Plan your Own House Build
BUCO | Budgeting & Planning For A House Build
When it comes to bigger building, there can be no more challenging task than building a house. But constructing a house shouldn’t have to be a back and budget breaking exercise - if well planned. In this article, we’re going to show you what kind of planning and cost predictions are involved in a house building project.
THE FIRST STEPS:
1. Do your research. What affects building costs?
• Construction – All the building materials & services quoted by the contractor before you start so you can see what budget you need to work with.
• Prime Costs, Specialist Items & Fittings – This includes monetary allowances for items that will go into the construction of the house that have not been formally decided upon at the time of the tender process (rate per sqm for tiles etc.; Available fittings & fixtures for plumbing, lights, doors & windows, cupboards, etc.)
2. Consult the pros. Who needs to be involved & how much?
• Architect – Fees are usually based on the percentage of the building cost.
• Quantity Surveyor – Can easily round up early calculations of costs. As of 2019, the professional fee of a QS is ± R250/m2.
• Structural Engineer – Signs off the structural concrete and steelwork of your building. As of 2019, the professional fee of a SE is ±R150/m2.
3. Where possible, get advice from experts in the field – come & chat to us in-store at BUCO or CLICK HERE to see how we can assist you.
WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BUILD IN SA?
Choosing the region for your build has a massive impact on the building budget`s end result. If a Province has fewer competitor rates for the cost of building materials, or if the materials need to be imported into the Province, then this will drive the cost up considerably. There are also many other factors involved, such as labour costs and the terms around approved building plans within a Province. Let’s take a look at what the average costs are per Province in SA:
TOP TIPS TO LOWER OUR BUILDING COSTS:
1. Keep the design geometry and materials standard and simple. Curved corners and walls require specialist approaches, which drives up the cost considerably.
2. Consider the longevity & purpose of the building. This will help you choose the appropriate materials and prevent you from overspending.
3. Make the most out of your floor space. How can rooms be cleverly utilised and designed around each other, so you don`t take up too much land space?
To see more about how to craft a contingency fund for your budget in our article CLICK HERE.
Luckily BUCO makes your build easier from foundation to roof. Visit us in- store to speak to one of our experts about planning for your next build & visit our online store to save even more on building materials!