What it takes to construct a servants’ quarters

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In modern housing estates, each apartment typically includes an extra room attached to the main house for the house help.

According to architect Abdu-Wahab Nyanzi, people build servant rooms for various reasons, ranging from cultural preferences to ensuring family privacy. The size of the quarters depends on personal taste and available space.

Why servants’ quarters matter

In today’s homes, it is inevitable to have household chores that require extra hands, from a shamba boy to a house helper. For convenience, many homeowners prefer their house help to be resident, making servants’ quarters essential.

David Kireli, a civil engineer, notes that while some people are abandoning servants’ quarters due to space constraints, they are still commonly included in modern architectural plans. Ideally, a two-roomed house detached from the main residence is recommended, one room for female staff and another for male staff. Constructing such a structure costs approximately sh9,690,000 to sh10,000,000.

(Credit: Umar Nsubuga)

(Credit: Umar Nsubuga)

Required materials and costs

Bricks

Fred Lukoda, a construction engineer, states that a developer will need about 7,500 to 8,000 bricks to complete the structure. Clay bricks cost sh150-160 each, while burnt clay bricks range between sh250-280 per piece. This means a total cost of approximately sh1,280,000 to sh2,080,000 for bricks.

Sand

• About four trips of sand are required: two for constructing the walls and two for plastering.
• If using a forward truck, two trips will suffice, but an Elf truck may require three.
• Lake sand is recommended, as its smaller particles reduce wall cracking.
• Each trip costs sh350,000-400,000, totaling about sh1,600,000.

Cement

Lukoda estimates that 80 bags of cement will be needed:

• We need 40 bags to construct the walls.
• I have 40 bags ready for plastering.
• At an average price of sh29,500-32,000 per bag, the total cost will be about sh2,560,000.

Lime

• During plastering, two bags of lime are needed.
• Each bag costs sh24,000, totaling sh48,000.

Roofing Materials

Fred Mpalanyi, a carpenter and roofing expert, outlines the following requirements:

• Nails: 35kg, at sh6,000 per kg, totaling sh180,000.
• Iron Sheets: 18-20 sheets at sh32,000 each, costing about sh850,000.

If opting for coloured galvanised iron sheets, prices range between sh50,000 and sh70,000 per sheet.

Timber

• 80 pieces, preferably pine, as it is durable. Each piece costs sh11,000-sh12,000, totaling sh800,000 to sh1.2m.
• Musizi timber is an alternative, costing 20% less.
• Hook Loop Rolls: Two rolls, each costing sh22,000, totaling sh44,000.
• Face Boards: About seven or eight pieces at sh25,000 each, totaling sh200,000.

Windows, doors, and finishing

• Windows and doors
• Two windows and two doors (wooden or metallic).
• Metallic doors are preferred for affordability, each costing about sh200,000, totaling sh800,000.
• Painting: Four 20-litre jerrycans of paint, costing about sh400,000.

Labour and overall cost

According to Kireli, labour costs are typically 18–20% of the total construction costs.

The total material cost amounts to approximately sh6.3m. Factoring in labour and other minor costs, the entire project falls between sh9,690,000 and sh10,000,000.