Royal Kraal Construction Zimbabwe

02/07/2026

🏡 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗭𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗯𝘄𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 – 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟯: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗭𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗯𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱.

In Part 1, we explored how choosing the right stand lays the foundation for a successful project.

In Part 2, we discussed why every great home begins with thoughtful planning before an architect ever starts drawing.

Now we come to the stage where many dream homes begin to struggle.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁.

One lesson we've learnt after working with homeowners over the years is this:

Most people don't underestimate the cost of building a house.

They underestimate everything else that comes with building a house.

Many families sit down and decide they have enough money to build.

They calculate the bricks.

They estimate the cement.

They think about roofing.

Then construction begins...
..and suddenly they discover there are thousands of dollars in costs they never planned for.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀.

One of the first surprises many first-time builders encounter is that construction doesn't begin with foundations.

It begins with preparing the site.

In many of Zimbabwe's newer residential developments, there is either no council water connection or the council water supply is unreliable.

Before a single brick is laid, homeowners are often faced with an important decision.

Do we drill our own borehole?

A borehole has become more than a convenience.

For many projects, it's almost a necessity.

Today, drilling and equipping a basic borehole can cost anywhere between US$1,500 and US$2,500, depending on depth and site conditions. That usually includes drilling, a submersible pump and the basic installation needed to make the water usable.

You'll also need somewhere to store that water.

A 5,000-litre water tank alone costs around US$400, and many homeowners choose even larger tanks depending on their long-term water needs.

Some people decide not to drill a borehole immediately.

Instead, they buy water for construction.

But even that comes at a cost.

A 5,000-litre water delivery can cost around US$50, and a busy construction site can require multiple deliveries over the course of a project.

These are expenses many people never include when preparing their original budget.

𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀, 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗛𝗮𝘀 𝗔𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴

Water isn't the only hidden cost.

Materials need to be protected.

Workers need somewhere secure to sleep.

Tools need safe storage.

On many Zimbabwean construction sites, workers stay on-site during the project to reduce transport costs and improve productivity.

That means many homeowners purchase a two-roomed cabin, typically costing US$350 to US$400, before construction even starts.

Some stands also require clearing, tree removal or levelling before work can begin.

Hiring a TLB currently costs around US$60 per hour, depending on the contractor and location.

When you add together a borehole, a water tank, a site cabin and initial site preparation, it's easy to spend around US$3,000 before the foundation is even excavated.

This catches many first-time builders completely by surprise.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲? 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲.

Over the years, one misunderstanding has stood out more than any other.

Many people believe that once they've completed the foundations, walls, roof and plastering, the expensive part is over.

In reality...

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲.

In many cases, the finishes cost just as much—and sometimes even more—than people expect.

Think about everything that still has to be completed.

● Aluminium windows.
● Floor tiles.
● Ceilings.
● Cornices and skirting.
● Internal doors.
● Bathroom fittings.
● Toilets.
● Basins.
● Showers.
● Kitchen cupboards.
● Bedroom wardrobes.
● Electrical wiring.
● Light fittings.
● Plumbing.
● Painting.
● Boundary walls.
● Driveways.

Every one of these items requires careful budgeting.

This is one of the reasons you see so many homes across Zimbabwe occupied before they're truly complete.

Families move in without ceilings.

Concrete floors remain uncovered for years.
Bathrooms are only partially finished.

Walls remain unpainted.

Kitchen cupboards are postponed indefinitely.

The dream of "finishing next year" often becomes five or even ten years.

Not because people didn't work hard.

But because they underestimated what it actually costs to complete a home.

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲

I'd like to share another lesson from one of our own projects.

We once worked with a homeowner who started construction with a clear set of approved plans.
Everything went well in the beginning.

But as construction progressed, new ideas kept appearing.

"Let's make this bedroom bigger."

"Actually... I don't like this door anymore."

"Can we move this wall?"

"Let's add another window here."

Individually, none of these changes seemed significant.

But together, they changed the project dramatically.

Walls had to be altered.

Materials had to be reordered.

Labour increased.

The timeline stretched.

And most importantly...

The budget grew far beyond what had originally been planned.

One of the smartest financial decisions you can make is to spend more time planning before construction starts, rather than redesigning while construction is already underway.

Good planning is always cheaper than rebuilding.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

A successful building project isn't just about having enough money.

It's about understanding where that money will be spent.

When homeowners budget only for the visible parts of a house, they often find themselves running out of money before the invisible—but essential—parts are complete.

The strongest projects begin with realistic expectations.

At Royal Kraal Construction, one of the most valuable conversations we have with clients happens before construction begins.

Helping someone understand the true cost of building is just as important as building the house itself.

Because a well-planned budget doesn't just save money.

It gives your dream home the best possible chance of being completed.

📖 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀

Part 4: Choosing the Right Architect & Contractor – Why Great House Plans Save You More Money Than They Cost

We'll explore how the right architect can help you maximise your stand, avoid costly design mistakes and create a home that works beautifully for years to come.

💬 Thinking of Building in the Next 12 Months?

If you're planning to build a home within the next year, simply comment "BUILD" below this post.

We'll send you our FREE Royal Kraal Construction Home Building Planning Checklist, created specifically for Zimbabwean homeowners. It will help you:

✅ Avoid costly mistakes before construction begins.
✅ Understand the key stages of building a home.
✅ Plan your project with confidence.
✅ Know the right questions to ask before hiring a builder.

No obligation. No sales pressure. Just practical advice to help you build smarter.

Sometimes the biggest savings don't come from spending less—they come from avoiding expensive mistakes.

30/06/2026

🏡 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗭𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗯𝘄𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 – 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟮: 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝘄 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀, 𝗔𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝟳 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.

In Part 1 of this series, we explored one of the most important decisions you'll ever make as a future homeowner—choosing the right stand. We discussed why buying land isn't simply about finding the cheapest price, but about choosing a location that will support your family's future and protect your investment.

Now that you've found the right piece of land, it's time for the next step.

This is where many people make a costly mistake.

The moment they buy a stand, they immediately call an architect and say:

"I want a four-bedroom house with two lounges and a double garage."

But here's the truth...

The best homes are not designed on paper first—they're designed through careful thinking.

Before anyone draws walls, windows or roofs, you need a clear understanding of how your family will actually live in that home.

Remember, you're not just building a structure.

You're creating the place where birthdays will be celebrated, children will grow up, family traditions will begin and memories will be made for generations.

So before you commission your house plans, ask yourself these seven important questions.

𝟭. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝟭𝟬 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀?

Most people design a home based on today's circumstances.

The wiser approach is to design for tomorrow.

Will your family grow?

Will elderly parents eventually move in?

Will your children become teenagers who need more privacy?

Will you need space for a home office or a small business?

Building a home is a long-term investment. Designing for your future rather than your present can save you from expensive renovations just a few years later.

𝟮. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗗𝗼 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲?

Every family lives differently.

Some families enjoy hosting relatives every weekend.

Others prefer quiet evenings together.

Some people work from home and need a dedicated office.

Others spend most of their day away and simply want a comfortable place to relax when they return.

Your lifestyle should shape your home's layout—not the latest trends on social media.

A house that looks beautiful but doesn't suit your daily life will never feel like home.

𝟯. 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀.

It's easy to fall in love with luxury features online.

Swimming pools.

Walk-in wardrobes.

Double-volume entrances.

Home cinemas.

Outdoor entertainment areas.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with dreaming big.

But every extra feature comes with an extra cost.

A useful exercise is to create two lists.

Needs are the things your family genuinely cannot do without.

Wants are features you would love to have if your budget allows.

This simple exercise helps you prioritise your spending and avoid stretching your finances unnecessarily.

Remember, you can always add certain features later as your financial position improves.

𝟰. 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻.

Your stand should guide your home's design—not the other way around.

Think back to Part 1.

We talked about slopes, orientation, infrastructure and future expansion.

Now ask yourself:

Where does the morning sun come from?

Which side offers the best views?

Is there enough room for future extensions?

Where will you place your borehole and water tanks?

How will vehicles enter the property?

Is there enough space for children to play or for a garden?

Great homes don't fight against the land.

They work with it.

𝟱. 𝗕𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿.

One of the biggest misconceptions in residential construction is that a bigger house automatically means a better house.

It doesn't.

Every additional square metre increases the cost of:

● Foundations

● Brickwork

● Roofing

● Flooring

● Ceilings

● Painting

● Electrical work

● Plumbing

● Future maintenance

A well-designed 180-square-metre home can be far more practical, comfortable and affordable than a poorly planned 350-square-metre house.

Build for your family's needs—not to impress other people.

𝟲. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀.

Many homeowners focus entirely on what it costs to build.

Very few think about what it will cost to live in that home every month.

Good design can reduce electricity bills, improve ventilation, maximise natural lighting and prepare your home for future solar installation.

These small design decisions can save you money for decades after construction is complete.

The cheapest design isn't always the most economical in the long run.

𝟳. 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗮 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝟮𝟬 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗡𝗼𝘄.

Architectural trends come and go.

Your family's comfort remains.

Instead of asking,

"Will this house impress visitors?"

Ask,

"Will this house still work for my family twenty years from now?"

The best homes aren't necessarily the most expensive.

They're the ones that continue serving their owners beautifully for decades.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀.

Before an architect prepares your house plans, spend time planning your lifestyle.

Ask questions.

Discuss ideas as a family.

Think beyond today.

Every hour spent planning before construction begins can save weeks of changes, unexpected costs and future regrets.

At Royal Kraal Construction, we've learned that the strongest homes don't begin with bricks.

They begin with thoughtful decisions.

Because building a house isn't simply about construction.

It's about building the life you want to live inside it.

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📖 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀.

Part 3: Can You Really Afford to Build? Creating a Realistic Budget Before You Lay the First Brick.

We'll uncover the hidden costs that surprise many first-time home builders in Zimbabwe and explain how proper budgeting can save you thousands before construction even begins.

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💬 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝟭𝟮 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀?

If you're planning to build a home within the next year, simply comment "BUILD" below this post.

We'll send you our FREE Royal Kraal Construction Home Building Planning Checklist, created specifically for Zimbabwean homeowners. It will help you:

✅ Avoid costly mistakes before construction begins.

✅ Understand the key stages of building a home.

✅ Plan your project with confidence.

✅ Know the right questions to ask before hiring a builder.

No obligation. No sales pressure. Just practical advice to help you build smarter.

Sometimes the biggest savings don't come from spending less—they come from avoiding expensive mistakes.

29/06/2026

🏡 The Zimbabwe Home Building Journey – Part 1: Buying the Right Stand

Every beautiful home starts with one decision—not choosing a builder, not buying cement, and not drawing house plans.

It starts with choosing the right piece of land.

Unfortunately, this is also where many Zimbabweans make their first and most expensive mistake.

The excitement of owning land can cause people to overlook important checks. A stand may appear to be a bargain, but if it has legal, technical or infrastructure problems, those "savings" can disappear very quickly once construction begins.

1. Verify Ownership

Before paying for a stand, make sure the seller has the legal right to sell it.

Request all the necessary documentation and, where possible, work with a lawyer or conveyancer to verify ownership. Buying a stand with unresolved ownership issues can lead to years of legal disputes.

Remember:

You're not just buying land—you are buying peace of mind.

2. Look Beyond the Price

A cheap stand is not always a good investment.

Ask yourself:

● Is there a proper access road?
● Is electricity available?
● Is there access to water?
● Is the area serviced with drainage?
● Will emergency services be able to reach the property?

Infrastructure adds value to your investment and makes construction much easier.

3. Study the Ground

Not all land is suitable for the same type of foundation.

Some stands have unstable soils, expansive clay or poor drainage, all of which can significantly increase construction costs.

A stand that costs less today could require thousands of dollars in additional foundation work tomorrow.

This is one reason experienced builders always want to inspect the site before providing a quotation.

4. Think About the Future

Many people buy a stand based on what the area looks like today.

Instead, ask yourself what the area could look like in five or ten years.

Questions worth asking include:

● Are new roads planned?
● Are schools and shopping centres being developed?
● Is the suburb growing?
● Is public infrastructure improving?

A house is not only a home—it is also one of the largest investments most families will ever make.

5. Imagine the House Before You Buy the Land

This sounds backwards, but it can save you a lot of money.

Think about the kind of home you hope to build.
Will the stand comfortably accommodate it?

Does the slope of the land make construction more expensive?

Will you have enough space for parking, a garden, a borehole or future extensions?

Buying land without thinking about the house often leads to compromises later.

Final Thoughts

The quality of your home begins long before the first brick is laid.

It begins with making informed decisions at every stage of the journey.

A carefully chosen stand gives you a strong foundation—not just for your house, but for your family's future.

If you're planning to build and you're unsure whether a stand is suitable, feel free to reach out to Royal Pro Construction. Sometimes a short conversation before you buy can save you thousands of dollars later.

Next in the series: Planning Your Dream Home—How to Design a House That Fits Your Lifestyle and Your Budget.

19/03/2026

Would you trust a builder at this stage? 👇

No paint 🎨
No windows 🪟
No finishes

Just bricks 🧱, roofing 🏠, and plaster.

This is where you see the truth.

Anyone can impress you with tiles and paint…
But if the structure is wrong, everything else is a lie.

This duplex is at shell stage — and that’s exactly why we’re showing it.

Straight walls 📏
Clean lines
Solid workmanship 🧱

We don’t wait for the final look to prove quality.
We prove it from the ground up.

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🌍 If you’re a busy professional in Zimbabwe, or you’re in the UK, South Africa, or abroad and planning to build in Zimbabwe…

This is where most people lose money:
❌ Bad work hidden under finishes
❌ No updates while you’re away
❌ No one checking the quality

We do it differently.

You get:
✅ Step-by-step quality control 🧱
✅ Clear updates (even when you’re not on site) 📲
✅ A structure that’s done right BEFORE paint goes on 🎯

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💰 Want to know what it actually costs to reach THIS stage?

📩 Comment “COST” — we’ll break down the real numbers for this exact duplex.

Or

📩 Comment “BUILD” — if you’re ready to start your project properly.

Stop gambling with your money. Build it right the first time.

01/01/2026