How to reduce construction cost in current scenario

The cost of construction of a house are often principally divided into five classes.

Land value: Cost of owning a land parcel for House construction
Design Costs: This includes architectural, structural and MEP design of the building
Laisoning Costs: Includes fees for government approvals like government land survey, arrange approval etc.,w
Material acquisition Costs: Includes purchase of materials like cement, steel, sand, aggregate, bricks, blocks, tiles and alternative finishing materials
Labour Costs: This includes the work force costs for construction of RCC structure, brick work, plastering, alternative finishing works and external development (Like compound wall, hardscaping and landscaping)


Now wherever you'll be able to cut back the price of construction strictly depends on the your lifestyle choices. you'll be able to create a barely minimalist building or an exotic bungalow to live in. Here are my few tips for reducing the price of construction.

• Saving in Land Cost:

  Choose the proper plot for construction: the extent of the plot is most vital throughout construction. If the extent of the plot is much under the road level on the front, then the amount of filling material needed are going to be a lot of so increasing the entire price of construction. so choose a land parcel which is neither too high nor too low compared to the extent of the road.
  
  Check development regulations: Survey area that have potential for development in close to future and is available currently available at low price. Check FSI of the area, additional FSI means less total price of owning a home. If you have got less FSI, then you would like to buy more land to make same area of construction
  
  For example: If you are going to purchase a 1000 sqft plot space and are looking at two localities. You local municipality or DC (Development Control) offers FSI for every space based on multiple factors. so during a plot with two FSI, you'll construct a 2000 sqft building whereas during a plot with one.5 FSI you'll solely build 1500 sqft.
  

  
  

Also, Remember FSI regulations change with time, so you need to choose the right plot as per your current and future requirements.


Saving in Architectural and Design Costs

• 1. If you're going for a structure of over two or more floors, i would strictly advice you to not look for a less expensive design choice in this, like a old contractor knowing everything regarding designing and detailing
  2. A professional architect and structural designer can assist you save upon the overall prices by optimizing design of the building and not over/under planning it.
  3. A good designer worth engineers your construction by that you'll be able to not only save prices on materials however additionally save future recurring and maintenance prices (a lighted and-ventilated design, green material and low maintenance fixture and fittings)
  4. Have elaborated designs done to avoid less confusion/misinterpretation at site, thereby avoiding rework value and time overrun.
  5. Have a floor plan/layout that is square/rectangular formed (having lower perimeter). Square/rectangular formed floor plans typically consume lesser materials (20-40%) as compared to a H formed and L formed layouts as they consume more materials per unit built up space.

Also Read: How much do architects charge

• • Saving in Construction Material Procurement:

1. Cement

   1. 1. 1. Go for local/regional branded cement. Most of the local branded cements like Chettinad cement, Penna cement, Maha cement etc., are of good quality and are offered at better prices.
         2. Optimise cement consumption by using the right cement grade. OPC cement is usually slightly costlier than PPC cement. OPC cement is usually recommend for RCC structural work (like foundations, columns, roof and beams) and PPC cement is recommended for non-structural works (Like Plastering, Tiling etc.,). This will not only save you costs but also enhance the quality of construction by reducing cracks (Due to less heat of hydration).
         3. For optimising the cement consumption in structural concrete, you can mix fly ash judiciously (15 to 25% as part replacement to cement) with OPC 53 cement. This will not only decrease the costs but will also be durable (since degree of permeability will be low)
            
            
            

2. Bricks and Blocks:

   1. Buy locally available bricks. Compare the cost of first class red clay brick and fly-ash brick in your locality. Go for a brick which costs you less. Both flyash bricks and red clay bricks are equally good in strength.
   2. Incase you are going for a structure of more than 3 floors, then use AAC blocks instead of bricks. Although AAC blocks (concrete blocks) are costlier than bricks, they are light weight. This will decrease the steel consumption per unit built up,as dead load reduced to one-third. Also as AAC blocks have low thermal conductivity, they can help you save electricity costs for cooling your rooms.

3. Plastering:

   Go for Neeru (lime) Finish for internal plastering.

4. Doors and Windows:

   1. Avoid Wooden door frames. Instead go for RCC door frames which can save upto 30% of the cost for Door framing.
   2. Use PVC doors for Bathrooms and other wet areas like dry balcony etc.,
   3. Use Laminated flush door or blockboard for door opening other than the main door. This will decrease the cost of door work by 25%.

5. Flooring:

   1. Use Cement mosaic tiles to reduce cost of flooring works. Select size which result in fewer wastages
   2. Go for locally available granite for Kitchen platform and stair case steps. Use cut/waste piece of tiles in steps riser

6. Grill and Railings:

   Use Painted MS section for Staircase railing and grills

7. Electrical Material:

   You can opt for local make switches and sockets but always go for Branded wires for House wiring.

8. Light Fitting:

   Go for Light fittings that are not only economical to your pockets initially but also save up on the electricity charges and maintenance costs in the future.

9. Avoid False Ceiling:

   False ceiling although will act as good insulation but is quite expensive. Go for a simple POP finish to the roof.

10. Paints:

    Use Semi-acrylic paint for internal and external walls which can save upon the cost

11. Plumbing CP Fixtures & Sanitary:

    The cost of sanitary and CP fixtures varies depending upon the type and quality of products used in the building and its cost reduction is left to the individual choice and liking. We recommend you to choose economical local/regional brands. Plumbing and Sanitary fixture can be easily replaced anytime without any dismantling in future. So replacing them later with the fixtures of your choice will not cost you much.

• Saving on Labour Costs:

  1. Hire experienced contractor:

     A resource full team will help you save time and ensure quality at affordable cost. An inexperienced labour contractor may quote low initially but will turnout to be costly when you will be spending on rectifications and maintenance.

  2. Avoid Concealed work:

     Don’t go for concealed wiring. Concealing the electrical wires although is aesthetically appealing will increase the labour costs and the same is easily maintainable and replaceable.

  3. Choose simple elevations:

     Many are obsessed with the front elevation of the building. Yes, a great front elevation gives a rich look for the building but will burn holes through your pockets. Don’t use unnecessary structural elements just for beautification of the elevation

 Also Read : Low cost housing techniques

Additional Tips for reducing cost of construction:

1. Avoid Change orders:

   Avoid any last minute changes in design or material selection. These change orders usually have a high impact on the cost of construction and can sometimes deter the quality of the structure.

2. Hire an experienced Turnkey Contractor:

   An experienced turnkey contractor may cost you a bit more initially but can prove more value during the execution of the work. They will keep the change orders to minimum since they manage everything from design to construction. Also, they ensure that the quality of construction is up to the mark which will reduce your future maintenance costs considerably. They also provide warranty up to 5 years on construction defects (Refer Happho’s Home packages)

3. Ensure Proper Cash flow:

   A proper cash flow avoids (leading bank to provide loan for home constructions) multiple mobilizations of the contractors. Usually contractors charge for re-mobilizations if the delays are because of the improper cash flows. (refer info-graphic).If required design for higher floor build in stages for example build till ground floor start living in it arrange for next stage cash then build upper floors.