Cost drivers
One of the most significant challenges is to narrow down solutions that will fit your budget. We like to say that there are 4 pillars which will affect the end cost the most.
Design
The design and planning of your house can make or break your project. A great design seeks to incorporate every centimetre of the house and make the best use of it. Some of the most practical house design uses rectangular and regular shapes. This design choice has proven to be the most effective price-wise. Off course, standard shapes can quickly make the house look dull, that is why it is crucial to find the right balance. We suggest consulting and architect or designer who has a similar house project in their portfolios. And remember every extra centimetre will result in additional cost, that’s why it is crucial to find the best equilibrium.
Size
Size comes hand in hand with design. More and more people tend to choose smaller houses and incorporate more practical design choices as it proves to be more cost-effective and also sustainable. When opting for a home with a square area over 70 m2, it is worth considering going for two stories rather than one. A bigger ground floor will automatically increase foundation size, which will drive up the costs of the whole house.
Materials
When considering materials, there are two points of views you have to keep in mind: immediate price and long-term cost. When shopping for the right materials, ask for the life cycle and quality. It is worth spending a bit more if it saves you from redoing the whole thing in a couple of years. This is true when shopping for premium materials as well. Try to find the right balance point between cost, long-term cost and aesthetics, and you will find the best materials. It is also essential to consult your constructor as some materials may come with hidden installation costs which will drive up the total price.
Construction method
In the last 100 years, we have seen a massive influx of different construction methods. While we won’t discuss each in detail, we will mention some of the points you have to consider when choosing the right approach.
Ask for a material list and see for yourself what the constructor is using. More and more countries incorporate environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions in their building regulations. That’s why you have to look in the future when building your house now. We advocate for usage of timber materials in the construction process as this has proven to be one of the most sustainable construction methods.
Another thing to look out for is labour costs. Timber frame construction allows doing the house elements in a controlled factory environment which improves speed and quality. Work on-site may often be messy and very error-prone. When choosing a timber frame construction, there are the panel method and modular method to choose from. The former way provides factory produced timber frame panels which are then shipped to the site and assembled on the premade foundation. After assembly the internal finishing jobs, service jobs, etc. are done on-site. The latter provides almost finished houses straight out of the factory. All that needs to be done is delivery, positioning and connection to external services. Off course, it will cost more straight up, because almost the entire process is done through one vendor in the factory. But it is essential to compare the total costs of the whole project, as a well-executed modular project can actually reduce the price.