The Build Guy

Construction Labour Rates in Gauteng

Updated July 2026 · Pretoria, Centurion and Gauteng

Construction Labour Rates in Gauteng

A practical price guide for homeowners planning renovations, maintenance and small building projects. Use the rates to set a realistic starting budget, then request a site-specific quotation.

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  • Local Gauteng guide
  • No VAT currently charged
  • Clear inclusions and exclusions
These are budgeting ranges—not fixed quotations. Quantities, access, surface condition, height, preparation, safety requirements and project location can change the final rate.

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This gives a preliminary range for standard work. It does not replace a site inspection or formal quotation.

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Materials, plant, equipment and project-specific extras are excluded unless stated otherwise.

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2026 budgeting guide

Typical construction and renovation rates

All prices are indicative Gauteng ranges and exclude VAT. Read the rate type and notes for every category.

Foundations, masonry and plaster

Labour-only budgeting rates for standard residential work in accessible ground conditions.

Labour only
Service Budget rate Important notes
Manual foundation trench excavation R50–R180/m Soft soil and normal access; rock, cart-away and plant excluded.
Compact fill in 150 mm layers R50–R85/m² Plate compactor hire and imported filling excluded.
Single-leaf 106 mm brickwork R160–R260/m² Standard straight walls; bricks and mortar excluded.
Double-leaf 222 mm brickwork R180–R300/m² Openings, reinforced masonry and high walls may cost more.
Internal plaster R80–R130/m² Standard prepared wall and normal working height.
External plaster R90–R150/m² Scaffolding, hacking and extensive preparation excluded.
Cement floor screed R80–R140/m² Standard thickness on a prepared substrate.

Ceilings and cornices

Installation rates depend on ceiling height, board type, room shape and the condition of the existing structure.

Labour only
Service Budget rate Important notes
Remove existing ceiling R80–R130/m² Rubble removal and disposal quoted separately.
New ceiling structure and boards R130–R220/m² Standard flat ceiling; boards and brandering excluded.
Install ceiling boards only R80–R140/m² Existing structure must be level and suitable.
Install cornice R35–R75/m Decorative, polystyrene and difficult profiles may cost more.
Drywall installation Site quotation Depends on wall height, board specification, insulation and door openings.

Painting and roof coatings

Labour rates assume normal access and sound surfaces. Paint, primer and specialist coatings are quoted separately.

Labour only
Service Budget rate Important notes
Interior walls — two topcoats R40–R65/m² Minor preparation only; primer and repairs are additional.
Ceilings and cornices — two topcoats R40–R65/m² Standard ceiling height and sound surfaces.
Primer application R20–R35/m² Excludes the primer product.
Roof coating applied by hand R55–R90/m² Roof washing, repairs and Duram Rubberflex material quoted separately.
Fascia and barge-board painting R60–R110/m Preparation and access affect the final price.
Gutters and downpipe painting R60–R110/m Rust treatment and repairs excluded.

Tiling and waterproofing

Tile size, patterns, cuts, wall condition and room size have a major effect on labour cost.

Labour only
Service Budget rate Important notes
Remove existing floor or wall tiles R25–R60/m² Rubble removal and substrate repairs excluded.
Standard floor or wall tiling R90–R180/m² Prepared surface, standard-size tiles and normal layout.
Large-format, patterned or mosaic tiling R180–R350/m² Final rate depends on tile size and layout.
Cut and install tiled skirtings R50–R90/m Tile edging and specialist trims excluded.
Shower waterproofing labour R25–R60/m² Waterproofing products, repairs and flood testing quoted separately.
Projects below 8 m² Minimum charge applies Confirmed before booking after the scope and location are known.

Laminate, vinyl and paving

Rates assume a reasonably level substrate and clear access to the work area.

Labour only
Service Budget rate Important notes
Remove existing floor coverings R35–R70/m² Adhesive removal, screed repairs and rubble disposal excluded.
Install laminate or vinyl boards R95–R160/m² Flooring, trims and underlay excluded.
Install flooring underlay R20–R40/m² Applies when installed with a flooring project.
Install skirting R30–R70/m Profile, corners and wall condition affect the rate.
Remove old paving R90–R150/m² Loading and cart-away excluded.
Install new paving R105–R200/m² Pavers, bedding material, compaction and edge restraints excluded.

Roofing, fascia and gutters

Roof pitch, height, access, structural design and safety requirements determine the final rate.

Labour only
Service Budget rate Important notes
Remove old roof covering and structure R100–R180/m² Scaffolding and disposal excluded.
Install roof trusses or timber structure R80–R120/m² Engineer-designed standard residential roof.
Install roof tiles or sheeting R60–R100/m² Roof covering, flashings and fasteners excluded.
Install fascia or barge boards R200–R350/m Boards, brackets, access equipment and painting excluded.
Install gutters R170–R300/m Gutters, outlets, brackets and downpipes excluded.

Doors and windows

Rates assume standard openings. Brickwork alterations, lintels, plastering, painting and making good are additional.

Labour only
Service Budget rate Important notes
Replace and plane a standard door R475–R850 each Door, ironmongery and frame repairs excluded.
Replace a security gate R475–R900 each Gate and structural alterations excluded.
Install aluminium door or window From R2,430 each Aluminium unit and building materials excluded.
Paint a standard door R300–R550 each Extensive stripping and repairs excluded.
Paint a standard window R300–R550 each Rate varies by frame type, size and condition.

Plumbing and sanitary installations

These guide prices include labour and normal installation materials. Sanitary fixtures, taps, geyser units and specialist equipment are excluded.

Labour + standard materials
Service Budget rate Important notes
Working-hours plumbing call-out From R640 Diagnosis and minor attendance; repairs quoted separately.
Cold-water basin point R1,500–R2,200 each Basin and tap excluded.
Hot-and-cold water point R2,200–R3,500 each Fixture and extensive chasing excluded.
Shower point installation R3,500–R5,500 each Shower fittings and waterproofing system excluded.
Complete toilet point R4,000–R6,500 each Toilet suite excluded.
Replace/install geyser R6,500–R18,000 each Price varies by capacity; geyser unit and major alterations excluded.
Replace basin, bath, toilet or shower R475–R900 each Fixture, taps, screens and making good excluded.

Electrical work

Guide prices include labour and normal installation materials but exclude decorative fittings, appliances and unforeseen compliance repairs.

Labour + standard materials
Service Budget rate Important notes
Travel and attendance From R675 Applies before repair or installation work.
Downlight point in concrete R450–R750 each Light fitting excluded.
Pendant or wall-light point R405–R750 each Decorative fitting excluded.
Single plug point R610–R900 each Standard installation conditions.
Double plug point R780–R1,100 each Standard installation conditions.
Geyser or stove point R810–R1,200 each Appliance and isolator upgrades may be additional.
Electrical distribution-board work Site quotation Scope, breakers, enclosure and compliance requirements must be assessed.
Certificate of Compliance From R1,900 Repairs required to obtain compliance are excluded.

What normally changes the price?

  • Small quantities and minimum booking charges
  • Restricted access, occupied homes and estate requirements
  • High walls, steep roofs, scaffolding and safety systems
  • Demolition, surface preparation and hidden damage
  • Special finishes, patterns, large tiles and tight tolerances
  • Transport, rubble removal, plant and equipment

Plan before requesting a quote

Use our free planning tools

House Painting PlannerPrepare wall, ceiling and exterior details. Roof Painting PlannerRecord roof type, condition and access. Damp & Waterproofing PlannerHelp us identify the likely source and affected areas. Tiling CalculatorEstimate areas, quantities and wastage. Construction CalculatorPlan foundations, concrete and masonry quantities. All Planning ToolsExplore the complete planning-tool collection.

Straight answers

Frequently asked questions

Are these fixed prices?

No. They are preliminary budgeting ranges for standard work. A formal quotation is issued only after the project details and site conditions have been assessed.

Do the rates include materials?

Most building, painting, tiling, flooring and roofing rates are labour-only. Plumbing and electrical guide rates include normal installation materials but exclude fixtures, fittings, appliances and specialist equipment.

Do you charge VAT?

No VAT is currently charged on the guide prices shown on this page.

Why can a small project cost more per square metre?

Travel, setup, tools, supervision and cleanup are still required even when the work area is small. Minimum booking or call-out charges may therefore apply.

Which areas do you service?

The Build Guy operates across Pretoria, Centurion and selected areas of greater Gauteng, including Midstream, Irene, Midrand, Kyalami, Randburg, Sandton, Roodepoort and surrounding suburbs.

Can I receive a quotation from measurements only?

Measurements help with preliminary budgeting, but access, preparation and existing conditions still need to be confirmed. Photographs may be sufficient for simple work; larger or higher-risk projects require a site visit.

Ready for an accurate price?

Turn the budget into a proper project quotation

Send the project location, approximate quantities and photographs. We will confirm whether a site visit is required.

Request a quotation Call 071 537 8004

Rates last reviewed July 2026. Prices are subject to confirmation and may change without notice. Plant, equipment, professional fees, municipal approvals, engineering, specialist testing and unforeseen remedial work are excluded unless expressly included in a written quotation.