House Construction FAQ

The per square foot rate includes foundation work, structural elements (columns, beams, slabs), brickwork, plastering, roofing, electrical wiring, plumbing, floor and wall tiling, painting, doors, and windows.

It does NOT include land cost, boundary walls, landscaping, furniture, swimming pools, or home automation systems. For a complete breakdown, see our 2027 cost projections.

Per square foot, a two storey house costs approximately 10% more than a single storey due to the staircase, stronger foundations, reinforced columns, and a concrete slab between floors. However, a two storey house saves on land usage and foundation area, making it more cost-effective if you need more space on a smaller plot.

Read our full comparison: Single Storey vs Two Storey House in Sri Lanka.

Choose a simple rectangular floor plan, use locally sourced materials, avoid unnecessary design complexity like curved walls or cantilevers, get a proper Bill of Quantities (BOQ) before starting, and choose an experienced contractor who can manage materials efficiently. Never compromise on structural quality as it affects long-term safety.

For more tips, read our complete cost guide and use the cost calculator to compare finish levels.

A 3D house design is a computer-generated visualization that shows exactly how your house will look before construction begins. It helps you see the exterior, interior layout, room sizes, and material finishes in realistic detail. This saves money by catching design changes early, before concrete is poured and changes become expensive.

Learn more: Benefits of 3D House Design Before Construction.

The best designs for Sri Lanka's tropical climate include cross-ventilation with windows on opposite walls, deep roof overhangs (at least 2-3 feet) to block direct sun and rain, east-west building orientation to minimize heat absorption, high ceilings for better air circulation, and covered verandas for outdoor living space.

See real examples: Modern and Luxury House Designs Built for Sri Lanka.

On a 10-perch plot, you can typically fit 3-4 bedrooms in a two storey house, or 2-3 bedrooms in a single storey house. The exact number depends on local setback requirements (the mandatory distance from boundaries), road width, and your other space needs like a garage, garden, or utility areas.

For layout ideas: Best House Plan Layouts for Small Plots in Sri Lanka.

Unicon creates fully custom house plans tailored to your requirements. We start from your needs — number of rooms, budget, lifestyle preferences, and land shape — not from templates. Our architect designs your home from scratch, and we provide 3D visualizations so you can see and approve every detail before construction begins.

The main steps are:

1. Design and planning (architect drawings, 3D design)
2. Building permit approval from the local authority
3. Site preparation and excavation
4. Foundation work
5. Structural work (columns, beams, walls)
6. Roof construction
7. Electrical and plumbing rough-in
8. Plastering and finishing
9. Tiling, painting, and fixtures
10. Final inspection and handover

Read the full guide: House Construction Process Step by Step.

A typical 1,500 sqft single storey house takes 6-8 months. A 2,500 sqft two storey house takes 10-12 months. Larger or more complex designs can take 12-14 months. These timelines assume normal weather conditions and steady material supply. The design and permit phase adds 2-4 months before construction begins.

A BOQ (Bill of Quantities) is a detailed document that lists every material and labour item needed for your house, with exact quantities and current market prices. It is essential because it prevents cost surprises, allows you to compare contractor quotes on the same basis, and serves as a reference document throughout construction.

No, you do not need to be physically present. Unicon provides regular site photos, video updates, and progress reports so you can monitor construction remotely. Many of our clients live overseas and manage their entire project through WhatsApp updates and video calls.

Read our guide: How to Build a House in Sri Lanka While Living Abroad.

Yes, a building permit is required for any permanent structure in Sri Lanka. You must obtain approval from your local authority — Pradeshiya Sabha for rural areas, Municipal Council for cities, or the Urban Development Authority (UDA) for designated UDA areas. Building without a permit is illegal.

You need:

1. A survey plan of your land
2. Building plans prepared by a chartered architect
3. Structural drawings by a chartered structural engineer
4. Proof of land ownership (deed)
5. The application form from your local authority

Some areas may require additional documents like a soil test report or environmental clearance.

Building permit approval typically takes 4-12 weeks depending on the local authority. Pradeshiya Sabha offices are usually faster (4-6 weeks), while Municipal Councils and UDA areas may take 8-12 weeks or longer. Unicon handles the full approval process for our clients, including preparing all required documents and following up with the authority.

No. Building without a permit is illegal in Sri Lanka. The local authority can issue a stop-work order or even a demolition order for unauthorized construction. Additionally, you will face problems when applying for utility connections (water, electricity) and when selling the property in the future. Always wait for the approved permit before starting any construction work.

Check their completed projects and visit at least one site in person. Ask for references from previous clients. Verify their business registration and any professional certifications. Get a written contract with clear scope, timeline, and payment terms. Compare detailed BOQs from multiple contractors, not just total prices — the cheapest quote often means corners will be cut.

A proper construction contract should include: scope of work with detailed specifications, total cost and payment schedule tied to milestones, project timeline with start and completion dates, materials specification (brands and grades), warranty terms, penalty clauses for delays, dispute resolution process, and conditions for variations or changes during construction.

Unicon Construction serves Matale, Kandy, Kurunegala, Dambulla, Colombo, Akurana, Mawanella, Galhinna, and surrounding areas across Central, North Western, and Sabaragamuwa Provinces. We also serve overseas Sri Lankan clients who want to build a house while living abroad.

Yes. Unicon provides a structural warranty on all construction projects. We also include a defects liability period after handover, during which we will fix any construction defects at no additional cost. Our warranty covers structural elements, waterproofing, and workmanship quality.