Hard Costs
Learn about hard costs in Canadian construction — what they include, why they matter, and their role in project budgeting.
July 29, 2025
What are Hard Costs?
Hard costs in construction are the direct, tangible costs of physically building a project, such as materials, labour, and equipment.
Why Hard Costs Matter in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate development, accurately estimating hard costs is essential for budgeting and securing financing.
Examples of hard costs:
- Building materials (e.g., concrete, steel, lumber)
- Contractor and subcontractor labour
- On-site equipment and machinery
Understanding hard costs helps developers and lenders assess project feasibility and manage construction budgets.
Example of Hard Costs in Action
The developer’s hard costs included all materials and subcontractor expenses required to build the condominium tower.
Key Takeaways
- Direct costs of building a project
- Includes materials, labour, and equipment
- Excludes administrative and financing costs
- Crucial for budgeting and financing
- Impacts overall project profitability
Related Terms
- Soft Costs (Construction)
- Construction Loan
- Budgeting
- Holdback (Construction Financing)
- Draw Schedule


Mattamy WideLot™ design
'The Cline' at Cityscape
'The Monarch' at Yorkville






15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)
Renderings of the tower proposed for 15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)

Goldberg Group 
10-storey apartment building currently occupying 525 Eglinton Avenue East/WND Associates
Rendering of 525 Eglinton Avenue East/Wallman Architects

The Mayfair West site and its surrounding context. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
Renderings of Mayfair West. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)