Constructing your dream home at budget cost (Part-1)

When we decide to build our dream home, many a times we would want to get theconstruction done at budget rates. Sometimes we think we can handle the cost by simply going in for second quality construction items. But rather using bricks and sand that are available and produced nearer to your place can immensely contribute to lowering the cost.

Ways and means of reducing the construction cost:

The cost of construction can be because of two general factors viz., cost of constructionmaterials and cost of labor. By procuring construction materials produced nearer to theconstruction site, material cost can be reduced and by properly planning the construction / work schedule the labor cost can be significantly reduced.

An important point which most of us do not really think over is proper planning. Anyconstruction activity if properly planned can result in substantial cost saving. The more emphasis on beautifying the construction activity, the more is the spending. Rather if we can restrict ourselves to need based construction, cost can be controlled.

Laying the Basement: Laying concrete pillars that are 3-4 feet and 6 inches in thickness may cost 10-15% of the total construction cost. Instead laying a basement with gravel and red soil, and with granite stone basement that are 2 feet in depth can substantially reduce the cost. By using appropriate soil in the basement, cost can be reduced to a minimum of 15-20%. Concrete can be used around 6” and not more than that. This optimum usage of concrete results in substantial cost saving.

Building Wall: Instead of building wall that are 23 cm in width, 15 cm wall can be chosen. This gives twin benefits of not only reducing the cost but also can end up giving more floor space. Instead of traditional bricks, hollow bricks can be used. Aluminum panel windows with glasses can be used instead of wood which has become very costly these days due to non availability of wood.

Generally the outer wall should be built for 9 inches and the inner walls inside the home can be built not more than 4 inches. This thumb rule can result in lower cost. The bricks that are used for constructing need to be soaked in water for 24 hours.

This effectively reduces the need for more water used for curing the wall. In other words, only limited quantity of water is required for curing purpose. This measure not only reduced cost but also has a positive impact on the environment.