Homebuilding is not only an emotionally intensive exercise but also a financially demanding one. Anyone who wishes to make the home of his dreams has some specifications and preferences in mind. However, the rising cost of construction materials and cement, and steel is leading to an exponential rise in construction costs. However, if you plan a little and employ smart construction techniques, you can save up to 30-40 percent of the usual construction cost. The following tips would come in handy to save on construction expenditure.
A simple plan is the best plan
Although you might have your own specifications and preferences, a complex building plan with curves and turns will add to the cost of the building. A simple plan would be easy to build and will save a significant part of the total cost. If you have hired an architect, you must discuss all the complexities beforehand including the cost. Unnecessary structures would also hinder the free flow of air and will give rise to ventilation issues.
Choice of Construction Material
The choice of construction material makes all the difference to the cost quotient. When you are about to initiate the construction, you must take quotes from different dealers and compare the cost as well as quality. It must be noted that while you are trying to reduce the cost, you must not compromise on the quality as poor quality would be a cost forever. Eco-friendly porotherm bricks or fly ash bricks reduce construction cost significantly.
Prefer a Load-bearing Structure
While building a home, go for a load-bearing structure over a frame structure. A load-bearing structure is known for its economic output. Moreover, in the case of a low-rise building, it reduces the cost significantly as it uses a reduced amount of steel and cement. In addition to this, the load-bearing structures are easy to construct and require lesser time, leading to reduced consumption of energy and cost.
Soil Testing
A significant amount of building cost is covered by the foundation of the building. In general, the foundation is 3-4 feet deep. However, if you go for soil testing and the soil is normal, you can reduce the depth of the foundation by up to 2 feet. It will reduce the cost of construction significantly. However, the advice of a structural engineer is warranted in this regard.
Prefabricated Components
The prefabricated components market is contributing significantly to modern constructions. Prefabricated materials are predesigned and precast and can be fixed as they are. If not for the entire structure, you can use it for a part of it such as an outhouse, animal shade/shelter etc. Moreover, prefabricated doors and windows are significantly cheaper than hardwood doors while providing the same strength and security.
Precast Staircase System
Contrary to the traditional staircase system, a precast staircase mechanism helps in cost reduction. As compared to the In-situ staircase system, the precast staircase mechanism is efficient and affordable. It also utilizes lesser labour and requires lesser time to get installed.
Right Plot Selection
If you are on the lookout for a new residential plot, you must bear in mind that the level of the plot should not be very high or very low from the road level. If the level difference is too much, then it will require greater efforts in releveling and would add to the overall cost.
