The same area
Ask whether the rate is for built-up, plinth or carpet area. Record the area of each floor and compare quotes using the same basis.
Local construction costs
Construction costs in your city.
Compare local quotes for the same area, work and specification. Then use your chosen rate to build an early budget for your site.
Ask for the same work in every quote.
Send the same measurements, drawings and specification to local contractors. Then check these four things before comparing their totals.
The same work
List what the contractor will deliver: foundation, structure, walls, plaster, services and finishes. A labour-only quote and a quote that includes materials cover different work.
The same specification
Share the same drawings and finish schedule. Name the tile sizes, paint system, doors, sanitary fittings and other products that the quote should allow for.
A complete price
Ask how taxes, delivery, unloading, site access and removal of existing work are charged. Record exclusions, the quote date and how long the price is valid.
Use the quote to set your starting budget.
Choose a rate that matches your area basis and agreed scope. The budget calculator applies it to your floor area, then lets you add allowances and an uncertainty range.
Choose your starting point
These are editable scenarios, not city price bands or dealer quotes. Both reference cards use ₹2,268/ft² from CPWD Plinth Area Rates 2025, effective 1 April 2025, for an RCC framed residential building up to six storeys with a 3.0 m floor height. The second card changes only the quality allowance. Taxes, delivery and scope exclusions still need checking.
Total built-up area
For equal floors, use one floor’s area and the actual floor count. If floors differ, enter their combined area and set the count to 1.
Area × your quoted rate
Keep the units consistent. A rate per ft² needs an area in ft²; a rate per m² needs an area in m².
Contingency and a range
Set aside an explicit contingency, then choose a range around the midpoint to reflect how much is still uncertain.
What about a published city average?
A city label does not tell you which materials, floor area or services a price includes. This page does not assign a market rate to your location. If the calculator shows a dated national reference, replace it with your quote before relying on the budget for your site.
Refine the budget when measurements are ready.
An area-based budget is useful early on. For purchasing or comparing individual jobs, calculate the actual wall, floor and material quantities instead.
Have a quote ready?
Enter the rate for your agreed scope and review the range before moving to detailed quantities.