ᐅ Calculating Construction Costs Yourself – Is It Possible?

Hello everyone!

As you know, I am currently in the design planning phase for our single-family home – luckily, we are finally almost ready to submit the application.
I would like to calculate the construction costs myself, since the architect hasn’t really done that, so I have no idea where we currently stand cost-wise. I would like something more precise than just square meters times price per square meter...

Can you recommend any tools, software, spreadsheets, etc.?
It can’t be that complicated.
I have read up on cost groups, the construction cost index, etc., but what is the best approach to take?
Thanks
GD

HBF 😉

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Was there not a pinned thread where many important points to consider and plan were listed? I can’t find it at the moment—was it deleted?

I can upload my Excel file as an example. Basically, every building project is unique, so the cost items will vary individually as well. I recommend creating an Excel sheet for your personal project and gradually refining it step by step. My planning is for northern Germany/near the coast with peaty soils, so load-bearing capacity is more of an issue here than slopes or rock—so make sure to do some specific research on your foundation costs.

Edit: The numbers in the screenshot are just examples. 🙂
What’s missing from my calculation is a budget for landscaping and external works. I would advise including that if you still have some buffer.
The groundworks and carport are not included in my calculation since they are covered in the house price. If you plan not to build turnkey, I suggest planning each trade separately on an extra Excel sheet and referencing those totals on the main overview sheet.

Thank you for your table @kati1337
That’s very kind of you!

I know the other thread, I once copied all the posts from there...

My previous post was meant seriously. On one hand, costs are changing almost daily, so a table from last year is only somewhat useful. On the other hand, there is no standard price for flooring, so it’s better to specify exactly what you want to know, then you can get the right help.

We requested transparent quotes for the trades and were then able to accurately calculate the material variables. The architect’s initial cost estimate for the house was off, but once the civil engineer and carpenter were involved, the calculation worked out quite well. In the end, I stopped recalculating because everything stayed within our financially comfortable range.