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From the blog

Cost and time implications of building using EPS technology in Kenya

Advice

Urban population in Kenya is rapidly growing posing a major challenge in housing that has seen majority of urban inhabitants reside in informal settlement commonly known as slums. With a deficit of 250,000 thousand housing units per annum, a new building technology in Kenya known as Expanded Polystyrene Panel EPS technology is expected to turn around construction industry.

The technology that uses cheaper materials compared to conventional stones and yet strong enough to withstand bullet and grenade attacks, is no doubt good news to both individual and real estate investors. { Kenya Broadcasting Corporation}

From the interview, it is revealed the size of the panel is 1.5 Metres by 3.0 Metres and costs Kshs. 5,000.00 at the Factory.

This translates to a cost of Kshs. 1,111.11 per Square Metre + Transport Costs + Cost of Concrete Plasterwork.

Substitute for Building Stones

“The panels act as a substitute for building stones and timber, guaranteeing better quality finished products that have thermal insulation and are environmentally friendly,” Mr Njuguna said.

It is estimated that a two bed-room unit built with the technology would cost Sh700,000 before finishing, about half of the cost when using bricks and timber. National Treasury Secretary Henry Rotich allocated National Housing Corporation Sh1.2 billion for the construction of more than 2,000 housing units. The National Housing Corporation plans to construct at least 50 houses in each county, starting with police quarters, in the coming financial year.{ Business Daily}

 

Comparison of prices

For Comparison purposes, the indicative cost of other related walling materials for a typical 200mm Thick Wall is as follows:

  1. Natural Quarry Stone – Kshs. 1,550.00 per square metre
  2. Machine dressed “Ruiru” stone – Kshs. 1,900.00 per square metre
  3. Solid Concrete Block Walling – Kshs.  2,400.00 per square metre
  4. Brickwork – Kshs. 1,600.00 per square metre
  5. Partition (Stramit plain board) {50mm Thick)- Kshs. 2,400 per square metre
  6. Stramit board veneered with Mahogany – Kshs. 6,000 per square metre
  7. Stabilized Soil Blocks (SSBs) – Kshs. 1,100 per Square Metre
  8. Hollow Pre-Cast Blocks (200mm Thick) – Kshs. 950 per square metre

In making a decision on what material one has to use, consider transport costs, finishes and labour to be engaged.

As a general rule, any composite walling material like Gypsum boards (Internal partitions) or the EPS Technology, takes less time to erect hence leading to additional cost savings on labour and time.

Story source: http://ujenzibora.com

 

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44 comments

      1. Thanks Kariuki. Can you kindly provide me with a telephone no/contact of a quantity Surveyor to discuss with on my project. My phone no is 0712371180

        Reply

    2. conventional 3 bedroom bungalow assuming you have already purchased the land, this would cost about 3.75M to finish the shell in Nairobi and its environs. However, the cost escalate because of transport and logistics cost if far from Nairobi. if you are thinking Maisonnate then the cost for the same house reduces by 15%

      Reply

  2. Kariuki, thanks for the good information
    Now, would you kindly connect me to a quantity surveyor to do for me a quotation of a four bedroomed manssionete

    Reply

  7. Hi i have worked in an eps factory in uae, and know the numerous applications for eps board. I have been looking for someone to partner with n start a factory here in kenya. Wud appreciate ur advice

    Reply

  10. Looking for company to build factory in Zambia in partnership,we’ve godfathers for mass housing units for medium n high costs houses supported by our government.any interested please get in touch.
    Watsapp +260955765823/+270977765823.

    Reply

  11. How many panels size1.5 metres by3.0 metres to build a small house 20 by 14. Also iwould like to know the cost of the panels which ican use please.

    Reply

  14. Out of the 8 walling material which one could you recommend to along lasting family home in expensive soil in ruai area

    Reply

  15. Hi i have measurement for the house
    Square feet details
    Ground floor : 1309 sq.ft.
    First floor : 790 sq.ft.
    Total area : 2099 sq.ft.
    Bedrooms : 4
    Bathrooms attached : 4
    Design style : Dormer window house

    Reply

  23. I understand that EPS homes are beam and column structures. However, how does this technology stack up against traditional brick & mortar when it comes to DURABILITY? Will an EPS home last as long as a stone house?

    Reply

  24. I have an incoming project for commercial shops. 5 shops per floor going 4 stores up including the ground elevation. I have concluded in using EPS technology in this. Kindly contact me.

    Reply

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