Construction needs a lot of preparation and savings. It is very important to understand the processes, otherwise, some builders will take advantage of a home owner’s inadequate understanding of the industry and exploit them accordingly.
Here are 10 major construction costs one has to incur when putting up a house.
1. Expenditure on-site preparation
The costs of site preparation, which include demolition, clearing and excavation, vary with the slope, location and the site’s soil type. It is good that contractors include these costs to ensure the cost is bearable for homeowners. The amount to be charged is calculated based on the amount of soil that should be excavated and transported off the site, plus the time and labour included. It is important to do your research so that you are not overcharged.
2. Certification and Approval charges
It is very common that, depending on where one stays, there will be a different approval fee charged for a project. You may choose to pay the approval fees to either a private building certifier or the local council. It is essential that the fee is included in the construction quote to avoid overspending. A lot of builders usually overlook this fee or are equally unaware forcing homeowners to spend money that is beyond their budget.
3. Land fees
Many buyers and developers often fail to consider the cost of land in its totality. This includes not only the cost of the parcel of land but amenities and deed transfer fees as well. It is important to know the prevailing cost of land in the area you are interested in to avoid being duped. A lot of buyers are spending too much for basic amenities within their surroundings without as much as proper interrogation or raising pertinent questions.
4. Security
Before you start building, especially on new land where you do not know anyone, start by fencing your property. You do not want your construction materials stolen. You can also choose to hire some security for the same purpose. Make sure that the cost of fencing and security personnel is included in the quote.
5. Structural quotation
Many builders will do a quotation based on the architectural plans. Most likely the floor slabs, the footings, the structural steel, and the timber will drive costs up. While the structural timber may be easy to quote, the steel is more of guesswork or based on estimations. So., it is important to consult experienced builders to be able to judge the approximate costs.
6. Interim requirements
Usually, these are temporary requirements on the site. Toilets, housing for security personnel and temporary fences are one of them. It is important to ensure that all these needs are included in the quote. There is a need for good inventory and listing of what is available onsite before, during and after construction process to avert extra expenses.
7. Power connection
During the process of building your home, you will need to connect your house to the grid. This is not a cheap affair and will definitely drive up your budget. Mind you; this is never included in many builders’ quotes. Always consult Kenya Power and factor this cost into your construction quote.
8. Finishing touches needs
Finishing is perhaps the most expensive part of any construction. Structure costs take about 30 per cent of the entire project while the rest goes to the aesthetics bit. The better quality the finishing, the more expensive it will be. If you fail to conduct due diligence, your contractor will balloon the finishing cost. Therefore, the source around and find the best suppliers.
9. Insurance
It is important for any homeowner to ensure that his property and the workers are insured so as to curb cases like damage, injuries or even death. This is a cost most developers either ignore or are not absolutely aware of. Damage to property can include improper construction of structures, the damage that happens during a renovation, and damage to temporary works erected on-site.
10. Water
Water is an important component of any construction. Therefore, you must factor in the cost of water, especially if the area is resource-scarce. Cement concrete is the backbone of construction, and it requires lots of salt-free water to be produced. To avoid spending too much on water make sure that the cost is included in the quotation.
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