Though there are many points to speak on cost reduction in a building project, the one that quickly come to my mind are the ones that everyone needs to comprehend while accomplishing their dream project.
- Attitude towards cost reduction
Cost reduction should not viewed from the perspective of achieving something due to your lack of financial provisions. Or utilising more from your limited resources. Let the frugal stem out of an attitude to “consume less” and “conserve more” of the resources for the future generations. While we decide to build beyond our necessity, we are increasing the demand for building materials , which takes a huge lot of energy to produce. All of us are aware of global warming and its effects , including the recent climatic changes initiating heavy rains and thereby the floods. So let each one of us decide to adopt frugal buildings. It would be an advantage only if the majority of the society joins in to reduce the demand over building materials.
- Build only what is necessary .
Have a thorough scrutiny of the requirement list. Phase out the construction activity. The -Not so immediate- uses can be built later . Our times are quite different from the previous generations. Back then what was built, will be used by atleast two generations. We are going through a time period where , whatever we build will lose its relevance in function and utility in a 30-40 year time period.
Every house is a reflection of the lifestyle of the occupant. Every room has got its set of activities. Think in terms of activity grouping in your preset lifestyle, you will be able to realise what is comfortable for you.
- Identify and Segregate – Secure And Informal Functions
You can be creative in grouping your requirements into secure zone and informal zones. Secure spaces would have the bedrooms etc where you and family need to be secure at all times. Then, there are these spaces, where you want to sit for a longer while , listen to music , look into a beautiful view or sit with friends, a gathering space etc. You need not put off these spaces for budgetary constraints. One way to incorporate these life enhancing spaces is to house them under a light structure like mangalore tiled steel roof, walls with wide windows that breeze could flow in. These structures along with the rigid part can be designed to look like one whole house, but less in cost.
- Geometry and form of the building
the tighter the budget ,a more simple built form would be economical. But then Beauty and experiential dramatics lie in the manipulation of the basic expression of this geometry .And this manipulation depends on the budget. This is also the area where the architect exercises his expertise to balance aesthetics and economy.
5.Usage of materials
Try to understand the pro and cons of every choice, with regard to selection of materials and construction technique. Nowadays, a putty finish is common for new homes. But putty finish isn’t required in most cases. There are many new building materials in the market that can replace brick and cement blocks in the construction of a wall, which are aesthetically pleasing and does not require plastering.