Cost of Building a House in Nepal – Two-Storey Breakdown

If you’re planning to build your dream home, understanding the cost of building a house in Nepal is the first big step. Many homeowners start with a vision of their perfect space but get overwhelmed by the expenses involved. Building a two-storey house isn’t just about bricks and cement—it’s about smart planning, budgeting, and making the right choices from the start.

In this guide, we’ll break down the steps to construct a house and explain what contributes to the total cost, so you can plan better and avoid unexpected surprises.

Why Costs Vary in House Construction

Before jumping into numbers, it’s important to understand that no two houses cost the same. The final budget depends on several factors:

• Location: Land prices and transportation costs vary from one city or district to another.

  
  

• Materials Used: RCC, brick, stone, or other materials affect both price and durability.

• Design Complexity: Simple layouts are cheaper to construct than elaborate designs.

• Labor Costs: Skilled workers charge more, but quality work can save future repair costs.

• Finishing Choices: Flooring, paint, doors, windows, and fittings can greatly change the budget.

Step 1 – Planning and Design

One of the most overlooked steps to construct a house is planning. Hiring an architect or engineer to design your home not only ensures safety and functionality but also helps you estimate costs more accurately.

For a two-storey home in Nepal, the design should also comply with local building codes and safety standards, especially considering seismic risks.

? Tip: Investing in a detailed architectural plan now can save you from costly changes later.

Step 2 – Foundation and Structure Costs

The foundation is the backbone of your house. In earthquake-prone areas like Nepal, an RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) frame is a popular choice for strength and durability.

• Foundation Excavation & RCC Work: This includes digging, laying base concrete, and setting up reinforcement.

• Columns, Beams, and Slabs: The primary structural framework that supports the house.

For a two-storey house, expect 30–35% of the total budget to go into the foundation and RCC work.

Step 3 – Wall Construction and Roofing

Once the frame is ready, the next stage is building the walls and roof:

• Walls: Brick masonry is common, but some use concrete blocks or stones.

• Roofing: RCC slab roofs are common in urban areas, while CGI sheet roofs are used in rural settings.

Quality materials and skilled labor here ensure your home is weatherproof and long-lasting.

Step 4 – Plumbing and Electrical Work

It’s tempting to focus on visible finishes, but plumbing and electrical systems are equally important. This stage involves:

• Installing water supply lines and drainage.

• Wiring for lighting, sockets, and appliances.

• Setting up safety devices like circuit breakers.

? Pro Tip: Never compromise on the quality of pipes and wires—it saves on costly repairs later.

Step 5 – Finishing and Interiors

This is where your home starts to look like your dream space. The cost here depends heavily on your personal taste.

• Flooring: Tiles, marble, granite, or wooden flooring.

• Painting: Interior and exterior paints or wall finishes.

• Windows and Doors: Wood, UPVC, or aluminum.

• Kitchen and Bathroom Fixtures: Cabinets, sinks, showers, and taps.

For most two-storey houses, finishing can take up 25–35% of the total budget.

Estimated Cost Breakdown for a Two-Storey House in Nepal

While exact prices vary, here’s a general idea for budgeting a two-storey house:

• Foundation & Structure (RCC): NPR 15–20 lakhs

• Walls & Roofing: NPR 10–15 lakhs

• Plumbing & Electrical: NPR 5–8 lakhs

• Finishing: NPR 12–20 lakhs

• Miscellaneous & Permits: NPR 3–5 lakhs

Total: Around NPR 45–65 lakhs (excluding land price) depending on location, design, and material quality.

Hidden Costs You Shouldn’t Forget

Many first-time builders underestimate hidden costs. These include:

• Government approvals and building permits.

• Site preparation or land leveling.

• Temporary on-site facilities for workers.

• Transportation of materials.

• Cost escalation due to delays.

Knowing these in advance helps avoid mid-project budget shocks.

How to Reduce the Cost of Building a House in Nepal

While building costs are rising, you can still manage your budget wisely:

1. Plan Early: Get your design and cost estimates before starting construction.

2. Choose Quality Over Quantity: Smaller but better-built homes are more durable.

3. Buy Materials in Bulk: This often comes with discounts.

4. Hire the Right Team: A professional construction company in Nepal ensures fewer mistakes and better project management.

5. Use Local Materials: They’re often cheaper and easier to source.

Common Mistakes That Increase Construction Costs

• Changing the design after construction starts.

• Using low-quality materials to save money (leads to more repairs).

• Poor supervision of workers.

• Ignoring weather conditions and seasonal cost fluctuations.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures your project stays within budget and on schedule.

Steps to Construct a House – Summary

To make things simple, here are the basic steps to construct a house in Nepal:

1. Buy land and get approvals.

2. Hire an architect or engineer.

3. Prepare the design and budget.

4. Lay the foundation and structure.

5. Build walls and roofing.

6. Install plumbing and electrical systems.

7. Complete interior and exterior finishes.

8. Final inspection and handover.

Final Thoughts

Building your dream two-storey house is a big milestone, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right planning, a clear budget, and reliable professionals, you can create a beautiful and safe home without breaking the bank.

If you’re unsure where to start or need professional guidance, Jadan Construction Group is here to help. From planning to completion, we focus on quality, safety, and transparency—ensuring your dream home is built to last.