Rising cement prices are increasing construction costs, but experts advise homeowners to adopt smarter building practices to manage expenses without compromising quality.The National Construction Council (NCC) emphasizes better planning, efficient designs, and professional supervision to cut costs.Cement prices have surged past Sh18,000 per 50kg bag, affecting low-income families building in phases.NCC CEO Matiko Mturi highlights that unnecessary waste, like broken bricks and over-designing structures, drives up costs.He recommends modular designs to minimize material cutting and bulk purchasing for cost savings.Contractors warn that budget adjustments are challenging, urging homeowners to prioritize essential structural elements over non-essential finishes.

The article stresses that while cement costs matter, they represent only part of total construction budgets, and improving site efficiency is key to keeping housing affordable.