What’s the cost per sqm—and what’s included/excluded?

Ever noticed how “₱___/sqm” sounds affordable… until the “hindi kasama” hits you like a truck?

Cost per sqm is only useful if you’re comparing the same scope. Most quotes differ because one includes essentials (waterproofing, ceilings, better fixtures, siteworks), while another hides them as future add-ons.

Solution (the only safe way to compare):

• Demand a Written Inclusions/Exclusions Matrix (line-by-line)

• Require a BOQ-style breakdown (structure, roofing, plumbing, electrical, finishes, siteworks)

• Standardize the finish tier (Basic / Standard / Premium) before quoting

• Identify “hidden-cost zones”: permits, excavation/hauling, drainage, waterproofing, septic, electrical upgrades, cabinets

If it’s not written, it’s not included. Period.

Want a copy-paste Inclusions/Exclusions Checklist to expose hidden add-ons fast? Comment/DM “INCLUSIONS”.

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What’s the cost per sqm—and what’s included/excluded?

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2026 CDO cost ranges (construction only, ₱/sqm)

Tier	What it really means	2026 CDO planning range (₱/sqm)
BARE	“Shell” / rough-in ready (not livable finish)	₱21,000 – ₱26,000 (planning)
BASIC	Livable, simple finishes	₱26,000 – ₱30,000
STANDARD	Mid-level finishes + better fixture set	₱30,000 – ₱36,000
PREMIUM	Higher-end finishes/details	₱36,000 – ₱45,000+

Legend: 

✅ Included

⚠️ Allowance/limited

❌ Excluded (add-on / owner-supplied)

1) STRUCTURE + SHELL (major scope)

Item	BARE	BASIC	STANDARD	PREMIUM
Mobilization, temporary facilities, safety, site clearing	✅	✅	✅	✅
Earthworks: excavation, backfill, compaction, hauling	✅	✅	✅	✅
Foundation + structural (footings/columns/beams/slab, rebar, formworks)	✅	✅	✅	✅
Roof framing + roofing sheets	✅	✅	✅	✅ (upgraded materials)
Gutters/downspouts	⚠️	✅	✅	✅
Exterior walls (CHB/panel system per plan)	✅	✅	✅	✅
Interior partitions	⚠️ (limited)	✅	✅	✅
Plaster/render (external + internal as specified)	⚠️	✅	✅	✅ (higher finish)
Waterproofing (T&B / balcony / roof deck if any)	❌/⚠️ (minimal)	✅	✅	✅ (higher spec)
Septic tank (basic)	⚠️	✅	✅	✅ (upgrade options)

2) MEP (Plumbing + Electrical)

Item	BARE	BASIC	STANDARD	PREMIUM
Plumbing lines (water + sanitary)	⚠️ (rough-ins only)	✅	✅	✅
Plumbing fixtures (WC, lav, shower set, drains)	❌	✅ (basic set)	✅ (mid set)	✅ (premium set)
Electrical conduits/boxes (rough-ins)	⚠️	✅	✅	✅
Wires, breakers, panel board	❌/⚠️	✅ (basic capacity)	✅ (more circuits)	✅ (higher capacity)
Light fixtures	❌	⚠️ (basic allowance)	✅ (better fixtures)	✅ (designer options)
Outlets/switches count	❌/⚠️	✅ (basic)	✅ (more points)	✅ (more + specialty)
Provision for AC (sleeves/drain/power)	❌	❌/⚠️	⚠️	✅
Water heater provision	❌	❌/⚠️	⚠️	✅
Exhaust fan provisions (T&B/kitchen as needed)	❌	⚠️	✅	✅

3) FINISHES (where budget blowouts happen)

Item	BARE	BASIC	STANDARD	PREMIUM
Floor finish (tiles/vinyl)	❌	✅ (basic ceramic)	✅ (better tile)	✅ (porcelain/engineered)
Wall paint (interior/exterior paint system)	❌	✅ (standard)	✅ (better system)	✅ (premium system)
Ceiling (gypsum/fiber cement + framing)	❌	⚠️ (selected areas)	✅ (most areas)	✅ (with details)
Doors (main + interior)	❌/⚠️	✅ (flush/basic)	✅ (upgraded)	✅ (solid/engineered)
Windows	⚠️ (basic)	✅ (standard aluminum)	✅ (upgraded)	✅ (premium systems)
T&B wall tiles	❌	⚠️ (limited height/areas)	✅	✅ (full height/feature)
Shower enclosure/glass	❌	❌	⚠️	✅
Kitchen counter + sink	❌	⚠️ (basic)	✅ (better)	✅ (premium)
Kitchen cabinets	❌	❌/⚠️ (small allowance)	⚠️ (allowance)	✅ (full built-in scope)
Built-in closets	❌	❌	⚠️	✅
Railings (if 2-storey)	❌/⚠️	✅ (basic)	✅ (better)	✅ (premium)

4) EXTERNAL WORKS (usually excluded unless you force it into scope)

Item	BARE	BASIC	STANDARD	PREMIUM
Carport (roofed)	❌	❌/⚠️	⚠️	✅
Perimeter fence + gate	❌	❌	⚠️	✅
Driveway/walkway concrete	❌	❌/⚠️	⚠️	✅
Landscaping	❌	❌	❌/⚠️	⚠️/✅
Water tank + pump set	❌	❌/⚠️	⚠️	✅
Additional drainage/retaining works (if needed)	❌	❌	❌	❌ (priced separately after site check)

Always clarify these (to avoid “akala ko kasama”)

These are commonly excluded in all tiers unless written in your BOQ/contract:

• Permits + government fees, processing, signatories

• Architect/engineer design fees, surveys, soil test (if required)

• Utility connection fees (water/power/internet)

• Appliances + furniture

• Loose items (curtains, mirrors, towel bars unless specified)

• Major site complications (retaining walls, major drainage fixes) unless assessed and priced

If you want, I’ll convert this into a BOQ-ready checklist (line-item format) for your team: checkbox inclusions + allowance fields + quantity placeholders, matched to your 4 tiers.

CDO 2026 construction cost (BASIC • STANDARD • PREMIUM)

Planning ranges (construction only):

Tier	CDO 2026 budget range (₱/sqm)	What it usually means
BASIC	₱25,000–₱30,000	Clean, durable essentials; standard materials/fixtures
STANDARD	₱30,000–₱40,000	Better tiles/fixtures, nicer look, more detail work
PREMIUM	₱35,000–₱60,000+	High-end finishes/custom details; widest variance

These ranges are anchored on recent CDO contractor guidance (e.g., basic ₱25–28k, mid ₱29–33k, high-end ₱34–40k+)  and PH-wide high-end finish bands that often land ₱40–60k/sqm when you go premium/luxury selections.

Quick total budget examples (construction only)

Floor area	BASIC (25–30k)	STANDARD (30–40k)	PREMIUM (35–60k+)
60 sqm	₱1.50M–₱1.80M	₱1.80M–₱2.40M	₱2.10M–₱3.60M+
80 sqm	₱2.00M–₱2.40M	₱2.40M–₱3.20M	₱2.80M–₱4.80M+
100 sqm	₱2.50M–₱3.00M	₱3.00M–₱4.00M	₱3.50M–₱6.00M+

What’s typically INCLUDED (fast checklist)

BASIC

• Structure + roof + exterior paint

• Basic electrical & plumbing rough-ins + basic fixtures

• Standard tiles (common areas), basic doors/windows, basic ceiling (often simple)

STANDARD

• Upgraded tiles, better ceiling/lighting layout, nicer kitchen/toilet finish level

• More design detailing (façade lines, trims), better fixture brands (allowances)

PREMIUM

• Larger-format tiles / premium paint systems / upgraded aluminum & glass

• Custom cabinetry, higher-end sanitary/lighting, feature walls, more complex rooflines/details (cost jumps fast)

  
  

What’s commonly EXCLUDED (don’t get surprised)

• Land cost

• design fees

• permits/processing

• utility connections

• fences/gates

• landscaping

• furniture/appliances—often outside the “per sqm construction” quote unless stated.

If you tell me floor area + number of storeys + target tier, I’ll compute a one-line budget + contingency that’s tight enough to use for quoting.

CDO 2026 construction cost (BASIC • STANDARD • PREMIUM)

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