Construction projects typically face strict monetary budgets, so it’s worthwhile to find ways to reduce construction costs in all phases of the project. Of course, cost reduction should be done without jeopardizing the quality of the structure.
Here are some cost-cutting measures to consider to save money on your next build.
1. Build in the Off-Season
Most construction occurs in the summer. With increased demand during the summer months, the cost of labour and materials naturally rises during this time, too. If it’s possible, time your project to start in the spring or fall to save money.
2. Plan Thoroughly
Construction projects often go over-budget due to unanticipated changes mid-way through the project. These changes will require rework, which is costly and should be avoided at all costs.
When analyzing the scope of the project during the planning phase, make sure to consider important factors, their costs, and their risks. This includes confirming existing conditions, comparing the plans to the stated scope and intended use, comparing the project to others you’ve completed in the past, and reviewing the plan specifications. Preventing and correcting problems early on can make a big difference in the final price of a project.
3. Study the Schedule Carefully
Having the proper resources and timelines for all scheduled activities can help ensure a project goes off without a hitch. When you don’t have enough labour for scheduled activities or the timelines are unrealistic, there’s a high likelihood that certain tasks will be rushed, improper methods will be used, and substitutions will be made. And this, of course, means you’ll be facing rework due to quality issues down the road.
Studying the schedule and ensuring you have the right resources and timelines for all activities can help ensure you stay within budget.
4. Source Thoughtfully
Sourcing is an area of construction that can considerably affect your budget. Choosing the right suppliers can help you stay within budget and ensure the project stays on track. Choosing the wrong suppliers, however, can lead to costly mistakes and higher material and equipment costs.
Doing thorough research when choosing manufacturers and suppliers can help ensure you make the most cost-effective choice. Going with domestic suppliers can also help reduce pricey shipping costs and potential delays.
5. Consider Your Building Materials Carefully
Choosing the right building materials during the design phase can cut construction costs. Of course, this should not be done at the expense of quality and safety. However, some building materials are durable and versatile while also being cost-effective, such as precast concrete.
Precast concrete is concrete that’s poured off-site in a controlled factory setting. This can cut costs in several ways, such as through reduced material waste, less labour required on-site, and sped-up timelines.
6. Reuse
Construction as an industry isn’t very environmentally friendly. There is a lot of waste. However, the sector has been making great strides to reduce its environmental footprint. One of the eco-friendly strategies being employed is reuse, and this strategy can also help save you money.
Consider reusing materials and systems, especially if there’s any retrofitting or rehabbing involved in the project. If the original material is recyclable and reusable, like wood or concrete, reusing can help you both improve sustainability and reduce construction costs.
7. Prioritize Effective Communication
Mistakes commonly occur due to simple miscommunication. If information isn’t funneled from the top down and the bottom up, specifications and expectations might not be clear. This can have a high price tag. Fortunately, these unnecessary mistakes and the associated costs can be prevented by prioritizing communication with all workers and stakeholders.