10 CONSTRUCTION TIPS FOR MANAGING THE BUILDING COSTS

CONSTRUCTION TIPS FOR MANAGING THE BUILDING COSTS

IStock/GettyImages/Google

The following are some of the building construction tips than you should consider before commencing a project;

1. Choose the right location for constructing your project;
When identifying a plot, consider sites with gentle rolling topography that are easily accessible, this will reduce on the overall construction cost and timelines for your project. Avoid swampy sites or sites with poor soils because this will translate to costly foundations. Also avoid sites that are located in waterways.

2. Budget for expected project cost;
Have an idea of how much it will cost you to construct your project and will be instrumental in prioritization of specifics and drawing up a complete plan for financing your budget for the project.

3. Engage professionals in the design and construction process;
Engage qualified consultants team consisting of Architect, Engineer and Quantity Surveyor to guide you on the planning, conceptualizing and constructing your project within your planned budget

4. Optimize the floor spaces and opt for simple designs;
Optimize available space and reduce on unnecessary floor areas which may contribute to increased construction costs. The consultants will be able to advice you on how to optimize the floor areas for your budget.

5. Have and understand the written contracts before engaging;
Insist on a written construction contract that will protect you from non-performance through clearly defined terms of engagement, the expected scope of deliverables and timelines within a clearly outlined cost

6. Acquire all the required drawings and construction permits;
Ensure that all the necessary construction permits for your project are obtained before the construction begins such that you are in good standing with the government jurisdictions. The consultants will be able to produce the required drawings and advice you on the required permits.

7. Build during the dry season;
Building during the rainy season always lead to direct or indirect losses relating to construction material, time and labor. Also, the rain may affect accessibility to the site and the timely delivery of site materials

8. Use locally available materials for construction;
Prioritize the use of locally available construction material with the overall objective of reducing your projects construction costs and eliminating the uncertainties that may arise from material delivery timelines.

9. Avoid making changes on the design during construction;
Avoid making design changes during the construction which may lead to time and costs overruns and possibly compromise the structural integrity of your project

10. Pay for works done based on achieved milestones;
Use achieved milestone payments approach to enable you track the program of works for your project and link it to your payouts. Such payments are easier to administer because they are based on the contractors performance

Published by Geostruct (September 8, 2023)