When it comes to building or buying a home, one thing many people in Kenya and across the world often overlook is that two houses of the exact same size, for example a 2-bedroom house, can cost completely different amounts depending on the type of finishes, design choices, and construction methods used. A 2-bedroom house in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, or anywhere in Kenya can be built with the same floor plan, but what sets the final price apart are the details—luxury finishes like imported tiles, hardwood doors, gypsum ceilings, granite countertops, high-quality paint, modern lighting, and even energy-efficient windows can easily push the cost higher compared to standard or budget finishes. Other aspects such as roofing style, plumbing fixtures, electrical installations, cabinetry, landscaping, and the choice between conventional brick-and-mortar construction or precast solutions also play a big role in the overall cost of a 2-bedroom house.

That’s why when you hear someone say they built their 2-bedroom home for 1.5M and another person claims theirs cost 3.5M, both can be right, because finishes, location, labor costs, and materials vary. Beyond just finishes, the plot location—whether it’s in Nairobi, Thika, Kitengela, Mombasa, or Eldoret also determines price because land costs, county permits, and accessibility to utilities like water and electricity vary widely. Even something as simple as the type of roofing material whether you go for clay tiles, mabati, shingles, or stone-coated roofing affects both cost and long-term maintenance. Globally, the same principle applies: a 2-bedroom house in the United States, UK, Dubai, or South Africa can have the same square footage but completely different costs because of finishes, energy ratings, and compliance with local building codes

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