How many m² is your plan, and roughly what will it cost?
The rough construction cost is calculated from your plan's gross area and the quality class you choose, then split into shell, finishes and building services. Walk into the budget talk with numbers.
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The unit cost is a sample value; enter your own based on your region and the date. Land, design fees, permits and charges are not included.
Gross area × unit cost × quality
On the Pro plan, this calculation is fed automatically from your plan: the outer outline gives the gross area, and the number of rooms and wet areas weights the building services item. The result is a budget threshold, not a cost estimate.
Structural works
Foundations, structural system, walls and roof. The item most directly tied to area; the number of floors and ground conditions move it.
Finishing works
Plaster, paint, flooring, window and door frames, kitchen and bathroom cabinets. This is where the quality class makes the biggest difference.
MEP
Electrical, plumbing, heating. The number of wet areas and sockets is read from the services layer.
Contingency
The share every budget needs. Surprises from the ground, price rises and design changes are covered here; otherwise they get cut from the finishes, and it shows.
Quantity and material schedule
On the Pro plan, wall lengths, door and window counts, floor area and services symbols are listed in a schedule; enter unit prices and you get a cost estimate summary. You can take it to CAD via DXF and continue with an engineer.
Same formula, different input
The calculator above shows the formula: you type in the area and unit price, and it is split into four items at fixed ratios. The Pro module feeds the same formula from the plan you draw and turns the result into a cost estimate summary.
- Gross area
- Sample: typed in by hand · Pro: automatic from the plan's outer outline
- Item ratios
- Sample: fixed 45 / 35 / 12 / 8% · Pro: weighted by the number of rooms, wet areas and services symbols
- Quality class
- Sample: three multipliers · Pro: per item (flooring, window and door frames, kitchen chosen separately)
- Quantities
- Sample: none · Pro: wall m, door/window count, floor m², symbol count
- Unit price
- Sample: a single value · Pro: itemized list, saved with the project
- Export
- Sample: total on screen · Pro: cost estimate summary PDF, material schedule, DXF
- Staying current
- Sample: when you change it · Pro: the figure changes when the plan changes
Draw the plan first, let the cost come from the plan.
Draw your plan on the Free plan; with Pro, area, quantity take-off and cost estimate summary come straight from the plan via the editor's Save menu.
Frequently asked questions
How reliable is the calculation?
It's a rough estimate; think of it as within ±20%. An exact figure needs a quantity take-off and cost estimate, prepared by an engineer or contractor.
Where do I find the unit cost?
From current construction cost data for your region, or from a contractor who has given you a quote. The value in the calculator is a sample; enter your own.
Are land and permits included?
No. The calculation covers construction cost only. Land, design fees, permits and charges are added separately.
Can I use it for renovations too?
Since demolition and the condition of the existing building aren't included, it's rougher for renovations; it's more accurate to look at the finishes item on its own.