When people think about construction costs, the first things that come to mind are bricks, cement, steel, and labour. Many clients are shocked when they receive a quotation and feel that the prices are too high. The truth is, what you see on paper is just a portion of the full picture. Behind every project are hidden costs of construction that ensure your building is safe, legal, and completed to standard.
Here’s what most people don’t realize:
Overheads
Running a construction company involves more than paying workers. We have office costs, project management, equipment maintenance, safety gear, and compliance checks that all contribute to the final price.
Industry Contributions (BIBC / BBC)
Many clients assume construction workers are paid only a day-to-day wage, but that’s not how it works. Employers are legally required to pay contributions on behalf of workers to the Building Industry Bargaining Council (BIBC or BBC), as well as UIF. These contributions ensure fair wages, retirement savings, and worker protections but they also add to the overall cost of construction.
Insurance
Construction is high-risk work. From liability insurance to cover accidents on site, to insuring materials and equipment against theft or damage, these protections safeguard both the contractor and the client.
Skills Development & Training
Workers regularly attend safety workshops, skills upgrades, and compliance training. This ensures your project is handled by skilled professionals who know the latest regulations, but training and certification come at a cost.
Worker Medicals
All construction workers are required to undergo medical examinations to confirm their fitness to work on-site. While medicals are valid for a year, sometimes projects require local workers (as directed by the Department of Labour). This means additional medicals may need to be done for new workers, increasing costs.
Transportation & Delivery Costs
Delivering bricks, cement, scaffolding, and other heavy materials doesn’t come cheap. Fuel prices, vehicle maintenance, and logistics all factor into getting supplies safely to your site.
Waste Removal & Compliance
Every project generates rubble and waste that must be disposed of legally and responsibly. Hiring skips, removing rubble, and complying with environmental regulations all carry hidden costs.
Health & Safety Compliance
Construction sites must meet strict health and safety standards. From PPE (personal protective equipment) to scaffolding inspections, these measures ensure no shortcuts are taken — but they also add expenses.
Fluctuating Material Prices
Cement, steel, timber, and other materials are subject to market changes, fuel costs, and import/export factors. Contractors must account for these fluctuations to avoid losses during long-term projects.
Why Transparency Matters
At Harvolente Construction, we believe in being upfront about costs. When you receive a quotation from us, it’s not just a random number, it’s a carefully calculated price that covers every detail to deliver your project safely, legally, and to the highest standard.
The next time you hear someone say, “construction is too expensive,” remember: it’s not just about bricks and mortar. It’s about skilled people, compliance, safety, and quality that lasts.
⚠️ Important: Choosing a cheaper construction option that does not follow proper regulations may save money upfront, but it can put you at risk as a client. You can be held responsible for non-compliance and face fines or legal action. Furthermore, the NHRBC (National Home Builders Registration Council) will not sign off on your building project if the construction company fails to adhere to building regulations, which could delay or even halt your project entirely.
Understanding the hidden costs of construction helps clients see why transparency matters and why cutting corners can lead to fines, legal issues, or delayed NHRBC sign-off.