Building a sky-scraping structure may sound exciting but the real question is ‘how much does it cost to build a 50 floor building?
‘
We often get awe-struck by the grandeur of towering buildings without realizing the financial implications behind such an architectural marvel.
The cost involved is never straightforward and often surprises even the most experienced professionals.
Are we really aware of the hidden expenses that drive up the cost of construction?
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost?
Building a 50-floor building or skyscraper generally comes at a high cost due to the intricacies and complexities involved in the project. The average cost of a skyscraper in the United States is approximately $400 per square foot with costs being higher in urban hotspots like New York and Los Angeles.
For instance using a rate of $500 per square foot as an average cost the overall price of constructing a 50 floor building covering an area of 7500 square feet per floor amounts to roughly $187500000. This is not inclusive of other costs such as land acquisition and non-construction costs.
Factors Affecting Building Costs
The cost of erecting a 50 floor building varies due to several factors chief among them being the location. Depending on the region land costs can range from a moderate $50 per square foot in downtown Chicago to a staggering $2500 per square foot in downtown Manhattan.
Material cost is another huge consideration with key inputs like steel glass and concrete making up a large chunk of the total cost. For instance:
- Fabricated steel is generally three times the cost of raw steel with prices ranging between $400 and $1800 per ton.
- On average glass costs around $35 per square foot while concrete costs about $134 per ton.
- The cost of window glass that would be ideal for a skyscraper ranges from $70 to $150 per sq. ft.
Further labor cost is yet another determinant. Depending on the area the rates might vary from $22 per hour for non-residential construction workers to over $100 per hour in unionized areas like NYC.
Compliance With Building Codes
Constructing a 50 floor building requires complying with building codes to ensure safety and stability. This is especially important in cities like New York and Los Angeles that are known for their tall structures.
Skyscrapers must adhere to local load requirements and in regions prone to earthquakes specific anti-seismic codes.
An architect or a team from architectural firms spearheads the design phase often collaborating with MEP engineering (mechanical electrical and plumbing) and structural engineering consultants. They outline systems define internal circulation space and ensure integrated systems work together.
- Acquiring permits involves legal requirements and costs from $1000 to $5000 per permit.
- Skyscrapers take 1-5 years to complete requiring regular inspections to comply with building codes.
- Discretionary action may be necessary incurring additional costs.
Skyscraper Construction Expenses
The cost to build a 50-floor skyscraper can range from $150 million to over $1 billion. Factors like materials amenities and location play a part.
The overall expenses involved in building a skyscraper can be categorized into various components.
A major cost falls under land acquisition which can cost around $375000000 assuming a $1000 per buildable square foot. The price varies from $50 per square foot in downtown Chicago to over $2500 per square foot in downtown Manhattan.
The foundation is a crucial and costly part of the skyscraper. The cost of excavation and foundation including piles is around $4.5 million.
Foundation costs can change based on factors like water table height and soil composition.
| Construction Components | Average Costs |
|---|---|
| Fabricated steel | $1000 to $1600 per ton |
| Unfabricated steel | $700 to $1200 per ton |
| Glass | $35 to $70 per square foot |
| Concrete | $134 per ton |
Insurance worker’s wages permits and other expenses also contribute to the overall construction costs.
The Financial Aspects
When considering the financial aspects of building a 50 floor building a range of factors must be factored into an all-in budget.
Starting from the ground excavation and foundation work using an expensive deep foundation system such as piles is expected to run around $4.5 million. This foundational work is important in high-rise buildings to meet local load requirements and is especially crucial in regions prone to earthquakes like Los Angeles.
For the building itself the cost per square foot increases compared with standard construction methods. This is due to the more intensive use of materials such as concrete fabricated steel and high-grade window glass on a skyscraper project.
Per square foot expect to pay approximately $500.
Land acquisition costs cannot be ignored either especially in prime real estate spots in major U.S cities such as NYC. An estimate per buildable square foot could be $1000 a significant figure when constructing an apartment complex tower.
Concerning the architecture and design of a 50 floor building you’ll need to engage skilled architects from reputable architectural firms. Beyond the aesthetics they will ensure compliance with stringent building codes that govern the design and construction of skyscrapers.
Costs for such consultations can easily total up to $4125000.
Non-construction costs also add up. Taking into account factors such as construction insurance permits as regulated by departments in the region you’re building and the profit margins for the Project Engineer involvement you could be looking at an additional $19200000.
These figures significantly affect your construction costs hence their categorization under ‘soft costs’.
More logistical factors to consider include the cost of labor (ranging drastically based on location such as the hourly rate in the United States compared to New York) steel (fluctuating between raw and fabricated steel) cranes to build vertically and even permits fetched from the local authority. These costs add significantly to the overall budget.
Finally consider the cost of the MEP engineering firms for integrated systems and luxury furnishings for creating desirable living spaces. These costs are equally essential to factor into your overall budget when planning for a high-rise building.
