A Comprehensive Guide to Construction Costs in the Philippines

When it comes to construction, understanding the costs involved is essential for successful planning and budgeting. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various components that contribute to construction costs in the Philippines. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the expenses associated with concreting works, reinforcement, and formworks.
Concreting Works
Concreting works are integral to the construction process, forming the foundation and structure of the building. Let's take a look at the materials, labor, and associated costs involved in concreting works.
Description		Unit	Matls	Labor	Professional Fee	Equip & Tools
Soil Poisoning – Termicide		Liter	₱357.50	₱214.50	₱17.88	₱32.18
Gravel		cu.m	₱1,441.00	₱864.60	₱72.05	₱129.69
Wash Sand		cu.m	₱1,578.50	₱946.10	₱78.93	₱141.87
Portland Cement, 40kg		Bag	₱284.90	₱170.94	₱14.25	₱25.64
Pozzolan Cement, 40kg		Bag	₱287.10	₱172.26	₱14.36	₱25.84
The table above provides an overview of the costs associated with various concreting works. Soil poisoning, which involves treating the soil to prevent termite infestations, incurs a cost of ₱357.50 per liter of termicide used. Additionally, labor costs for soil poisoning amount to ₱214.50. The manpower required for this task includes the foreman and workers, with a professional fee of ₱17.88. The necessary equipment and tools cost ₱32.18.
Gravel and wash sand are essential materials for creating a stable base. The cost of gravel is ₱1,441.00 per cubic meter, with additional labor expenses of ₱864.60. The foreman and workers handle this task, with a professional fee of ₱72.05. The equipment and tools necessary for moving and using gravel contribute ₱129.69 to the total expenditure. Similarly, wash sand, which is slightly more expensive than gravel, costs ₱1,578.50 per cubic meter. The labor cost for handling and using wash sand is ₱946.10, with a professional fee of ₱78.93. The associated equipment and tools cost ₱141.87.
The table also includes the costs of two types of cement commonly used in construction: Portland Cement and Pozzolan Cement. The price of a 40kg bag of Portland Cement is ₱284.90, while Pozzolan Cement costs ₱287.10 per bag. Labor expenses for handling and pouring cement amount to ₱170.94 for Portland Cement and ₱172.26 for Pozzolan Cement. The foreman and workers involved incur a professional fee of ₱14.25 and ₱14.36, respectively. The equipment and tools utilized for cement-related tasks contribute ₱25.64 for Portland Cement and ₱25.84 for Pozzolan Cement.
Reinforcement
Reinforcement plays a crucial role in ensuring the strength and durability of a building. Let's examine the materials, labor, and associated costs involved in reinforcement.
Item	length	Unit	Matls	Labor	Professional Fee	Equip & Tools
Reinforcing Bar, Grade 60, 10mm Dia.	6m	pc	₱179.40	₱107.64	₱8.97	₱16.15
Reinforcing Bar, Grade 60, 12mm Dia.	6m	pc	₱253.90	₱152.34	₱12.70	₱22.85
Reinforcing Bar, Grade 60, 16mm Dia.	6m	pc	₱450.80	₱270.48	₱22.54	₱40.57
Reinforcing Bar, Grade 60, 20mm Dia.	6m	pc	₱738.30	₱442.98	₱36.92	₱66.45
Galvanized Iron Tie Wire, #16	N/A	kg	₱18.40	₱11.04	₱0.92	₱1.66
The table above outlines the costs associated with reinforcement materials and labor. Reinforcing bars, also known as rebars, are metal rods that add strength to the structure. The cost of each rebar depends on its diameter. For example, a 10mm diameter rebar costs ₱179.40, while a 20mm diameter rebar costs ₱738.30. The labor cost for handling and installing rebars ranges from ₱107.64 to ₱442.98, depending on the rebar size. The assigned manpower includes the foreman and steelworkers, with a consultants' fee ranging from ₱8.97 to ₱36.92. The necessary equipment and tools for handling rebars, such as a Rebar Bender and Rebar Cutter, contribute ₱16.15 to ₱66.45 to the overall expenses. Additionally, galvanized iron tie wire, used to secure the rebars together, incurs a cost of ₱18.40 per kilogram. The labor cost for using tie wire amounts to ₱11.04. The foreman and steelworkers involved in this task have a consultants' fee of ₱0.92. The tools utilized, including a Tie Wire Reel and Pliers, contribute ₱1.66 to the total expenditure.
Formworks
Formworks provide the necessary support and shape during construction. Let's explore the materials, labor, and associated costs involved in formworks.
Item	Unit	Dimensions (ft)	Matls	Labor	Professional Fee	Equip & Tools
Coco Lumber, 2 x 3	pc	10	₱291.60	₱174.96	₱14.58	₱26.24
Coco Lumber, 2 x 4	pc	10	₱291.60	₱174.96	₱14.58	₱26.24
Plywood, 1/2" thick	pc	4 x 8	₱708.48	₱425.09	₱35.42	₱63.76
Lawanit Board, 6mm thick	pc	Variable	₱216.88	₱130.13	₱10.84	₱19.52
Ordinary Plywood, 6mm thick	pc	Variable	₱348.84	₱209.30	₱17.44	₱31.40
Wood, 1" x 2"	pc	8	₱81.00	₱48.60	₱4.05	₱7.29
Wood, 2" x 2"	pc	8	₱102.60	₱61.56	₱5.13	₱9.23
Wood, 2" x 3"	pc	8	₱113.40	₱68.04	₱5.67	₱10.21
Wood, 2" x 4"	pc	8	₱135.00	₱81.00	₱6.75	₱12.15
The table above presents the costs associated with different types of formworks. Coco lumber, plywood, lawanit board, and ordinary wood are commonly used materials for formworks.
The cost of each material depends on its dimensions and type. For example, a piece of 2" x 3" coco lumber, measuring 10 feet long, costs ₱291.60. The labor cost for installing this piece involves the foreman and carpenters, totaling ₱174.96. The assigned manpower incurs a consultants' fee of ₱14.58, and the necessary tools, such as a hand saw, hammer, and nails, contribute ₱26.24 to the overall expenses.
Similarly, the costs vary for other formwork materials and dimensions. Plywood, lawanit board, and ordinary wood in different sizes incur specific material costs, labor costs, consultants' fees, and equipment and tools allocations.
In this comprehensive guide, we explored the costs associated with reinforcement and formworks, crucial elements of construction projects in the Philippines. By examining the detailed tables provided, you gained valuable insights into the direct material costs, direct labor costs, assigned manpower, consultants' fees, equipment and tools allocations, and the equipment and tools used for both reinforcement and formworks.
Understanding construction costs enables effective project planning and budgeting. By incorporating the knowledge gained from this guide, you will be better equipped to make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and enhance overall project outcomes. Whether you are a homeowner, contractor, or construction enthusiast, this comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource to improve your understanding of construction costs in the Philippines.