Ark Trading recorded the lowest overall basket cost in October 2026, with a total basket of N$6,990.87, narrowly ahead of Pupkewitz Megabuild at N$6,994.52.
The difference between the two retailers was just N$3.65, highlighting how closely their overall prices compared across the 17 building materials surveyed.
Build It recorded a total basket cost of N$7,410.90, while BUCO was the most expensive retailer, at N$7,994.49.
The gap between the lowest and highest overall basket costs stood at N$1,003.62, showing that the choice of retailer can make a noticeable difference to the cost of purchasing building materials.
Overall Basket Cost Comparison
Key Price Observations
Roofing, bricks and building materials
Build It recorded the lowest price for galvanised IBR roofing at N$538.33, followed by Ark Trading at N$583.68 and Pupkewitz Megabuild at N$584.99. BUCO had the highest listed price at N$644.13.
Ark Trading offered the lowest price for 7MPA bricks at N$2.70. It also recorded the lowest prices for both brickforce products, at N$16.69 for the 150mm roll and N$16.57 for the 75mm roll.
Pupkewitz Megabuild was the most affordable retailer for all three concrete lintel sizes surveyed. Its 0.9m lintel cost N$36.95, the 1.2m lintel N$46.45 and the 1.8m lintel N$72.90.
Windows, doors and fittings
Pupkewitz Megabuild recorded the lowest prices for the bronze aluminium window at N$858.99, the steel door frame at N$534.99, the two-lever lockset at N$78.99 and the interior hardboard door at N$269.00.
Build It offered the lowest price for a bronze aluminium sliding door at N$2,541.50. BUCO’s price of N$3,202.19 was N$660.69 higher, representing the largest price difference among the four retailers for this particular product.
Cement and ceiling boards
Build It offered the lowest prices for both Ohorongo cement grades surveyed, at N$106.00 for 32.5 cement and N$114.00 for 42.5 cement.
BUCO recorded the lowest ceiling board price at N$156.66, marginally below Pupkewitz Megabuild at N$159.00 and Ark Trading at N$159.84. Build It had the highest listed price for the product at N$174.80.
Paint
Ark Trading recorded the lowest paint price at N$641.96, compared with N$895.00 at Pupkewitz Megabuild, N$997.94 at BUCO and N$1,108.31 at Build It.
The difference between Ark Trading and Build It was N$466.35, highlighting the substantial variation in the listed prices of some individual building materials.
Conclusion
October’s price comparison places Ark Trading marginally ahead of Pupkewitz Megabuild in terms of the overall basket cost. However, Pupkewitz Megabuild recorded the lowest price for eight of the 17 products surveyed, while Ark Trading offered the lowest prices for four products. Build It was cheapest for four products, and BUCO for one.
The findings indicate that the retailer with the lowest overall basket does not necessarily offer the lowest price on every item. Consumers undertaking construction or renovation projects may benefit from comparing individual prices, while also considering product specifications, availability and transport costs.
