Translation guide
The expenses associated with building or renovating a structure. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed as 建設費 (kensetsuhi) or 建築費 (kenchikuhi), with nuances depending on the type of construction.
The total expenses for building something, such as a house, building, or infrastructure.
The most common and general term for construction costs, used for buildings, roads, bridges, etc. Suitable for both formal and everyday contexts.
The construction costs for the new bridge are 10 billion yen.
The construction costs exceeded the budget.
Specifically refers to the cost of constructing buildings (houses, offices, etc.). Often used in real estate and architectural contexts.
The construction costs for this house are 30 million yen.
Refers to the cost of construction work or engineering projects. Can be used for both buildings and civil engineering, but often implies the actual labor and material costs of the construction process.
Please get an estimate of the construction costs.
Specifically the cost of carrying out the construction work (execution cost). Used in contracts and detailed breakdowns, often distinct from design or material costs.
The construction costs will be quoted separately.
Specifically the expenses for constructing a residential home.
Expenses for renovating, remodeling, or repairing an existing structure.
Refers to renovation or repair costs, often for buildings or facilities. Used in both residential and commercial contexts.
The renovation costs for the apartment building went up.
Commonly used for home renovation or remodeling costs. 'リフォーム' is a loanword from English 'reform', but in Japanese it specifically means renovation.
What are the renovation costs for the kitchen?
Specifically repair or maintenance costs. Often used in accounting or for regular upkeep of buildings.
建設費 (kensetsuhi) is the broadest term for construction costs, covering buildings, civil engineering, and infrastructure. 建築費 (kenchikuhi) is limited to building construction (architecture). 工事費 (koujihi) emphasizes the cost of the construction work itself and is often used in estimates and contracts.
You can often combine a noun with 費用 to mean 'the cost of ~'. For example, 建設費用 (kensetsu hiyou) is also acceptable and slightly more formal. In casual speech, お金 (okane) might be used: 家を建てるお金 (ie wo tateru okane) – 'money to build a house'.
The construction costs were higher than expected.
We need to reduce construction costs.
How much are the construction costs for building a house?
We set aside money every month for repair costs.