¿Cuánto Cuesta Construir una Casa? Factores a Considerar

Hombre pensando en cuánto cuesta construir una casa actualmente

The cost of building a residential home in Mexico can range from $3,000,000 to $6,000,000 MXN. While a luxury home can cost from $6,000,000 MXN and up. 

If you are interested in knowing how much it costs to build a house, You should calculate an average based on variables such as the type of construction, the price of the land, location, size, architectural design, materials, finishes, permits and licenses. 

In projects 253 we have a portfolio of different houses in Villahermosa, therefore, We want to explain each of the factors that determine how much it can cost to build your house.

Ready to learn more? 

1. Price of the land

Ubicación en un mapa, haciendo referencia a un lote de terreno

To know approximately how much it costs to build a house, you must take into account the total cost of the land. This may vary based on location, size and its characteristics. 

If you want to invest in a good area of Tabasco, consider that The value per m2 can range between $10,000 and $25,000 MXN.  

This range is subject to other variables such as soil quality, regulations, local regulations, and whether the areas are difficult to access for both workers and machinery. 

2. Construction licenses and permits

Supervisor sosteniendo un documento para la construcción de una casa

Both elements affect the final costs. Generally, They are managed by the architect when carrying out the construction work. 

The cost of permits to build a house in Mexico depend on state regulations and the municipality you are in, and also how complex the architectural project is.   

The cost of construction licenses was between $10,000 and $50,000 MXN. 

3. Advanced infrastructure 

Mano sosteniendo un smartphone con la disposición interna de una vivienda

Smart infrastructure costs apply if you want a type of home with security systems that require installation, such as surveillance cameras, alarms and electric fences. 

  • Smart devices: thermostats, surveillance cameras, speakers, electric fences, sensor-activated lights, automatic gates, among others. Installation costs range between MXN $25,000 and MXN $50,000. 
  • Central Controllers: Some devices require a central hub to facilitate communication. This service may have an additional cost of $1,500 to $3,000 MXN. 
  • Solar panels: The average cost of installation in Mexico varies depending on the provider and system capacity. On average, a residential solar panel system costs between $100,000 and $200,000 MXN.
  • Water saving systems: such as greywater or rainwater reuse systems. Incorporating these structures ranges from $20,400 to $29,000 MXN.

Some people also request integrated air conditioning and the addition of materials that provide thermal insulation.  

If you are one of them, ask the real estate agency for an approximate how much it can cost to include this type of services in the work. 

4. Ecology and automation 

Maqueta de una casa

Let's say you want to build an eco-friendly property, that requires automation of technologies and uses renewable energy.

In that case, the total cost of building your house may vary. depending on the type of materials and objectives of the building. 

Although there is no single model for green housing, they do have several factors in common: 

  • Bioclimatic design: They have a construction system that makes the most of the environment's resources (air currents, solar energy, etc.). 
  • Energy efficiency: Mechanical ventilation systems and heat recovery units may be included. 
  • Thermal insulation: which reduces the need to spend capital on air conditioning.   
  • Natural materials, environmentally friendly and mostly recycled. 

The cost of building an eco-friendly residential home depends on the materials and labor; however, It is possible to estimate a price based on the following factors: 

  • If it is built of wood: They are a trend in today's market. It's a material that provides warmth, strength, and durability to construction. The price range for building with wood is between $18,000 and $22,000 MXN/m2.
  • If it is made of adobe: It is used in luxurious, rustic-style homes. In addition to its aesthetic purpose, it provides thermal and acoustic insulation. The price range for this construction is $4,000 to $5,500 MXN/m2.
  • If they are made of straw: It is one of the most beneficial materials for home construction, as it is inexpensive and provides good thermal insulation. You can find houses made with this material ranging from $2,000 to $8,000 MXN/m2.
  • If they are prefabricated: The design of this type of property focuses on energy efficiency and depends on the developer. The cost of building this house typically ranges from $650,000 to $2,550,000 MXN.

5. Construction materials

Materiales de construcción

To calculate the cost of building a house in Mexico, the materials used are taken into account. includes sand, cement, stones, gravel, water, steel rods, stirrups or rings and finishes. 

Material prices vary depending on quality, availability, and supplier. Keep the following information in mind when getting an estimate: 

  • Bag of cement: $200 and $250 MXN per unit 
  • Steel rods: $150 and $200 MXN per piece
  • Concrete blocks: $12 and $18 MXN each
  • River stone: $500 and $1,000 MXN per cubic meter
  • Flagstone: $150 and $300 MXN per square meter
  • Gravel: $600 and $900 MXN per cubic meter
  • Water for construction: $100 and $200 MXN per cubic meter
  • Sand: $500 and $700 MXN per cubic meter
  • Stirrups or rings (10x10 cm):  $15 and $25 MXN per piece
  • Ceramic floor (square meter):  $150 and $300 MXN per m²
  • Bathroom tile (square meter): $180 and $350 MXN per m²
  • Transportation costs: Each supplier has unique rates for transporting the material to the construction site. 

6. Exclusive amenities and finishes

Interior de una casa exclusiva

To calculate the amount with which a high-end house can be built, you also have to think about the cost of the finishes. 

Luxury finishes increase the property's long-term value. This is an advantage for those who want to a property to live in with the family or as a capital investment

What types of amenities and finishes are typically included in residential projects?

  • Luxury floors and coverings (marble, granite, fine wood, porcelain, etc.)
  • High-end appliances and stainless steel finishes 
  • Wear and heat resistant countertops
  • Exclusive bathrooms and faucets
  • Porcelain tiles
  • Outdoor kitchens 
  • Storage warehouses
  • Pools and jacuzzis
  • Smart lighting
  • Terraces and additional rooms
  • Advanced security systems 
  • Smart thermostats
  • Underground facilities
  • Yoga and meditation rooms 
  • Gardens and landscapes
  • Top quality paintings 
  • Door and window frames
  • Private gyms with state-of-the-art equipment. 

7. Costs of the architectural project

Persona señalando un documento

This factor is key in determining the cost of building a house. The architectural project includes the set of necessary plans, sketches, budgets and instructions that lead to the construction of the work. 

In addition to its development, keep in mind that the larger the house, the more materials it will require. Which consequently increases the final costs. 

Let's analyze the elements and phases of the architectural project, from its planning to its execution, in order to calculate an approximate cost: 

  • Architect's fees: They vary depending on the professional's experience, the location of the project, and the level of difficulty of the construction. In general, architects charge between 8% and 12% of the total project cost or per square meter of construction.  
  • Land survey: which includes a topographic study and soil analysis. This service costs between $5,000 and $25,000 MXN. 
  • Preliminary project design: includes initial sketches. The cost of this service is usually included in an initial estimate. 
  • Executive project design: In this phase, the architectural plans (floor plans, sections, facades, space layout), structural plans (foundation, beams, and columns), and installation plans (electrical, plumbing, and hydraulic) are estimated. The cost can range between $150 and $500 MXN/m².
  • Construction supervision: The project manager usually charges between 5% and 10% of the total cost of the work.

To calculate the exact costs of a project, it is recommended to request a quote from a team of experts in real estate development. These types of companies plan in detail and choose strategically your materials to avoid hidden costs. 

8. Payment to workers

Trabajadores de una obra de construcción

This expense accounts for a large part of your construction budget. It's a factor that includes staff salaries and benefits. Therefore, It is appropriate that you take the following into account

  • Unskilled labor: Helpers, laborers, and loaders. They are responsible for cleaning the site, unloading, and mixing materials. Their daily wages range from $300 to $400 MXN. 
  • Skilled labor: Bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers, and electricians. They perform specialized work and installations on property. Their daily wages range from $350 to $400 MXN and vary by region and depending on the professional's experience. 
  • Technical professionals: Resident engineers and architects. They supervise the construction work and closely monitor the work plan. Their monthly salary ranges from $15,000 to $35,000 MXN per month or is set per square meter of construction.

Similarly, there are certain circumstances that may be added to workers' payments, including: 

  • Contract benefits
  • Social Security 
  • Vacation and Christmas bonus
  • Sunday premium
  • Extra benefits such as transportation, tools and equipment.  

9. Machinery rental 

Maquinaria de construcción

Renting construction machinery and equipment represents a considerable cost reduction, since you would only pay for the time of use. 

Another advantage is that leasing companies usually cover maintenance and repair costs. 

Below, we explain the key details for estimating rental costs: 

  • Heavy machinery: Daily rental of backhoes, excavators and bulldozers ranges from $3,000 to $12,000 MXN.  
  • Light machinery: Compactor rentals can cost between $800 and $1,500 MXN per day.
  • Transport: Dump trucks can cost between 3,500 and 6,000 MXN per day to rent, while cranes can range from 10,000 to 15,000 MXN per day, which can impact your budget for building your own home.
  • Rental duration: Short-term rentals can be more expensive than hiring services on a monthly or project-by-project basis. 
  • Machine status: The new options have a higher cost. 
  • Location: The price depends entirely on local supply and demand. 
  • Operator availability: This cost is subject to the type of contract you have with the leasing company, however, it can range between $800 and $2,000 MXN per day. 
  • Type of income: It can be per day, per week or per project. 

10. Contingencies and unforeseen events

Persona contando monedas, en simulación de ahorro

As an additional recommendation, it is advisable to have a budget for unforeseen events and contingencies that may arise during the execution of the. 

This step is crucial when estimating the construction price, since it helps you anticipate possible cost overruns of the work.  

It is advisable to have a 15% emergency budget in addition to the total value of the construction project.  

Have you already calculated an average construction price? 

As you may have noticed, the cost depends on several factors. So, we invite you to request a personalized quote tailored to your needs.

Of course, it is always better to delegate the development, management and construction of a house to expert hands, even more so when it comes to an exclusive property that requires many details and proper budget management. 

And beyond knowing how much it costs to build a house, It is also important to know how to make a safe investmentAt Proyectos 253, we have the ideal properties for you. Contact us and let's talk about our available properties.