What you get when you build with Cornerstone
Building a house in Ghana is one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. The contractor you choose determines whether that decision pays off or becomes a painful, expensive mistake. Here is what Cornerstone does differently from most Accra contractors.
Fixed price, in writing, before you pay anything
We produce a full itemised PDF quote — every material, every labour item, every professional fee listed separately. You sign a fixed-price contract before any deposit changes hands. The number in the contract is the number you pay. It does not change unless you change the scope, in writing.
Dedicated crew on your project
Your crew works exclusively on your build until it is complete — not rotating between four other active sites. This is the single biggest driver of consistent build quality and predictable timelines.
Daily WhatsApp site photos
Every working day, your project manager sends site photographs via WhatsApp. For diaspora clients building from the UK, US, Canada or Europe, this is how you watch your home being built in real time — without needing to be on site.
6-month workmanship warranty
Every Cornerstone build carries a written 6-month workmanship warranty from handover. Any defect in our workmanship is corrected at our cost.
Our build process
- Free site visit within 48 hours — soil assessment, access, dimensions
- Full itemised PDF quote within 5 working days
- Fixed-price contract before any deposit
- ARB-registered architect and structural engineer coordination
- Building permit application managed by us
- Foundation through to handover — one contract, one crew
- Daily WhatsApp site photos throughout construction
- 6-month workmanship warranty from handover
What does it cost to build a house in Ghana?
| House Type | Floor Area | Standard Finish (GHS) | Premium Finish (GHS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Bedroom bungalow | 75–95 m² | GHS 315,000–523,000 | GHS 413,000–713,000+ |
| 3-Bedroom bungalow | 110–150 m² | GHS 462,000–825,000 | GHS 605,000–1,125,000+ |
| 4-Bedroom house | 160–220 m² | GHS 672,000–1,210,000 | GHS 880,000–1,650,000+ |
| 5-Bedroom villa | 250–340 m² | GHS 1,050,000–1,870,000 | GHS 1,375,000–2,550,000+ |
* Q2 2026 Greater Accra rates. Per m²: Standard GHS 4,200–5,500 | Premium GHS 5,500–7,500+. Excludes land, permits, architect fees, borehole, generator, perimeter fence. Full cost guide →
How to build a house in Ghana — the right way
- Confirm your land documentation. You need a registered Indenture, certified site plan, and completed title search before any design work begins. See our land documentation guide →
- Commission a soil investigation. The most important pre-construction spend — determines your foundation type. Skipping this is one of the most expensive mistakes in Ghana construction.
- Engage an ARB-registered architect. Required for your building permit application. Architect produces drawings; structural engineer designs the foundation and frame.
- Obtain your building permit. Submit to your district or metropolitan assembly. Budget 6–16 weeks. Full permit guide →
- Select and contract your builder. Get at least two itemised written quotes. Never sign without a fixed-price contract and a written warranty.
- Build and monitor. Milestone-based payments tied to verified progress. Daily site photos from your project manager.
- Handover and warranty. Joint snagging walkthrough. 6-month warranty from handover date.
Building a house in Ghana — questions answered
How much does it cost to build a house in Ghana in 2026?
A 3-bedroom standard-finish house (120–150 m²) in Greater Accra costs GHS 462,000–825,000 in 2026 at GHS 4,200–5,500 per m². Premium finish runs GHS 605,000–1,125,000+. Always add 15% contingency. These figures exclude land, permits, architect fees, and external works. Full 2026 cost guide →
Can I build a house in Ghana from abroad?
Yes — Cornerstone regularly builds for diaspora clients in the UK, US, Canada, and Europe. We provide daily WhatsApp site photos, milestone-based payment schedules, and a written warranty. Our turnkey service handles design, permits, construction, and handover under one fixed-price contract. You do not need to be in Ghana to manage a Cornerstone build.
How long does it take to build a house in Ghana?
A 3-bedroom single-storey house takes 9–14 months from groundbreaking to handover with consistent funding and a dedicated contractor. Pre-construction (design, soil investigation, permits) adds 2–4 months. Total time from decision to keys: 12–18 months for a well-organised project.
Do I need a building permit to build a house in Ghana?
Yes — a building permit from LUSPA is legally required before construction begins. Building without a permit risks a stop-work order and demolition notice. Permit cost: GHS 3,500–12,000 for standard residential in Greater Accra. We manage the permit application as part of our full-service contract.
What is the difference between a general contractor and a builder in Ghana?
A general contractor manages the complete build — coordinating all trades (mason, electrician, plumber, carpenter, tiler, painter) under one contract. A builder typically refers to the same role. Cornerstone is a licensed general contractor — you sign one contract, deal with one party, and receive one warranty for the complete build.