How Much Will 50k Cedis Reach When Building a 3-Bedroom House in Ghana?
Building a house in Ghana, especially within a budget of 50,000 cedis (GHS), is a significant undertaking. Understanding the components of the building process and their costs is crucial in ensuring that the project is feasible within the given budget. This article provides insights into the approximate value of the money, considering a simple, no-frills 3-bedroom house.
Understanding the Budget
50,000 Cedis is about USD 8,000 at the current exchange rate. This modest budget, while sufficient for a plain 3-bedroom home, will be stretched thin. Here’s what you can expect:
Building Design and Concept
The specified design is a simple three-bedroom house, without any fancy extras like study rooms or additional amenities. This minimalist approach will allow the resources to be used effectively, maximizing the space and comfort within the home.
The house will consist of a master bedroom and two bedrooms sharing a single bathroom, along with required lintels and structural work that must be completed before the roofing can be installed.
Breaking Down the Costs
The breakdown of 50,000 cedis for the construction of a basic 3-bedroom house in Ghana can be divided into the following main components:
Lintel and Structural Work
Lindent and structural work: Lintel is a horizontal beam typically found over door and window openings, which is necessary to distribute the weight of the structure properly. Before the roof can be added, the lintels must be installed correctly to ensure structural safety. This phase accounts for about 10-15% of the total budget (5,000-7,500 cedis).
Foundations
Foundations: The foundation forms the base of the house and needs to be solid and durable. Simple masonry foundations are a good option, but they require careful planning. This portion typically consumes around 15-20% of the total cost (7,500-10,000 cedis).
Walls and Roofing
Walls and roofing: Basic walls and a simple roof structure are a must in a 3-bedroom house. Bricks and mortar or concrete blocks can be used for the walls, while a corrugated iron roof is a cost-effective choice. This phase could cost around 30-40% of the budget (15,000-20,000 cedis).
Interior Finishes and Plumbing
Interior finishes: Since there is no fancy finishing planned, plaster and paint will suffice. Plumbing and electrical work, required for basic functionality, are also necessary. These costs might take up about 15-20% of the total budget (7,500-10,000 cedis).
Furniture and Kitchen
Furniture and kitchen: With no additional amenities like a study room or a big kitchen, the costs for furniture and kitchen appliances are kept minimal. This portion can be budgeted for 5-10% of the total (2,500-5,000 cedis).
Conclusion
The 50,000 cedis budget will be consumed by the various components of the house, ranging from the most critical structural work to the basic interior and kitchen configuration. With careful planning and management, it is possible to build a simple yet functional 3-bedroom house within this budget.
Remember, this figure is a rough estimate and actual costs may vary based on the location, material prices, and other factors. Consulting a local builder or architect for a detailed breakdown of the costs would be advisable for better accuracy.