Efficiency and cost effectiveness in architectural design and construction
As more and more people consider building their own houses, efficient and cost-effective architectural design and construction are becoming a growing concern. The reason is when a construction project goes above the anticipated budget or off schedule, it can be a disaster.
Some of the negative impacts experienced in such cases include:
- Eventual decline in Return on Investment
- The inflated total building cost
- Delayed project completion schedule
- Heightened pressure from moneylenders
- Going through financial difficulties as the owner
Time and cost optimization is, therefore, necessary as it may minimize the total project cost. As such, this optimization in time and cost assists in achieving the highest benefit which is cost-effective and affordable home design and construction. However, it takes the effort of the client/owner, architectural designer, engineers, as well as contractors to be successful in optimizing time and cost.
You may find yourself having to switch between different approaches to secure the lowest cost. For example, outsourcing in one area could prove to reduce costs, while investing in equipment like elevators could prove cheaper in the long run if it’s something you can get used out of in multiple projects.
Considerations for Cost-Effectiveness in the Architectural Design and Construction
The good value and effective working conditions of a construction job usually commence during the architectural building stage. At this stage, it is very important that the architect plan well and open a good communication link between them and the client. Now, if an architect embarks on a project to get specifications and make working drawings of a building, they are going to spend money on two different stages. The initial stage comprises the design work and the second stage is putting the design work into reality. The fee charged for designing is just a small percentage of the construction cost. But when a client put up a better plan, they are bound to save more money in the process. So, all the detailed descriptions and markings from the architect’s drawing need to be taken care of.
Apart from that, cost-effectiveness in architectural design makes different construction areas great without compromising the quality of the job. Ideally, the sole aim of building low-cost houses is to save money while at the same time maintaining the quality of a house.
The right planning and good communication channel between the architect and client are very essential for the building contractor to achieve the desired results. But, it is of great importance that the entire team of contractors, suppliers, and sub-contractors put in their best in the job.
Here is some vital information that will assist you to have good value in your quest to construct an affordable house:
Simplicity in design:
Complexity in design can significantly increase the cost of a building project. As such, the most straightforward and affordable thing to build is “the box.” It is because a floor plan that twists and turns with multiple corners only increases the cost and ease of building. The architect should, therefore, ensure there is a logical structural organization. In return, this will avoid the need for additional structural features to hold everything up. Good architectural designs prevent ambiguity to make them affordable and straightforward to build and understand.
Simplicity in detailing of an architectural design:
The detailing of a house often depends on one’s style. However, it can significantly affect the overall price of a building project. It should, therefore, be keenly analyzed in a quest to achieve an affordable and cost-effective house. Straight-out details, like multiple wood casings around windows, can quickly increase the price. Lastly, simplicity in detailing does not mean a building will be of lesser quality or impact but keeps it affordable.
Opening up the Floor Plan:
Besides, avoiding intricate designs and details, a low-cost house can be realized by opening up the floor plan. The most obvious benefit of having an open floor plan is reducing materials costs. This is because fewer walls require less material and labor. The visual link between spaces also enlarges the perceived area, making it feel bigger. As such, people may be in different parts of the house, say the kitchen, living room, or dining room, but still, stay connected.
Clever Material Choices and Sourcing:
Selecting the materials for a building project can be painstaking especially when one tries to compare him/herself with the neighbor as a benchmark. However, there are many construction materials out there that produce a desirable, unique, and cost-effective result. If one is looking to save money, prefabricated materials may be the first option. You can find them in stunning designs nowadays and they have become trendy in recent years.
Lastly, knowing the way around the construction and design market is crucial to achieving cost-effectiveness in building design. Being aware of where to find the best, affordable materials plays an enormous role in designing and constructing a suitable building. For instance, one doesn’t need to purchase materials from expensive stores. There are many online retailers and discount supply stores that offer cost-effective plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, bath accessories, and hardware.
Cutting down the Labor Cost:
Labor can represent a high proportion of the overall building cost. Therefore, one may consider undertaking some of the building work by him/herself. This decision can undoubtedly affect the entire construction project and developers should be realistic about their capabilities and skills. The last thing one would want is spending money on a contractor to fix the mistakes s/he made. If one is unsure about his/her capabilities and skills, the other way he or she can cut the labor cost is by seeking family or friends in the construction industry to see if they can help out. They could be plumbers, electricians, or other construction experts and they are more likely to be free or cheaper compared to other contractors.
Technology Utilization:
Nowadays, many affordable building technologies can help keep the building’s cost at a low. Among the latest cost-effective building technology developments are solar panels, smart shutters, and small wind turbines, which offer cheaper and faster construction as well as save energy.
In summary, the architectural design consultant one chooses to help him/her find the best way to plan a building project can undoubtedly affect a building project’s affordability. At Avenir Developments, the leading architecture company in Pakistan, we strive that the project has an efficient and cost-effective architectural design and it lets you procure the best service on a fixed budget and a strict timeline.
