Design and Special Features - The Impact on Construction Costs
Understanding how Design and Special Features impact on the overall construction costs.
When speaking to new and prospective clients, some of the common questions revolve around the impact of design and internal features on the construction cost. In recent blogs we explored the steps in building a home including the design process and the impact of earthworks on the overall cost. Today our Director, Scott Hartshorn will be covering how design features and internal fittings can also feed into construction pricing. It’s an important conversation and the Highfields Builder believe it’s important to get a good understanding of the issues so that you don’t get caught out!
Like many consumer items home fittings generally have a range of quality and feature levels that impact on cost. When purchasing motor vehicles, you always have the option of buying the base model car or the fully featured top model with every added accessory possible. The difference in terms of car pricing can be significant.
The same concept applies to construction costs. A simple walk around your local hardware store will reveal diverse pricing for very similar items. Take a stroll down the plumbing aisles and inspect the different kitchen and bathroom tap and mixer options available. Two very similar tap sets can be hundreds of dollars apart in pricing.
So, the first tip according to Scott is to identify the style you prefer and look at the various options to get the right mix of visual appeal, functionality and price.
Secondly, buying a fitting or requesting a design feature in a home is one thing, but installing or constructing it may bring additional challenges. Before spending financial resources buying special feature items or requesting unique design options in the house plans, have a conversation with your builder about the impact of that item on the construction costs. If the inclusion of a special feature requires additional construction planning and work, you could add significant cost to the overall budget without a lot of added ‘wow factor’.
Building a home is often a balancing act between ‘wants and likes’ on the part of the owner and the available budget. Be open to the discussions with your builder about the features and design of your new home. It may be possible to achieve both ‘wow factor’ and ‘budget discipline’ without adding significantly to cost. The key point is to discuss these requirements before the plans and costings are finalised.
Highfields Builder welcomes conversations around design features and special fittings and strategies to minimise any cost variations. Landowners on a fixed budget or liking greater certainty around costs will benefit from scoping out these ideas before construction commences.
In terms of cost control and sticking to budget limits the knowledge and experience of the builder and the quality of the service they provide is critical. Scott, Bonni and the team are renowned for accurate cost estimates and completing projects within budget. It’s the Highfields Builder way!
When you build with Highfields Builder you become part of a team committed to delivering the highest standards of excellence in residential home construction, from enquiry through to handover!
Highfields Builder are your local home building specialists across Toowoomba and nearby regions. Check us out at www.highfieldsbuilder.com.au and LIKE us on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/highfieldsbuilder
This publication series covers home building, real estate, home finance and legal related issues in a general way. It is intended for general information purposes only and should not be regarded as legal advice. Highfields Builder Pty Ltd recommends that professional legal and/or financial advice should be obtained before taking any action on the basis of the general information presented in this publication.
Written and Published by www.presentprofessionally.com.au
Highfields Builder is your local home building specialist in the Toowoomba region
Scott, Bonni and the Highfields Builder team are focused on building strong relationships with customers and delivering outcomes that exceed expectations. The process of building a home can be complex and every customers situation is different. When you build with Highfields Builder you become part of a team committed to delivering the highest standards of excellence in residential home construction, from enquiry through to handover.
DISCLAIMER
This article may include information on home building, real estate, home finance and legal related issues in a general way. It is intended for general information purposes only and should not be regarded as legal advice. Highfields Builder Pty Ltd recommends that professional legal and financial advice should be obtained before taking any action on the basis of the general information presented in this publication.
Toowoomba QLD 4350
admin@highfieldsbuilder.com.au
Monday to Friday 7am - 5pm
QBCC-1316473
Designed by Working Websites Powered by WebWave