True Cost of High Rise Construction: Why Flooring Choices Matter More Than You Think

When building a high rise, every decision shapes the project’s long term success but few choices are as overlooked as flooring. Most developers focus on steel, glass, and elevators, yet the true cost of construction isn’t just about materials and labor; it’s about the hidden expenses that pile up over time. From maintenance headaches to unexpected delays and resale value, the flooring you choose can make or break your profit margins. At Ramirro Ceramica, we specialize in high performance porcelain and full body tiles designed for the toughest demands of modern high rise projects. Our solutions don’t just look good they deliver lasting value, reduce lifecycle costs, and help builders and investors maximize returns.

Unseen Cost Layers in High Rise Projects

Every high rise tower begins with an ambitious vision a striking design, a solid structure, and a promise of quality. Developers spend months calculating the cost of land, steel, concrete, and labor. But behind all those big numbers hides a smaller line item that quietly shapes the project’s success: the finishing layer especially the flooring.

Most builders underestimate how much flooring can influence not just the construction budget, but also the long term cost of ownership. In a high rise building, even a small miscalculation in flooring material choice can lead to expensive consequences cracks, stains, uneven textures, or early replacements that eat into profits. Over time, these hidden costs affect maintenance budgets, buyer satisfaction, and even resale value.

That’s where Ramirro Ceramica makes a difference. Based in Morbi, Rajkot, India’s global ceramics hub Ramirro Ceramica is known for creating durable, full body porcelain tiles designed to meet the demands of high rise and large scale projects. 

The Real Budget Breakdown for High Rise Construction

In a high rise project, every rupee counts but not every cost gets the attention it deserves. Most developers plan carefully for land, structure, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems, yet the finishing stage often hides critical expenses that impact long term returns.

A typical budget roughly breaks down as:

Land: 20-25%

Structure: 35-40%

MEP: 15-20%

Finishes (flooring, paint, fittings, etc.): 15-20%

Within that finishes segment, flooring alone makes up about 6-8% of the total project cost and it’s the part every buyer sees and feels daily. Choosing cheaper flooring may seem like savings now but often leads to early wear, cracks, or replacements later.

Spending just 5% more on better flooring can save up to 20% in long term maintenance. That’s why developers who choose durable, low maintenance materials like Ramirro Ceramica’s full body porcelain tiles enjoy fewer repairs, consistent quality, and better resale value.

The real cost of construction isn’t what you pay upfront it’s what you keep saving year after year.

Flooring Material Choices: How They Impact True Cost

Comparing the Main Flooring Choices for High Rise Projects

Factor	Natural Stone	Porcelain Tiles (Ramirro Ceramica)	Premium Ceramics
Upfront Cost	Very high expensive to purchase and install	Moderate balances quality and cost	Low most budget friendly option
Installation Complexity	Requires skilled labor; heavy slabs increase handling difficulty	Easier installation; lighter tiles reduce time and risk	Simple installation process
Durability & Lifespan	Extremely durable but needs regular sealing and polishing	Highly durable, full body tiles last for decades	Moderate lifespan
Maintenance Needs	Frequent polishing, sealing, and cleaning	Very low maintenance resists stains, moisture, and fading	Requires regular cleaning and earlier replacement
Design & Aesthetic Value	Natural luxury appearance; color variation between slabs	Modern, uniform design; large formats minimize grout lines	Basic designs; limited size and texture options
Best Use Case	Luxury lobby areas or premium penthouses	Full scale high rise flooring (corridors, apartments, commercial zones)	Budget residential or low traffic areas

Hidden Cost Factors

Transport & Logistics: Heavy materials like stone incur higher freight expenses and handling charges. Delays or damage in transit can escalate project costs.​

Installation Labor: Porcelain tiles, especially in larger sizes from Ramirro Ceramica, are designed for faster, more precise installation, reducing time and skilled labor needs compared to stone.​

Material Wastage: Natural stone can result in more onsite breakage, requiring a higher overage percentage. Porcelain’s uniformity reduces this risk.​

Retiling & Repairs: With premium full body tiles, future repairs are easier and color matched, minimizing patchwork mismatches and costs.

The Resale & Value Preservation Edge

High quality flooring enhances resale appeal, buyers and tenants pay more for buildings with modern, maintenance free surfaces. New flooring can boost property resale values 2% or more.​

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for Flooring in High Rise Projects

When it comes to flooring, the purchase price tells only half the story. The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) measures the real cost of a material over its entire life including installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement. In high rise projects, where large surface areas multiply expenses, this long term view is crucial.

Cheaper materials may seem profitable at first, but frequent repairs, tile replacements, and finish fading quickly eat into savings. Premium tiles might cost slightly more upfront yet reduce maintenance costs and project downtime for years to come.

TCO Comparison: Cheap Ceramic vs Ramirro Ceramica Porcelain Tiles

Cost Factor	Cheap Ceramic Tiles (Material A)	Ramirro Ceramica Porcelain Tiles (Material B)
Initial Material Cost	Lower initial price but compromises on quality	Moderate initial price with superior material quality
Installation Complexity	Basic installation but higher chance of breakage	Smooth installation with minimal wastage
Average Lifespan	Short lifespan, prone to wear within a decade	Long lifespan, maintains appearance for decades
Maintenance Requirement	High; needs frequent cleaning and repairs	Low; easy to maintain and resistant to stains or scratches
Long Term Reliability	Declines quickly; more buyer complaints and after sale issues	Highly reliable; enhances buyer satisfaction and project reputation
Overall Value Over Time	Appears cost effective initially but adds hidden costs later	Delivers better long term value, lower maintenance, and higher resale appeal

Delays & Cost Impact: When Flooring Choice Drives Risk

In high rise construction, time equals money. A single delay in flooring installation can trigger a chain reaction across the entire project from finishing schedules to handover timelines. Issues such as longer curing times, mismatched tiles, or late material deliveries can cause serious schedule overruns. Each day lost adds pressure through extra site overheads, labor costs, interest on capital, and sometimes even buyer compensation or damage to the builder’s reputation.

One of the biggest hidden risks lies in unreliable flooring supply chains inconsistent sizes, delayed shipments, or fragile materials that break in transit. That’s why experienced developers now prioritize dependable material partners who can deliver on time and at scale.

Ramirro Ceramica minimizes these risks through its state of the art manufacturing unit in Morbi, India, and strong export ready logistics. Every tile batch maintains consistent sizing and finish, ensuring smoother installation. This reliability allows builders to stay on schedule, control costs, and maintain client trust.

The Developer & Buyer Perspective: Long Term Benefits of Smart Flooring

From a developer’s view, specifying Ramirro Ceramica’s porcelain tiles instantly adds credibility to the project. “Premium materials used throughout” becomes a strong marketing line that attracts buyers and investors. Beyond aesthetics, reliable flooring also means fewer warranty issues, lower rework costs, and smoother project handovers all of which improve brand reputation and profitability.

From a buyer’s view, high grade flooring delivers real, lasting value. Apartments built with durable porcelain tiles retain their resale and rental appeal for years while reducing maintenance expenses. Unlike cheaper options, they resist daily wear, stains, and fading ensuring the home looks newer for longer.

Key benefits of quality porcelain tiles include:

Exceptional durability and wear resistance

Scratch and stain resistance for busy spaces

Timeless design that maintains visual appeal

Easy maintenance and simple replacement if needed

What To Ask When Specifying Flooring for a High Rise Project

Technical Specifications

What tile size and thickness best suit the project’s design and load requirements?

Should you choose full body porcelain or glazed tiles depending on traffic level and usage?

What is the slip resistance or skid rating, especially for lobbies, staircases, and terraces?

Supply Chain & Logistics

How much lead time is needed for large volume orders?

Is stock readily available, or can the manufacturer provide custom sizes and finishes?

Does the supplier offer on site support or technical installation guidance?

Maintenance & Warranty

What kind of maintenance schedule does the tile require?

What warranty coverage does the manufacturer provide and is it suited for high rise applications?

Ramirro Ceramica vs Other Flooring Materials – A Transparent Comparison

Factor	Ramirro Ceramica Porcelain Tiles	Generic Low Cost Ceramics	Natural Stone (Granite/Marble)
Upfront Cost	Moderate	Low	High
Lifespan	25-30+ years	10-15 years	20-30 years
Maintenance Cost	Low	High	High
Downtime Risk	Low	High	High
Aesthetic Retention	High (consistent color/finish)	Moderate (fades/chips)	High (but may stain/etch)
Supply Reliability	High (local, export ready)	Moderate (variable quality)	Low (import delays, batch issues)

Real Life Project Anecdote

Developer A: Chose generic low cost ceramics for a 30 storey project. After 5 years, residents reported frequent chipping, staining, and fading. The developer had to budget for a full retiling, causing significant downtime and tenant dissatisfaction.

Developer B: Specified Ramirro Ceramica porcelain tiles for a similar project. After 10 years, the flooring remained in excellent condition, with minimal maintenance and no major complaints. The building retained its premium appeal, and resale values stayed strong.​

Value for Reseller / Secondary Market

High rise units finished with premium tiles like Ramirro Ceramica command higher asking prices in the secondary market. Buyers are willing to pay more for properties with durable, low maintenance flooring.

Green Building & LEED: Flooring’s True Role in Future Proofing Profits

Today, sustainability is a smart investment strategy. Developers and buyers both prefer materials that support eco friendly and energy efficient buildings.

While Ramirro Ceramica tiles are not LEED-certified, the company’s manufacturing process is eco conscious focusing on efficient water use, reduced energy consumption, and low emission materials. This makes Ramirro Ceramica tiles suitable for green building projects following LEED, IGBC, or GRIHA standards.

Using sustainable tiles can help developers earn green certifications, which often bring tax incentives, faster approvals, and higher buyer confidence. Such projects also tend to deliver better returns; green certified buildings can gain a 2-6% resale premium.

Predicting Returns: Low Cost Build vs Premium Finish What Profit Looks Like

In real estate, every material decision directly affects the bottom line. A builder who saves on materials may complete a project faster, but a builder who invests in premium finishes like Ramirro Ceramica tiles often earns higher long term profits.

Consider two scenarios:

Low Cost Build: The developer uses budget materials to attract cost sensitive buyers. Initial margins look healthy, but frequent maintenance, flooring complaints, and early replacements reduce post sale profitability.

Premium Finish Build: The developer invests slightly more in Ramirro Ceramica’s full body porcelain tiles and markets the project as premium. The property sells at a higher per unit price, absorbs faster, and sustains its market appeal for years.

Better flooring also means fewer warranty claims, lower maintenance overheads, and improved buyer satisfaction all of which directly strengthen profit margins.

For buyers, the benefit is clear: premium flooring adds long term resale value and reduces upkeep costs, turning a small initial upgrade into years of savings and sustained property value.

Long Term Thinking | How Smart Flooring Cuts Real Estate Risk and Boosts Returns

In the fast paced real estate market, short term savings often lead to long term costs. Developers who think beyond the initial price and focus on material quality and lifecycle value build projects that last and brands that buyers trust. Flooring, though often underestimated, plays a key role in this equation.

By choosing premium, durable materials like Ramirro Ceramica’s porcelain tiles, builders can reduce maintenance risks, minimize project delays, and preserve property value for decades. For buyers, it means lower repair costs, higher comfort, and stronger resale potential proof that flooring isn’t just about looks, it’s about financial performance.

So, whether you’re a developer planning your next high rise or a buyer evaluating your future home, remember: smart flooring is smart investment.

Choose the finish that finishes your profit.

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