What could be the most cherished and proud possession one can have? Although, this is more likely to be a subjective matter, short-listing the optimal universal answer would not be an issue. Besides, I am quite sure you will agree with me your own ‘edifice ‘will be among your cherished possessions.

Creating something so large and important, which bears your mark on it, doesn’t come very easy on you. (And this factor, does not necessarily apply only to personal constructions, but to civic structures, too.) In this article, we would like to share some tips for cheering up your pocket.

Before we share our thoughts, it would be more helpful if you know which aspect of construction incurs the major part of the expenditure. According to most of the construction research reports published and as per the statements from engineers, major part of the investment is directed to the material cost (around 60%). 30% of the total budget is spent on labour, and approximately 10% cost is exhausted on miscellaneous aspects.

As per the ‘Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council , Government of India’, (as shown in the figure) major part of the total construction expenditure originates from the purchases of foundation structure-materials (like cement and bricks), followed by labour cost and fees for different professionals. Other disbursement is done on things like plumbing, paints, flooring, etc.

Having shared the relevant information about the construction costs, we will now share our thoughts on how one can pull down the construction cost by paying attention to the important aspects of constructing a building The Structure Outline

It is said, “Your best efforts are made before even you break the ground”. This is so true! Outlining the structure is nothing but making of a ‘laddering chart analysis’ that scrutinizes the deliverables in a project. Each succeeding level in this plan embodies a progressively more detailed description of each project deliverable. It also identifies a timeline required to complete a particular construction.

This systematic ‘branching off’ of the tasks, makes it very easy for the project manager to adhere to the timeline, making it possible to function as planned, and in response expurgating the likelihood of increase in the budget.

Pre-Commencement Estimation: Keeping in mind the estimation of costs (or your maximum budget), you should first plan and design carefully on the paper. This avoids blunders in the initial cost of construction and construction material, utilities, maintenance, etc.

Avoid unnecessary and (insanely) expensive features, which you can live without, despite not missing out much on the luxury part. But economical construction should not be confused with inferior construction. Poor quality of labour and substandard material can never be “cost-effective” in long run. Maintenance and repair cost in the future, very soon tires out the initial savings achieved by commencing inferior construction.

Discount Contractor Supplies: Some contractors can avail the discount on construction hardware as well as household appliances supplies. The manufacturers, from whom the discount is gained can be of an affluent status, ensuring the durability of the product. So getting discount doesn’t necessarily mean getting a shoddy product.

The supplies that are generally covered in the contractor discounts are fasteners (nuts and bolts, screws, nails, etc.), lumber, drywall, electrical appliances, plumbing materials, etc.

To look for a substantially low-cost discount contractor, internet is a good option. Many websites offer discount to their members through major outlets. These web-based outlets offer low prices on many items that builders and renovators use on regular basis. Other way to find such discounted home supplies is to visit discount home supply outlet that have such supplies at much lower cost than you find in any big chain-store.

You may also want to consider the option of using recycled materials that are retrieved from demolition sites. These materials are inspected and are in usable condition. These tools are available at much lower cost than others, moreover its environment friendly and avoids the waste of resources.

Green Construction:As the name suggests, you might as well have figured out that this is a practice that engages into building structures and using edifice methods that are environment friendly. In this practice more recycled materials are used while constructing buildings.

However, talking in regards with the cost, green techniques might come across as more expensive procedures, due to modern technologies. The saving of money, in case of green constructions, doesn’t come from the up-front cost, but rather it shows in the form of life-cycle cost. The buildings constructed by using green technology, are designed to consume little or no utility-supplied energy. You save money in the long run, by using more environment-efficient utilities that result in reduced energy bills. This gains you a tremendous benefit, when the prices of coal, oil, and natural gas seem to be mounting constantly. As a bottom-line you conserve resources and cut down on wastes, resulting in saving more money.

Good Drainage System Installation: There are certain aspects, while undertaking a construction work, which can not (and must not) be taken nonchalantly. Setting up the perfect drainage system is definitely one such thing. Disposing of the waste is a very critical task, which if not carried out properly or is performed using poor quality materials, causes not only lot of frustration and fatigue, but also a ridiculous money-squander on reassembling a new drainage system. Always make sure to select a competent drainage-system material, even though it costs a little more. This will be your one-time expenditure, and it will be money-well-spent.

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, a engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

Source http://www.bmtpc.org/COST_OF_CONSTRUCTION/cost_of_construction_stage_wise.htm

Tags: Basic information, Expert Advice, Informative

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