Calculate what you will pay in architect fees, QS fees, structural engineer fees, soil test and building permit — the costs most Nigerians forget to budget for.
Use your estimator result or your contractor's quote
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Building Permit — Lagos
Based on building volume × zone rate + fees (LASPPPA)
Typical range: ₦500,000 – ₦1,500,000. The figure above uses the mid-point estimate.
Architect
Designs your building, produces architectural drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections) required for the building permit. Typically the first professional you hire. Fee: 5% of construction cost for residential, higher for commercial.
Structural Engineer
Designs the structural frame — foundation type, column sizes, beam sizes, slab reinforcement. Produces structural drawings required alongside architectural drawings for the permit. Critical for any building above a single storey.
Quantity Surveyor (QS)
Produces the Bill of Quantities — an itemised cost breakdown of every material and labour element. Helps you price the job, compare contractor quotes fairly, and manage costs during construction. Many self-builders skip the QS and overpay their contractors as a result.
Soil Test / Geotechnical Engineer
Tests the bearing capacity of your soil to determine the correct foundation type and depth. Now mandatory in Lagos and Abuja for buildings above two storeys. Even for bungalows, a basic soil test prevents costly foundation failures later.
Building Permit
Government approval to build. Required before construction starts. Building without a permit risks a Stop Work Order, demolition, or heavy fines. The permit fee is paid to your state's physical planning authority — not to a professional consultant.
Town Planner
Advises on zoning, setback requirements, and land use regulations. Often handles the permit application process on your behalf. More important in Lagos and Abuja where planning regulations are strictly enforced.
Professional fees are just one part of your budget. Use the free estimator to get a complete Bill of Quantities for materials and labour.
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