Building Cost Breakdown in Jamaica: Under 3 Million JMD (Less Than 20K USD)!

Note: I currently live in the US and most of the construction took place in my absence. It is important to have someone you trust oversee the process if you're unable to!
How much does it cost to build a small house in Portmore Jamaica? This video breaks down construction cost (labor and materials) from 2021-2022. My aim was to save as much as possible and I did it! Thanks for watching!
#construction #jamaica #building #buyingahome

[@stonelcrew1128]

This is probably the best video on this topic. Thank You

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!!

[@Fabziy]

well the house cost $11 mill but it also comes with the land, so you'd neet to factor in your land if you had to purchase it. Nevertheless when you build it yourself you at least can put your stamp on it and build it to your liking rather than getting something ready done. thanks for sharing the costs, really helpful.

[@JeanaCavel]

Yes, that should definitely be considered. Inflation aside, the price I bought the house for combined with the addition to the back of the property is still under $11 mil.

[@mindevo]

@@JeanaCavel I dont what he is saying. It still doesnt explain that absolutely ridiculous price for a dilapidated structure. Price does not reflect but because many are paying that...

[@user-ym7pq3dt1g]

This video is very informative. Thanks for so much detail.

[@orlandobrooks3548]

Wow! I love this video. Thank you for sharing....i totally enjoyed watching every second of this video (periodically pausing and taking notes)... Keep up the great work and big up to your video editor (if you are the editor, even more props to you)!

[@beverleyclarke7327]

Informative! Thanks for sharing sister.

[@Yardieautospax]

Thanks for the breakdown. And its a great topic

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@yaadstylehomeschooling]

Thank you for this video. Very informative.

[@user-zp6oq1ui4q]

Love this. Thank you for the information and motivation

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!!

[@thebennettfamily5739]

Congratulations on your project, enjoy Jamaica 🇯🇲 ❤

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@Romel5427]

My sister this is very informative. Best breakdown on the building i have seen.

[@JeanaCavel]

I appreciate it, thank you!

[@quez4286]

Wow just wow. Quality video so detailed verbally, videography,break down of numbers. Best on here better than most big up yuself. Continued success 💪🏽🙏🏽❤️

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you! Super appreciated!

[@ListedInTheSouth]

Love your channel & your vibes. You definitely did well with building this house.

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@Sparkesworld]

Happy u started your youtube channel i hope it will grow

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@missdigioia]

So proud of you, very inspirational. I aspirr to do that same. Big up and well done to everyone involved 🙌🏿🙌🏿

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@crystalwright7090]

Well done and thanks for the breakdown.

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@waliawigington8241]

Mi love di love your opening about the mic/views. That drew me in to your video. You have the personality to be a huge KZbinr. The in for was great as well.

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@wizwhatsnext9453]

Congrats🎉 love how informative this is ..🙏🏽

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@LashusJourney]

This is very informative, thanks for sharing.

[@motivated93]

New Sub, Thanks for your breakdown and for you to be transparent. Your personality is captivating, keep making your videos.

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@ramonaroberts5075]

So good! Subscribed!

[@JewelFulfilled]

Thank you so much for this.

[@theofficialfriendlyretrievers]

Nice work Missy, I like the work you’ve done here. Excellent 🌸💯

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@omarrobinson5430]

Well done, this helped.

[@asistasjourneywithpaula]

Thanks for sharing this really inspiring and give me hope because it is that amount and little more due to increase in materials that I plan to spend on my house. Your details are very helpful

[@JeanaCavel]

You're welcome and thanks for watching!

[@michaelcarterjamaica]

This video will go viral.

[@mccnbinnie9840]

This was very informative. Thank you for sharing

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@kerrian4564]

Great video!!

[@CB-bb2oc]

Blessed love camel happy Easter

[@AphroditeAmor]

Very Informative video 👏🏾 👏🏾 As the years go by housing and building materials going to always increase. So good to see a detailed video giving clarity. I want to own my own home in a few years.☺️☺️

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you and I hope you will soon!

[@AphroditeAmor]

@@JeanaCavel You are welcome dear and thank you🙏🏾☺️

[@teacherbrad9534]

This is really inspiring.

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!!

[@hscamzhscam177]

awesome info!!

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@mindyobidnessss]

Just scrolling on my son profile an seen this, I'm in the UK, with the contacts you have. U should think about doing something for real. It's hard to trust ppl wid your money, but when u can see it in real life.. i bet alot of people would pay a premium for you to oversee the work.. lovely home Sis

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you! Not sure if I am at that stage yet to take on other people's home.

[@Soleglosamo]

Sis they’re right seems you have it laid out very well detailed. Just sent to my wife. Def will look for u to when we build ours

[@vernajoseph9444]

Anuh lie! Really like your down to earth attitude my girl from the first time I stumbled on your channel. Thank you!

[@islandvibesgardening4419]

I need help to find land can you help??

[@eileenwatt8283]

​@@JeanaCavelCan you interview the draft man you hired on your channel. That would be good for us. We need to know the does and don'ts before we start.

[@Mingahb2010]

Awwww big up daddy on the roof ❤... its best to build a home compared to purchasing a home. You get exactly what you want cheaper. Thanks for this video.

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you! And yes, it just all depends on how much you get the land for!

[@islandrn876kimbt6]

New subbie love this !

[@roangreen2210]

Great content best of luck❤

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@nevetajohnson4873]

I have to give you a like because of your charismatic tone

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@AnthonyLifestyleVlog876]

Interesting video thanks for the info

[@JeanaCavel]

You're welcome!

[@christinewisdom3004]

Great Job!!

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@kimaredwards4013]

Good job ❤

[@dyanewright2568]

Awesome well done 🎉

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@slodge-allen1622]

Thabk you for sharing

[@CXLS13]

I love the vibe nice Journey I’m a bout to construct as well

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you and good luck with everything!

[@janeenmccoy4610]

Guuuurrlll!!! Tank yuh🙏🙏 really appreciate this... trust me ❤❤❤

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@GregMeg]

Very impressive

[@angellatedesco687]

Very informative, you got a new subscriber. Need to start saving now and I at least have an idea. Since this was 4 years ago, when I am ready, I will add $100k - $150k to each lined item. Better to be over than sort

[@JeanaCavel]

I agree with having more than the amount! Best of luck on your journey!

[@repottedchangeforbetter5926]

Give the currency in USD$ too. GREAT information!

[@angelmc6973]

Love the video..looking to make a start on 500 sq ft extension 😊

[@JeanaCavel]

Yay, best of luck and thank you!

[@theinspirationruum2084]

Love the video

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@jermainebruce3099]

I love the look ❤

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@sandraruncie4351]

Smart lady!

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@thenae_nae9601]

@7:01-7:05... It is called Casting. They also gave you a decent steel float on the floor. Makes it alot easier for a tiler to complete his task especially if the floor is leveled properly.

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you for confirming this!

[@thenae_nae9601]

Anytime. Blessings!

[@MrNanah38]

Girl I really like your personality, love you.

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@Roseforres]

Excellent video. One thing I would like to add. You must have a trusted Project Manager in Jamaica when building if you can’t be in Jamaica when you are building. I am paying the price now for that mistake.

[@everblessed9461]

Those (trusted project manager) are hard to come by. Trust is a rare commodity in Jamaica

[@JeanaCavel]

Yes very hard to come by!

[@MontegoBayTechTalk]

That would be your quantity surveyor or the architect or structural engineer who did your drawings. Often people skip those important people and then have a lot of problems.

[@suuie]

Do a house tour

[@michaellawrence3345]

Great job

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@ddunkin4258]

Greetings Good job,just subscribed.

[@JeanaCavel]

Thanks for the sub!

[@journeywithjaneel]

Congrats Jeana!

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you and I just came onboard for your journey!

[@journeywithjaneel]

@@JeanaCavel thank you, I'm right back on yours!

[@EvralTatum-Mcfield-ov2mi]

Man, less than $20,000 for a 2 bedroom, not bad at all, even if you factor inflation, is still came out to less than $22,000 soo, is way cheaper than building in my country,Honduras, maybe the bag of portland cement is cheaper in Jamaica, in Honduras the bag of cement cost, from $10 to 14 dollars depending on location, soo,something this size, you will pay more than $30,000 dollars,regards from Boston MA!

[@be657]

Hi love, Congratulations on your beautiful home and achievement x If possible are you able to say how much you spent to built the house How many rooms it has and did you also have to purchase the land to build the house and how much that cost. Just want a rough idea of the total how much a project like this would cost as I am currently saving X

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you! Approximately 3 mil and it's 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Please note that I had already bought a property and used the space in the back to do an extension on the existing building.

[@michellewaugh-smith3551]

Hello Cavel...wait are you Kelly or Cavel? Can't go back now. Hello Boss Lady! I'm so happy for you. Hats off, wig off! Big up yourself! I'm so excited for you! So your personality is so cool and easy. I just kept watching you and watching you. We broke ground in March 2024 to start this wonderful journey . I'm a person who has to count every cost before I start anything...But my husband told me he is doing the work so he'll take care of the minute details😮😅. When I came across your videos I was beyond extatic! I was taking pictures of the pricing clips to put together my book...my peace of mind book/ journal. Thanks for all your help. And best of all, all your details. You might not have thought somethings weren't important but every bit of it helped me! Thanks a lot. You have made my life a bit easier. I'm so proud of you. Many happy moments in your house Lady Michelle

[@JeanaCavel]

Hi lady Michelle! My name is Cavel. Thanks for your thoughtful and kind words! I’m glad this was helpful to you and good luck on your journey!!

[@michellewaugh-smith3551]

We are in the process of clearing the land and starting the foundation. We are searching for a drafts person. Any one in your arsenal? The project is in Manchester.

[@JeanaCavel]

@@michellewaugh-smith3551 I only know someone in the St.Catherine, and Kingston/St. Andrew region. I left his number on a video. Call and see if he would do it.

[@asistasjourneywithpaula]

Very smart

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@jamaicanking45]

Nice house❤

[@Truecrimeaddict]

I heard you said you’ll use the premix in the future.. please don’t. Sometimes they mix it so strong to the point where it cracks when dry even when it’s wet throughout the drying process… also it people have being complaining

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you so much for letting me know this, I’ll keep this in mind.

[@jaunbonaysmith]

Channel growing sis❤❤🙏 How long did your project take???

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you! 1.5 years to complete

[@jaunbonaysmith]

@@JeanaCavel thanks doll🙏💗

[@andrewedwards1315]

How comparable is the cost for a premix truck to do the same decking? 113k + 180k + 150k = 443k seems to be the cost for material and labour as you posted.

[@diane84]

I have wiring plumbing floor tiles, plus the work men didn't line up my windows right. I have to redo them 😢😢😢

[@JeanaCavel]

That can be quite frustrating, sorry that happened to you.

[@alex_cool1238]

I have the land already.7.5 what that can build.i want to start my home soon.i will buy the some of the martial out of my pocket

[@JeanaCavel]

Alex, if you have 7.5 mil that’s a good start and can do many things!

[@moody4652]

Can you please make a video of the cost of buying the land?

[@JeanaCavel]

You can just go on websites like century21jm.com/, nht.gov, etc.

[@Kim-lets-you-know]

Very informative video.. question who did your bill of quantity for you?

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you! My dad had an idea of what to get for the initial purchase. Everything else was an estimate. I have a video detailing mistakes and not having someone more knowledgeable do an accurate bill of quantity was one.

[@hughporter2541]

Did you go to school for this? Do you own the land? If not whats the cost of the land? Did you hire a general contractor? Did you need planning approval?

[@phenomenal1189]

Nice video dear 👍..

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@kewongcohen9845]

The price is very accurate my property is about 4000 sqft and i spent about 24,000,000 so far still got the landscaping to do and roof terrace my property is in stony hill

[@JeanaCavel]

Many people didn’t really believe the price but thank you for your comment! I can only imagine how even more beautiful that property will be with landscaping done!

[@YambouSVG]

Living in Ottawa Canada 🇨🇦. Not from Jamaica. Don’t need a house in Jamaica yet here i am watching this whole video. Congratulations on the build !! Can hear the pride at the outcome

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you! I’m truly grateful that I was able to build it as it’s my first home.

[@adventuresfromelle]

Smart young lady! Multifamily dwellings (*cough* extra units for rental income) is the best way to afford home ownership in Jamaica

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@MontegoBayTechTalk]

AMEN!

[@dspirit444]

I had to check in the transcripts to make sure I heard you right---you hired most of these builders from the bar??? 😮😮😮

[@randiehinds8243]

As long as them know them thing that's all that matters

[@dispatchcustomerservice-gb4977]

Very nice ! You can sell for a good bit!

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@LewisPatterson-sw8ku]

Sitting on my bed here watching this video I'm coming home for three days to Jamaica hope to meet you I will pay 1000us for your time and walk me through I believe in you God Almighty bless you and what is the location

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you for the kind words. I don't consider myself an expert but rather someone who has learned lessons from building. It's also located in Portmore, St. Catherine.

[@LewisPatterson-sw8ku]

@@JeanaCavel Hi good morning thank you for your response I raised in Portsmouth St right before passagefort so I now the whole st Catherine then came to America am doing great here successfull let me know if I can give you my #

[@angellatedesco687]

You forgot to mention the cost for the plan. Someone was quoting me around $250000 to draw up a plan and said it was discounted since I know him. He also said he does building. I am bit skeptical about knowing someone and letting them build your house, mark you we are not friends

[@JeanaCavel]

That price you were quoted sounds like you're building a really big house! I posted a video on the many mistakes I made which could be helpful to you at this stage in the game.

[@alex_cool1238]

How u get the cast. Because i want to start buuid.but the men them si expensive

[@JeanaCavel]

What do you mean? How casting is done or who did it?

[@tashiischannel9464]

Who’s the draft man for the plan. ?

[@JeanaCavel]

Unfortunately the only person that has agreed for me to share their details is the person who installed my windows.

[@islandvibesgardening4419]

I need help to find land can you help?

[@jenefferdiah2242]

Me spend an arm and a leg already and still can't get no where

[@JeanaCavel]

Don't give up, I too felt like that at some point! Continue to shop around for different prices, etc

[@MontegoBayTechTalk]

Get an architect and a quantity surveyor on board to organize your drawings and your cost realities so it's not always chaos with the money.

[@suelee9934]

How deep has the foundation got to be for that house? 3ft? 5ft? Where is the window for the bathroom? Or will you install an exhaust fan connected to the light switch?

[@lesdesignmasterpieces4581]

In Portmore you can't dig 5 feet because you will come across water, the reason why you would also come across water is because portmore has a high water tabel

[@JeanaCavel]

Depth is 3ft. I have an upcoming video to release at some point detailing the mistakes we made in regards to house, the bathroom being one of them. We have since solved that issue but an exhaust was the first way we had planned to fix. Great questions!

[@lesdesignmasterpieces4581]

The items you call polls are actually call props

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!

[@lesdesignmasterpieces4581]

@@JeanaCavel You're welcome and thank you too for sharing your journey with us

[@lumplump4650]

Is it possible you can share the builders information or project manager information etc. It would be well aporeciated thank you.

[@JeanaCavel]

Unfortunately, he doesn't want me to share his info. I can only share that of the person who did my windows.

[@MrNanah38]

How much did the drawing cost you?

[@JeanaCavel]

I believe it was 36K at the time and I used a draftsman to get it cheaper.

[@arsenalfan7511]

Why the foundation so deep? My god. Don't know if it's because of the land in portmore. But dam. That foundation is deep

[@JeanaCavel]

It's actually only 3ft and I am building on top of this property.

[@arsenalfan7511]

@@JeanaCavel that's still very deep. Maybe it's because of the location. I don't know. Where am from in Manchester. We don't go half that

[@thepassportlife]

Could I build a 1 story 1000sq ft house with slab roof?

[@JeanaCavel]

Not sure If I understand the question. Are you asking if you could build that size house under 3 mil? If so, it wouldn't be under 3 mil as the house mentioned in the video is about 543 sq. ft. So, the cost to build a 1000 sq. ft house would almost doubled in price. I hope that answers your question.

[@thepassportlife]

@@JeanaCavel Yes you did. I have an idea now. Many thanks

[@JeanaCavel]

@@thepassportlife Glad I was able to help!

[@romanebkake2789]

How long did it take to build ?

[@JeanaCavel]

1.5 years and then finished the electrical work in December of 2023 as I lacked motivation among a few other things.

[@zoe-ml8cx]

Sub because am supporting my jamaican people

[@JeanaCavel]

Thank you!!

[@Shaniquebeckfor]

You paid 3mil in total? how many rooms was it? This isn’t bad

[@JeanaCavel]

It's only two bedrooms and it's an addition to an existing property so it was under 3 mil.

[@michelineeulette5023]

Can you share your contact for the contractor that you trusted to do this in your absence

[@JeanaCavel]

I didn't use a contractor to build. I used a mason and my dad

[@alex_cool1238]

I need your help..a man wants to change me to make my house for 24 million with material.. without material..12million.i believe it to exp

[@jamaicanqueentv]

That bathroom is ridiculous and the prices are too much. It’s over priced

[@terryarmstrong9950]

Can you please recommend a drafter for me.

[@MontegoBayTechTalk]

Use Google maps and search for architects in Jamaica. Important to choose architect whose existing portfolio you LOVE not just like.

[@JeanaCavel]

I agree!

[@underconstructionJAM]

Also, ensure that these drafters are cognizant of the laws so that their plans are readily approved by the relevant municipal body (parish council).

[@jenefferdiah2242]

Bwoy me need them man de fe help me out trust me

[@JeanaCavel]

Lol I had to hunt for them!

[@jaunbonaysmith]

New Sub 128 ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉 Please how many bedrooms & bathroom etc is this??

[@JeanaCavel]

2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom , kitchen and living room space.

[@jaunbonaysmith]

​@JeanaCavel thanks doll❤❤

[@dell7990]

I wonder the Land cost

[@JeanaCavel]

It was an extension to the back of an existing property.

[@milesdavis9588]

Is this Possible????

[@JeanaCavel]

It was for me, seeing that this was an extension on my existing property.