TL;DR CUB (Custo Unitário Básico, or Basic Unit Cost) is the average value of the m² of construction calculated monthly by the construction unions (SINDUSCON) in each Brazilian state. It is used to estimate construction costs, calculate fees using the CAU table and compare regions. It is not a budgeting table; it is a reference index.

What is CUB

CUB is the Basic Unit Cost of construction. It is calculated monthly by the SINDUSCON of each state, based on the prices of materials and labor for the month. It covers only the "basic lots" of the construction; it does not include the land, special foundations, equipment, the project, BDI, etc.

How it is calculated

The union surveys the prices of a standardized basket (NBR 12721) and publishes a value per m² for different types and standards of construction. It is updated on the 5th of each month for the previous month.

Building types and standards

Each state publishes a CUB for several building types × standards:

  • Building type: R-1 (single-family residential), R-8 (multi-family, 8 floors), CSL (commercial), CAL (commercial open floors), GI (industrial warehouse).
  • Standard: low, normal, high.

In November 2026, the CUB SP residential R-1 normal standard is around R$ 2.450/m². High-standard houses, ~R$ 3.100/m².

How to use it to price a project

The CAU table uses the CUB as a base:

Fee = CUB × area × coefficient

The coefficient for single-family residential is ~7%. On a project of 200 m² in SP: 2.450 × 200 × 7% = R$ 34.300 (the value from the CAU table). The real market charges 60-80% of that.

How to use it to estimate construction

When the client asks "how much does it cost to build?", you multiply the local CUB × the area. But warn them: the CUB is the floor of a basic construction. Finishes, landscaping, joinery and special installations are not included. A realistic multiplier: 1.4 to 2.0 over the CUB to get a budget close to reality.

CUB integrated into Limify

Automatic import of the regional CUB

Limify imports your state's CUB monthly and calculates your CAU table automatically. No need to look at the SINDUSCON PDF every time.

Try it free