Whether you’re taking up a home renovation or building a house from scratch, it would be nice to be able to cut back on expenses in any building project.
Construction can get very expensive these days since it’s no longer as easy to get a loan as before. Chances are, you’re working on a tight budget. So, to help you with this, here are some cost-saving strategies for building projects you should know.
- Time Keeping
Time is essential in any building project. We all know just how important it is to meet project deadlines. Ineffective timekeeping in construction can significantly affect the overall project cost since you will have to pay extra for labour and materials. While it’s almost impossible not to have any delays, you could minimise this by closely monitoring the timekeeping of the project.
Effective communication within the field is one of the most effective ways to avoid construction delays. Do not just rely on ad hoc communication pathways. Instead, establish a communication structure and adhere to an organised schedule. You can use mobile app technology to ensure everyone can view the latest information about the project, especially about change orders, redesigns, etc.
Some delays are beyond our control. For instance, bad weather could delay construction or bring the project to a dead halt. So, add flexibility to the schedule to allow for weather-dependent delays. Also, look for ways to keep the project running despite the weather conditions. For instance, you can provide waterproof gear and other safeguards onsite to allow workers to work safely.
- Clever Use of Materials
One of the most effective cost-saving strategies for building projects is the clever use of materials, such as using a variety of resin bound driveways. Resin is the most robust and long-lasting material out there, and resin-bound driveways are seeing an increased demand in construction.
Resin bound is a surfacing solution produced through a mixture of resin and aggregates using a forced action mixer, resulting in a material that can be trolled into a driveway, providing a smooth and flat finish. The seamless finish of resin bound offers a decorative bound gravel surface that’s durable, practical, and attractive.
Aside from using resin bound for the driveway, many other cost-effective materials can help you save money on construction. For instance, you can opt for reclaimed wood, which is both environment-friendly and economical. This material gives off a rustic and weathered look that appeals to beach-house or cottage styles. If you want a more contemporary look, thoroughly sand the material or apply a coat of wood stain or paint.
- Upcycling
Upcycling is not only beneficial to the environment by minimising waste in landfill. It can also help you save money on construction. Upcycling existing materials means you do not have to purchase new construction materials, which leads to significant savings.
Upcycling refers to the method of reinventing waste materials, transforming them into something useful. The main benefit of upcycling is it helps to conserve the environment since it reduces the amount of waste that gets dumped in landfills. Some of the waste materials from construction have dangerous chemicals that could lead to soil degradation. Also, water pollution could occur if these chemicals end up in water bodies.
Another benefit to upcycling is that it reduces the cost of production, which is one way to save money on building projects. For instance, you need to use some wood in the project. Instead of buying, you can use discarded wood pellets. This is what upcycling is all about – turning waste materials into something useful. The other waste materials you can upcycle for construction are plasterboard, glass, wood, plastics, aggregates, rubber, and cement replacement. Through upcycling, the overall project cost can be significantly reduced.
- Keep it Simple
When designing your home, consider the complexity of the design. The simpler the design and more straightforward the details, the cheaper, easier, and faster it is to build. So, if you are trying to save money on building a home, opt for simple, straightforward designs.
A smaller floor plan is more efficient and cost-effective. If the design consists of several smaller rooms, remove the walls. Or, better yet, combine spaces and create an open floor plan design to eliminate redundant areas. If you want to build a multi-story home, consider grouping the systems to minimise duct and piping runs and end up with a more energy-efficient design. You can opt for a centrally located mechanical system or stack bathrooms on top of each other to minimise pipe runs and make them more efficient. Anything that can create a more compact system will almost always lead to a more cost-effective design.
These strategies are the key to a simple home design, which is more cost-effective. It requires more time to stake out the footprint of complex homes, which also means more labour costs. In addition, a floor plan with lots of ins and outs, would require more exterior walls that could further add up to the overall project cost.
- Budget
When determining the overall budget for the project, consider consulting a quantity surveyor. They are experts at budgeting and will sit down with you during the planning and estimating stages. A quantity surveyor will take the time to understand your objectives before coming up with a budget.
Quantity surveyors will use their vast experience and contacts when sourcing materials for the project. They can offer recommendations for cost-effective material options. In addition, a quantity surveyor can help to identify potential opportunities and risks that will allow you to prepare and have a contingency in place if the need arises. A building project is often complex and involves a multitude of trades, suppliers, and materials. The Quantity Surveyor can help make things more manageable.
Sourcing materials and comparing quotes can be time-consuming. A quantity surveyor can handle this for you and will ensure the quotes can cover every possible cost in the construction, including those you may not have anticipated.