• Urban Development Authority (UDA) approval • Municipal Council building permits • Environmental clearances (if applicable) • Fire safety clearances (for multi-storey buildings) • Utility connection fees (electricity, water, telephone)

Varies greatly depending on site condition: • Leveling and grading • Soil removal or fill • Retaining walls (if on sloped land) • Existing structure demolition • Tree removal

• Temporary electricity connection • Water supply during construction • Site security and fencing • Worker facilities • Material storage sheds

• Electricity connection (CEB): Rs. 100,000 - 300,000 • Water connection: Rs. 50,000 - 150,000 • Telephone/internet: Rs. 20,000 - 50,000 • Sewage connection (if municipal): Rs. 50,000 - 150,000

• Driveway and parking area • Boundary wall and gate • Garden landscaping and lawn • Outdoor lighting • Drainage around house

Basic Furniture Package: • Beds, dining table, sofa set, wardrobes Total: Rs. 630,000 - 1,250,000

• Burglar bars for windows • Main gate and grills • CCTV system • Alarm system

Always set aside funds for: • Material price fluctuations • Design changes during construction • Unexpected site conditions • Weather-related delays • Mid-project upgrades

Colombo and Suburbs: • Highest construction costs • Premium labor rates • High land costs • 15-30% higher than baseline Major Cities (Kandy, Galle, Negombo, Gampaha): • Moderate construction costs • Good labor availability Rural Areas: • Lower labor costs • Limited skilled labor availability • Higher material transport costs

Simple Box Design: • Straightforward rectangular shape • Minimal architectural features • Lowest per sq.ft rates Moderate Complexity: • Bay windows, varied ceiling heights • 10-15% higher cost High Complexity: • Multiple levels, extensive glass use • Premium materials integration • 25-40% higher cost Ultra-Modern/Contemporary: • Avant-garde architectural designs • Complex engineering requirements • 40-80% higher due to specialized materials and expertise

Standard: • Locally sourced materials • Basic functionality • Regular maintenance required Premium: • Mix of local and imported materials • Enhanced durability • Better aesthetics Luxury: • High-end imported materials • Exceptional quality and finish • Minimal maintenance required

Economy of scale: Larger houses can have lower per-square-foot cost Examples: • 1,000 sq.ft = Rs. 28,000/sq.ft • 2,000 sq.ft = Rs. 24,000/sq.ft • 3,500 sq.ft = Rs. 22,000/sq.ft Larger projects benefit from: • Bulk material discounts • Better labor utilization • Lower overhead percentage

Fast-Track (6-10 months): • More workers deployed • Overtime costs • Expedited material delivery • 10-20% higher cost Standard Timeline (12-18 months): • Optimal resource utilization • Normal labor rates • Most cost-effective Extended Timeline (18+ months): • Material price inflation impact • Weather-related delays • 5-15% cost increase potential

• Complete all designs and approvals before breaking ground • Changes mid-construction increase costs by 15-30% • Clear specifications prevent misunderstandings and rework • Comprehensive planning saves time and money Potential Savings: 10-20% of total budget

• Avoid monsoon months (May-June, October-November) • Dry season allows faster progress • Less material damage from weather • Fewer delays and disruptions Potential Savings: 5-10% through efficiency gains

• Simple, efficient layouts cost less to build • Minimize complex angles and curves • Maintain standard ceiling heights (9-10 feet) • Rectangular shapes are most economical Potential Savings: 15-25% compared to complex designs

• Use premium materials in high-visibility areas • Cost-effective materials in less visible spaces • Prioritize local materials where possible • Balance quality with budget constraints Potential Savings: 10-15% without compromising quality

Invest Heavily In: • Foundation and structural work • Waterproofing systems • Electrical and plumbing • Quality roofing Save on These: • Paint colors (can be changed later) • Light fixtures (easily upgraded) • Landscaping (can be phased) • Furniture (independent of construction) Result: Better long-term value, prevents expensive future repairs

• Build core house structure first • Add features and upgrades later • Spread financial burden over time • Avoid excessive interest on construction loans Benefits: Better cash flow management, flexibility

Advantages: • Experienced professional teams • Established supplier relationships • Better project management • Quality guarantees and warranties • Industry standard practices Potential Savings: 15-25% through efficiency and expertise

Turn-key contractors handle: • Architectural design • Construction execution • Interior finishing • Project management Benefits: • Bulk pricing on materials • Single point of accountability • Streamlined communication • Better coordination Potential Savings: 10-20% compared to managing separately

• Basic: Rs. 25,000 - 32,000 per sq.ft • Mid-Range: Rs. 32,000 - 42,000 per sq.ft • Premium: Rs. 42,000 - 70,000+ per sq.ft

• Basic: Rs. 22,000 - 28,000 per sq.ft • Mid-Range: Rs. 28,000 - 38,000 per sq.ft • Premium: Rs. 38,000 - 60,000 per sq.ft

• Basic: Rs. 20,000 - 26,000 per sq.ft • Mid-Range: Rs. 26,000 - 35,000 per sq.ft • Premium: Rs. 35,000 - 55,000 per sq.ft

• Basic: Rs. 18,000 - 24,000 per sq.ft • Mid-Range: Rs. 24,000 - 33,000 per sq.ft • Premium: Rs. 33,000 - 50,000 per sq.ft

• Basic: Rs. 18,000 - 25,000 per sq.ft • Mid-Range: Rs. 25,000 - 34,000 per sq.ft • Premium: Rs. 34,000 - 52,000 per sq.ft

• Basic: Rs. 19,000 - 25,000 per sq.ft • Mid-Range: Rs. 25,000 - 34,000 per sq.ft • Premium: Rs. 34,000 - 55,000 per sq.ft

Location: Panadura Construction Type: Basic with some quality upgrades Timeline: 12-14 months Cost Breakdown: • Construction @ Rs. 22,000/sq.ft: Rs. 33,000,000 • Architect fees (3%): Rs. 990,000 • Approvals and permits: Rs. 200,000 • Utility connections: Rs. 250,000 • Landscaping (basic): Rs. 300,000 • Contingency (10%): Rs. 3,474,000 Total Estimated Cost: Rs. 38,214,000 Features: • 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms • Living/dining area • Modern kitchen • Tiled roof • Ceramic flooring • Standard aluminum windows • Basic landscaping and parking

Location: Pannipitiya (Polawatta) Construction Type: Mid-range with quality materials Timeline: 14-16 months Cost Breakdown: • Construction @ Rs. 30,000/sq.ft: Rs. 75,000,000 • Architect & engineer fees (4%): Rs. 3,000,000 • Approvals and permits: Rs. 350,000 • Utility connections: Rs. 400,000 • Landscaping (moderate): Rs. 800,000 • Furniture (basic): Rs. 1,500,000 • Contingency (12%): Rs. 9,726,000 Total Estimated Cost: Rs. 90,776,000 Features: • 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms • Spacious living/dining areas • Modern kitchen with granite countertops • Mixed flooring (granite + tiles) • UPVC windows • Quality bathroom and kitchen fixtures • Garden and dedicated parking area

Location: Malabe Construction Type: Premium/Luxury Timeline: 16-20 months Cost Breakdown: • Construction @ Rs. 42,000/sq.ft: Rs. 147,000,000 • Premium architect fees (5%): Rs. 7,350,000 • Approvals and permits: Rs. 500,000 • Utility connections: Rs. 600,000 • Swimming pool: Rs. 3,500,000 • Advanced landscaping: Rs. 2,500,000 • Premium furniture: Rs. 5,000,000 • Smart home system: Rs. 1,500,000 • Contingency (15%): Rs. 25,192,500 Total Estimated Cost: Rs. 193,142,500 Features: • 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms • Open-plan living with double-height ceiling • Designer kitchen with imported fittings • Granite/marble flooring throughout • Extensive wooden and glass features • Swimming pool with deck • Premium landscaping • Smart home automation • Advanced security system