HOW TO SAFELY REDUCE THE COST FOR YOUR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT (PART 2)
Things you can adjust in your building and still get same quality and aesthetic view but for far cheaper cost.
In the first part of this article we talked about how to use EPS mouldings instead of the conventional concrete moulding in order save cost while maintaining the same standard of work and aesthetic view. In this second part, we are going to discuss other changes you can make to save cost.
In building construction, there are a lot of options and methods on how to go around a particular thing especially when it comes to materials and building finishes. In as much as you can’t really change the structural component and materials for a building you can easily change or modify the type and quality of finishes you choose to use without compromising the quality of result you get. So without further ado let’s dive in and see what and what can be exchanged for the other.
1. Sliding windows for casement windows
Switching from casement windows to sliding windows can save you a ton of money, but there is a catch. Sliding windows don’t really give the same amount of air inlet as casement windows. A sliding window comes with two leafs but you can only open one side of the window at a time, meaning that you have two windows but can only use one at a time. With that said, you can increase the size of the sliding window to increase the air inlet, problem solved.
Having solved the problem with sliding widows, you stand at a big advantage. The reason is that casement windows are far much more expensive than sliding windows. 5×5ft of a sliding window can cost between 18 to 20 thousand naira per one while a casement window of same size will cost 28 to 30 thousand naira per one. So for every sliding window you install in place of a casement window you save 8 to 10 thousand naira.
A five bedroom duplex with standard sized rooms can have about 16 to 18 large windows. Replacing all the windows from casement t sliding windows will mean saving about one hundred and eighty thousand naira (180,000) just on windows alone.
2. Roofing system and type of roof covering
A well roofed house brings an instant appeal to the appearance of a house. However, a high-end roofing can be very expensive and for a client trying to save cost, not very relevant. The good news is that there is the possibility of saving cost while having a pretty roof over your building.
Basically in Nigeria there 4 types of roof coverings in use;
- Aluminium roof coverings which is also classified into 2 major types namely
- Long span aluminium roofing sheet
- Step-tile aluminium roofing sheet
2. Metro tile Shingle, roman, bond or classic roofing tiles
3. Clay tile roofing sheets.
4. Asbestos roofing sheets
All the roof coverings listed above are very durable and resistant to corrosion. Clay tiles and Asbestos roofing sheets are very expensive and difficult to come by, so it’s not advisable for anyone looking to cut cost to go for any of them.
For most residential houses, contractors prefer to use asphalt shingles or Step-tiles roofing sheets because they have better aesthetical value. That said, step-tile and long spans aluminium sheets also look something similar to Clay tiles but its more cost effective than it.
A meter of Step-tiles goes for 1,850 naira for 0.55mm thickness while long span cost 1,650 for one meter of 0.55mm thickness.
So therefore, substituting a meter of Step-tiles for a long span saves 200 naira per meter. It’s also saves you much more money when installing the roof skeleton because they both have different roofing system with long span requiring less roofing timber.
3. Electrical wiring system
Most clients go for conduit wiring which is a bit cheaper than surface wiring and makes the entire wiring system look very tidy.
With most clients not knowing much about electrical wiring the contractors usually sublet it to an electrical subcontractor who goes a head does the job as he sees fit without any regard for the client’s financial capacity. Some of these electricians go as far as installing 4 to 5 double electrical sockets in each room, a separate AC port, water heater port and indicator. Then he separates the power channel to each room or flat. All these electrical options and installations are okay to have but they are not important or necessary, especially when you are trying to save cost.
Therefore, before the electrician starts off with his job talk to him and explain what and what you want in your house, like 2 double sockets in a room is enough, AC and water heater ports in rooms they are needed at the particular time, a simplified electrical control system, external and internal lighting points and where you want them.
After all these modifications, you will realize that you have saved up to 200,000 to 250,000 naira just on electrical installation alone depending on the size of your building.
Something to bear in mind while making these modifications, conduit wiring is a one off installation. Any other subsequent connection would have to be surface or subsurface wiring.
Undertaking a building project is always capital intensive so trying to save cost it a reasonable thing to do. However, all the above listed methods to save cost both in part one of the must not all be applied to one project. Applying all of them will definitely save you a lot of money but you can also pick out the aspects you can compromise on and save money on and apply them.
You can also give us a call or visit us so we can give you the best quality job at the most affordable price.