a financial institution for financing a property then a valuation is needed to state value of property (land) and value of house upon completion
- Insurance cost/value of building after completion
- The selected contractor to provide his/her construction estimates to you and the financial institution
The Land Excavation
This cost would include the excavation part for laying the foundation. The following factor affects the cost:-
Type of work ( clearing, grubbing, digging etc)
Amount of soil to be removed
Weather Condition (Sun or Rain)
Foundation & Framing
Foundation comes next to the excavation. It holds the house and framing gives it the shape and divide the rooms as well. Framing can include common metal works, too.
Foundation cost vary based on the following types:-
Concrete Slab – The cheapest option among foundation type. Requires low maintenance
Pier & Beam – Best option to protect your home from flood
Framing work will depend upon:-
Amount of carpentry work
Size of house
Pool and water cistern option
Type Of Materials
The construction cost highly depends on the type of material being used in the construction. The cost of the material will vary as per the type of the house. All these factors are interrelated. If you are building a house in the countryside where materials are not readily available, or on top of a hill where there will be double handling, then the cost will also vary. Typically 55% of the overall cost of building a house in St Lucia goes into procuring materials.
Labor Cost
Labor costs differ according to the intricacy and size of your house. Steel Framed, Custom-Built and big houses involve a higher labor cost than the standard wooden house and modular homes. Professionals like Architect, interior designer typically charges in area per square feet or may take a certain percentage of the overall cost of the construction project. Typically 45% of overall cost of the project cost goes in Labor charges.
Additional Features or Amenities
Major system cost includes plumbing and electrical costs mainly. Quality and quantity of the products being used decide the price.
Stories
The price will vary depending on the stories of the building or house. Naturally, a three-storied building will be costlier than the two-storied one. In terms of cost per square feet rate will be the same for each story or floor.
Type of Finishes
Exterior finishing comprises outer walls, roofing and installing doors and windows. The quantity and nature of exterior appearance, doors, and windows will affect this cost.
Interior finishing can include drywall, insulation, painting, interior trim, appliances, lighting, and flooring.
The cost of building a house in Saint Lucia can fluctuate depending on a few other factors such as:
- The number of stories
- Type of roof
- Design features
- Type of finishes.
If you are willing to add something extra to your dream house, it will also add some additional cost. Developing your dream building is the liability of the professionals, but it is always a good idea to have an estimation.
Find Out More About The Step By Step Process For Buying Property In St Lucia
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Do you need a builder in St. Lucia? For architectural drawings, quotations and building services, contact RedFin Ltd
