House Construction Cost Per Square Foot in Sri Lanka 2025

The most common question we receive at Janco Homes is: "How much does it cost to build a house in Sri Lanka?" The answer depends on several factors, but here's a realistic breakdown based on current market rates:

Basic Construction: Rs. 18,000 - 25,000 per square foot

What You Get: • Standard cement block or brick construction • Basic finishing materials (ceramic tiles, standard paint) • Simple electrical and plumbing fixtures • Standard doors and windows (aluminum or basic wood) • Cement plastered walls with emulsion paint • Basic bathroom and kitchen fittings • Straightforward architectural design Best For: Budget-conscious families, first-time homeowners, rental properties Sample Cost Example: • 1,500 sq.ft house = Rs. 27,000,000 - 37,500,000 • 2,000 sq.ft house = Rs. 36,000,000 - 50,000,000 • 2,500 sq.ft house = Rs. 45,000,000 - 62,500,000

Mid-Range Construction: Rs. 25,000 - 35,000 per square foot

What You Get: • Quality brick or cement block construction • Better finishing materials (granite tiles, quality paint) • Modern electrical and plumbing systems • Aluminum sliding windows with tinted glass • Decorative ceiling work • Contemporary bathroom and kitchen fixtures • Attractive facade with architectural features • Some landscaping included Best For: Middle-income families seeking quality and aesthetics Sample Cost Example: • 1,500 sq.ft house = Rs. 37,500,000 - 52,500,000 • 2,000 sq.ft house = Rs. 50,000,000 - 70,000,000 • 2,500 sq.ft house = Rs. 62,500,000 - 87,500,000

Premium/Luxury Construction: Rs. 35,000 - 60,000+ per square foot

What You Get: • Premium construction with designer finishes • Italian or Spanish tiles, imported sanitary ware • Smart home features and automation • Extensive use of glass, wood, and premium materials • Designer lighting and fixtures • Luxury kitchen with modular cabinets • Multiple bathrooms with premium fittings • Swimming pool, landscaping, outdoor entertaining areas • Advanced security systems • Custom architectural design Best For: High-end residential projects, luxury villas, executive homes Sample Cost Example: • 2,500 sq.ft villa = Rs. 87,500,000 - 150,000,000+ • 3,500 sq.ft luxury home = Rs. 122,500,000 - 210,000,000+ • 5,000 sq.ft executive residence = Rs. 175,000,000 - 300,000,000+

Detailed Cost Breakdown: What Goes Into House Construction?

Understanding where your money goes helps you make informed decisions and identify areas where you can optimize costs.

1. Foundation and Structural Work (35-40% of Total Cost)

The foundation is literally the base of your home and should never be compromised. Costs include: Site Preparation: • Land clearing and leveling: Rs. 50,000 - 200,000 • Soil testing and analysis: Rs. 25,000 - 75,000 • Survey and marking: Rs. 30,000 - 80,000 Foundation Work: • Excavation for foundations • Reinforcement steel (TMT bars) • Concrete for footings and foundation • Foundation waterproofing Structural Construction: • Columns and beams (reinforced concrete) • Floor slabs • Load-bearing walls • Roof structure Material Costs (2025 Rates): • Cement (50kg bag): Rs. 1,900 - 2,300 • Reinforcement steel (per kg): Rs. 250 - 300 • Bricks (per unit): Rs. 30 - 40 • Cement blocks (per unit): Rs. 70 - 90 • River sand (cube): Rs. 8,000 - 12,000 • Metal (cube): Rs. 6,000 - 9,000

2. Walling and Masonry (15-20% of Total Cost)

Walls define your living spaces and provide structural integrity, insulation, and privacy. Wall Construction Options: • Standard Brick Walls: Rs. 900 - 1,200 per sq.ft (including plastering) • Cement Block Walls: Rs. 800 - 1,100 per sq.ft • Combination (brick exterior, block interior) What's Included: • Bricks or cement blocks • Mortar (cement and sand mix) • Plastering both sides • Waterproofing treatment • Corner protection and reinforcement

3. Roofing (12-15% of Total Cost)

Roof Tile Options: • Clay Roof Tiles: Rs. 70 - 100 per tile (traditional, heat insulation, long lifespan) • Concrete Roof Tiles: Rs. 60 - 90 per tile (modern, durable) • Asbestos-Free Sheets: Rs. 800 - 1,500 per sheet (budget-friendly) Complete Roofing Cost: • Roof structure (timber/steel trusses): Rs. 300 - 600 per sq.ft • Roof tiles & installation: Rs. 400 - 800 per sq.ft • Ceiling work: Rs. 250 - 500 per sq.ft • Insulation: Rs. 150 - 300 per sq.ft • Guttering & downpipes: Rs. 50,000 - 150,000 total

4. Doors and Windows (8-12% of Total Cost)

Door Costs: • Teak/Mahogany solid wood doors: Rs. 35,000 - 80,000 • UPVC doors: Rs. 25,000 - 50,000 • Aluminum frame glass doors: Rs. 15,000 - 45,000 • Wooden panel doors: Rs. 8,000 - 25,000 Window Costs: • Aluminum sliding windows: Rs. 8,000 - 15,000 per unit • UPVC windows: Rs. 12,000 - 25,000 per unit • Wooden windows: Rs. 10,000 - 30,000 per unit • Glass only windows: Rs. 400 - 800 per sq.ft Average for 2,000 sq.ft House: • Doors: Rs. 250,000 - 450,000 • Windows: Rs. 180,000 - 375,000

5. Electrical Work (6-8% of Total Cost)

Components: • Main electrical board and distribution • Internal wiring (copper cables) • Light fixtures and fittings • Switches and sockets • Ceiling fans • AC wiring and provisions • External lighting Average Costs: • 1,500 sq.ft house: Rs. 250,000 - 400,000 • 2,000 sq.ft house: Rs. 350,000 - 550,000 • 2,500 sq.ft house: Rs. 450,000 - 700,000 • 3,000+ sq.ft house: Rs. 600,000 - 950,000

6. Plumbing and Sanitary Work (6-8% of Total Cost)

What's Included: • Water supply piping (CPVC/PPR pipes) • Drainage and sewage lines • Water tanks (overhead and underground) • Septic tank system • Water pumps and pressure systems Bathroom Fixtures Per Bathroom: • Basic: Rs. 50,000 - 120,000 (local brands, standard fittings) • Mid-Range: Rs. 120,000 - 250,000 (quality brands, modern designs) • Luxury: Rs. 250,000 - 500,000+ (imported, premium finishes)

7. Flooring (8-10% of Total Cost)

Flooring Options: • Ceramic tiles: Rs. 150 - 400 per sq.ft • Granite/Marble: Rs. 600 - 2,000 per sq.ft • Porcelain tiles: Rs. 300 - 800 per sq.ft • Wooden flooring: Rs. 1,500 - 4,000 per sq.ft Average Total Cost: • 2,000 sq.ft with ceramic: Rs. 300,000 - 800,000 • 2,000 sq.ft with granite: Rs. 1,200,000 - 4,000,000

8. Painting and Finishing (5-8% of Total Cost)

Exterior Painting: • Weatherproof paint: Rs. 90 - 150 per sq.ft • Textured finishes: Rs. 120 - 200 per sq.ft Interior Painting: • Standard emulsion: Rs. 40 - 80 per sq.ft • Premium brands: Rs. 80 - 150 per sq.ft • Wood staining/polishing: Rs. 150 - 300 per sq.ft Total for 2,000 sq.ft House: • Basic painting: Rs. 250,000 - 400,000 • Premium painting: Rs. 520,000 - 920,000

9. Kitchen (5-8% of Total Cost)

Basic Kitchen: Rs. 200,000 - 400,000 • Granite or tiled counter • Basic cabinets (laminate finish) • Standard sink and fixtures • Simple tile backsplash Mid-Range Kitchen: Rs. 400,000 - 800,000 • Granite countertop • Quality modular cabinets • Good sink and fixtures • Designer tiles and lighting Luxury Kitchen: Rs. 800,000 - 2,500,000+ • Imported stone countertop • Premium modular cabinets • High-end fixtures and appliances • Designer lighting and accessories

10. Professional Fees (6-10% of Total Cost)

Architect Fees: • Basic design: Rs. 50,000 - 150,000 • Complete architectural services: Rs. 200,000 - 800,000 • Luxury custom design: Rs. 500,000 - 2,000,000+ Engineer Fees: • Structural engineering: Rs. 100,000 - 300,000 • MEP engineering: Rs. 50,000 - 200,000 Other Professional Services: • Quantity surveyor: Rs. 75,000 - 250,000 • Interior designer: Rs. 100,000 - 500,000 • Landscape architect: Rs. 50,000 - 300,000

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Complete Guide to House Construction Cost in Sri Lanka 2025 – Part 1

Mr. Premlal Kariyawasam, Managing Director

December 9, 2025

Building your dream home in Sri Lanka is an exciting journey, but understanding the financial investment required is crucial for successful planning. Whether you're constructing a modest family residence or a luxury villa, knowing the current construction costs helps you budget accurately and avoid unexpected expenses. At Janco Homes and Construction, with over 20 years of experience as ICTAD-registered contractors, we've helped hundreds of families across Sri Lanka build their dream homes. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about house construction costs in 2025, from per-square-foot rates to hidden expenses many first-time builders overlook.