Tag: building a house in zambia

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Will the New Kwacha Notes Affect the Cost of Building?

New Zambian kwacha notes with Bricklayer in background

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and guidance only. It does not constitute financial or investment advice. The following is just my opinion. Feel free to give yours in the comments below.

On March 31, 2025 the Bank of Zambia released the new Zambian Kwacha notes. The old notes will be valid for 1 year. First of all, I must say I love the look of the new notes including the sizes. I just wish we could all take care of the money and not fold it so much because it shortens its lifespan.

Now, there are many factors that affect the cost of construction but today lets just look at the introduction of the new currency. These are my initial speculations. Expect the cost of construction to likely go up. Why?

From my perspective, the introduction of higher value notes like the K500 kind of devalues it in terms of perspective. You can now buy a bag of cement with one bank note and even get some change. A bag of cement was trading at around 155-175 in March 2025. Let’s see what the price will be by May 2025 onwards. We will keep monitoring and update you. So expect some price fluctuations as the industry adjusts.

You might be wondering though, as a home builder, does the cost of construction ever reduce? On rare occasions. Your biggest expense on any project will be the cost of materials. One such material is cement because it’s used in the foundation and the superstructure even during finishes. One such rare occasion when the cost of construction reduces is when there is healthy competition by material suppliers. For example, when a new cement manufacturer entered the Zambian construction sector in the past, prices dropped significantly. It’s unlikely that we will see such a drop soon but we can only hope for the best. 

The key takeaway here is that you should build as soon as practically possible based on your finances but please follow the right procedures and obtain building permission before starting. To get building permission you need a house plan designed by a registered architect.

One way to lock in the cost of construction regardless of new currency is to use a registered contractor. It may look more expensive at first but contractors take all the risk like currency fluctuations and the hassle of sourcing quality materials at a good price. The cost of construction also becomes predictable with a contractor because you lock them into a contract which has a fixed amount and desired outcome.

If you are ready to start your building project plus you already have an approved house plan and need a quotation for construction please get in touch with Sieben Construction for a quote for construction that you can lock in.

Share your thoughts on the new Kwacha notes. Post your comments below.

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Build a Servants Quarter Before Your Dream Home as Your First Home in Zambia

Start Small, Dream Big Later

The dream of owning a home in Zambia is a powerful one. Visions of a beautiful, custom-built house often dance in the minds of first-time builders. I have seen several people chase this dream and fail or give up. While ambition is admirable, practical considerations should guide your initial steps. Building your “dream home” as your very first project can be a risky endeavor, often leading to unexpected costs, delays, and frustrations.

The First Build is always a Learning Curve

Construction, even on a modest scale, is a complex process. It involves navigating permits, sourcing materials, managing contractors, and understanding local building codes. Your first project will inevitably be a learning experience, filled with valuable lessons that you simply can’t learn from books or online resources.

Why risk your dream home on a process where mistakes are almost guaranteed?

I believe building a smaller, simpler home is the best way to go. A long time ago (apologies to people born in the 60’s-70’s), government houses would have a main house and a servants quarters. These servants quarters would be 3 roomed houses (Not bedrooms) with a toilet/shower attached outside. No tiles, ceiling just basic finishes. Okay so maybe they were a bit too basic but here’s why you should start with a smaller project. Building a small first project allows you to do 4 things:

  1. Minimize Financial Risk: Construction costs can quickly spiral out of control, especially when unforeseen issues arise. Starting with a smaller and simpler project limits your financial exposure and allows you to gain experience without jeopardizing your entire savings.  
  2. Gain Practical Knowledge: You’ll learn firsthand about budgeting, material selection, contractor management, and quality control. This experience will be invaluable when you’re ready to tackle your dream home.
  3. Avoid Costly Mistakes: Mistakes are inevitable during any construction project. By starting small, you can make those mistakes on a smaller scale, minimizing their impact on your finances and your overall satisfaction.
  4. Secure a Place to Call Home: Building a smaller, functional home provides you with a comfortable and secure place to live while you plan and save for your dream project.

The ideal first step is a simple, functional home.

Instead of jumping into a complex, expensive project like building your dream house or multiple flats, consider building a smaller, simpler home to start. A one or two bedroom (maximum) house with basic amenities can provide a comfortable living space while you gain experience and save for your dream home. Of course, this means when you buy a plot, buy as big as possible.

This approach offers several advantages:

  1. Lower construction costs.
  2. Faster construction time.
  3. Reduced stress and risk.
  4. Valuable learning experience. You will now practice what you learned on your main house.
  5. You get to monitor progress of your main house/dream house at close range since you will probably already live on the property and have acclimatized to living in the new area.

By starting small, you’ll be better prepared to build your dream home with confidence and avoid the pitfalls that often plague first-time builders. Your first home should be a stepping stone, not a financial and emotional burden. With careful planning and a realistic approach, you can turn your dream of homeownership into a reality, one step at a time.

What do you think about building yourself a small servants quarter first? post your comment below.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

General Design and Planning

  1. Do you offer house plans?

No, but we can recommend trusted and qualified architects to offer architectural services to you that are adapted to the Zambian market and conform to building regulations. Sign up for the Builders Blueprint newsletter to receive notification when ready made house plans will be available for download.  

  1. What type of house plans can I get?

It’s up to you and your vision. Single-storey, double-storey, modern or traditional designs.  

  1. Can you customize existing plans to fit my needs? Yes, we can customize existing plans to suit your specific requirements. This might involve adding or removing rooms, changing dimensions, or modifying the layout. You may provide the house plan or idea of the house plan you want to the Architect.
  1. How do I choose the right house plan for my budget and lifestyle? Consider factors like your family size, budget, and desired lifestyle. Are you building for yourself or for rent? You can also consult with our team for personalized advice.
  1. What factors should I consider when designing a house in Zambia? Key factors include climate, local building materials, building regulations and purpose of the house. 
  1. Do you offer consultations with architects or designers? Yes, our network of architects and designers are vetted and then recommended. Our team is available to answer your questions and provide guidance.

Getting Help

  1. What is the best way to stay in touch & learn? We have several options available click the corresponding links below:

Cost and Construction

  1. What is the typical cost of building a house in Zambia? The cost of building a house can vary significantly depending on factors such as size, materials, location, and labor costs. The cost can be determined by a quantity surveyor after a house plan is finalized by an architect.
  1. How do I find a reputable contractor in Zambia? We recommend seeking recommendations from friends, family, or other trusted sources. We have a network of trusted vendors that you can access. Get in touch for a referral.
  1. What do I need to start building in Zambia? To obtain a building permit you need to have your house plan scrutinized by the local authority and/or the local planning authority. Your house plan should be designed by a registered architect.  Fees for scrutiny vary by location. Consult your local authority on prices.
  1. Do you offer any construction services in addition to house plans? Yes, our network of reputable contractors and craftsmen are vetted then recommended. Our team is available to answer your questions and provide guidance.

Local Considerations

  1. Are your house plans designed for the Zambian climate? Yes, our plans are designed to be suitable for the Zambian climate, considering factors like heat, humidity, and rainfall.
  1. What are the common building materials used in Zambia? Common building materials in Zambia include concrete blocks, bricks, timber, and thatch. Consider factors like durability, cost, and local availability.
  1. Do your plans comply with Zambian building codes and regulations? Yes, because we only recommend registered architects whose plans are designed to comply with local building codes and regulations.

4. Can you recommend any resources for finding local builders and materials suppliers? You are already in the right place. Our newsletter is a good source as we will periodically highlight our best vendors. Additionally, conduct thorough research and get references.