Author: A4KENYA

How to Do Cost Planning During Construction

Cost planning in construction is necessary since building a house is a very expensive thing to do and any mistakes can be very costly to the client. Its very important to know how to plan and to ensure that the building is suitable as far as the resources are concerned. All factors should be considered to ensure maximum value for your money. Its also important to note that a building should not cost more than what the client has budgeted for.

There are different methods of cost planning during construction which the client should be able to use for purposes of ensuring the budget is not overrun. These methods involve approximate estimation of the clients budget. One method involves looking at similar structures erected within the resent time frame since costs don’t differ very much within the same location. A developer should always consult on the prevalent costs before commencing building works.

The method of cost planning during construction we call comparative method involves taking similar structures done in recent past in the neighbor hood and making several adjustments. The adjustments involve size of the new building the client is undertaking. Other items to be considered include services like water, sewers or septic tanks, roads and also variations in prices of materials.

An example is price of one unit costing 12,500 dollars in a flat, 1500 dollars for three bedroom bungalow and 1800 dollars for maisonette can be used to estimate the cost of a proposed building of similar nature respectively. All the client needs to do is to check all variables like time , nature of building and location to arrive at a reasonable estimate on the cost planning during construction.

Andrew Karundu Is A Building Economist Providing Home Based Solutions To Fixing, Repairing, Remodeling, Redesigning Your Homes Using Simple Tried And Tested Methods To Improve Your Lifestyles. This Site Should Provide Adequate Information On Most HOME IMPROVEMENT SOLUTIONS.

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How to To Make Approximate Quantities in Construction Costing

When a developer intends to build after the design stage its time to make approximate quantities. This is by far the most accurate method of costing a project. This method of costing a project assists the home owner to know not only the total sum of the project but also the sum per item or elements. The sum per item or elements construction shows from foundations normally called substructures,walling above ground called superstructure up to roofing and finishes.

Foundations or substructures works are trench excavations, foundation blinding, concrete, steel, foundation walls, backfillling trenches, hardcore base, blinding the base, damp roof membranes, insecticide treatment, concrete to ground floor slab. On a good site topography average eight dollars per square foot of plan area for the house to be erected. This rate can be used to cost foundation works described in this paragraph to make approximate quantities.

Superstructures or works above ground floor slab is all walls, which include internal and external walls. This can be rated as six dollars per square foot to make approximate quantities per floor area of proposed house. The cost of roofing would include roof covers like tiles, slates, roof trusses, which can average eight dollars. In the case of first or other floors which include concrete and reinforcements can average ten dollars per plan area of house.

The final is finishes cost of floor screeds, plaster to walls or slab soffits at an average of seven dollars per square foot of plan area. Add all the approximate quantities from foundations, superstructures, roofing and finishes to get total rate in construction costing. If the total rate was say thirty dollars multiply this by floor plan area to get construction costing per square foot and Make adjustments to suit the intended house.

Andrew Karundu Is A Building Economist Providing Home Based Solutions To Fixing, Repairing, Remodeling, Redesigning Your Homes Using Simple Tried And Tested Methods To Improve Your Lifestyles. This Site Should Provide Adequate Information On Most HOME IMPROVEMENT SOLUTIONS.

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How to Fix Rain Water Gutters

Rain water gutters are used to collect and drain water from the roofs. These can be used to harvest water from he roof into a storage tank. This water can be used as a clean supply to the house. Gutters can be designed and formed into different shapes and materials. These can be half round or square shaped. The materials can be concrete, PVC, cast iron or sheet metal. The water storage can be made in the ground or elevated above ground level. The position of the tank will depend on the height of the roof from the ground level.

The rain water gutters are connected with down pipes to drain into tanks or the ground sewers. This gutters start or are attached at the eaves end point of the roof on the fascia board. It is important to blend the rain water goods to the fascia boards. This will give good aesthetic factors to the house. When fixing the down pipes, they should also be made to match the wall facades. Colors used should not contrast with the wall finishes. Sometimes these down pipes can be concealed inside beams and columns into the ground or tanks.

The size of the rain water gutters is six to eight inches wide. The fixing is done using clips attached to the fascia boards. The concrete ones are cast within the flat roof slab. The fixing clips are supplied as part of the whole system. These are made to slope to one side of the fascia board. This will allow the gutter to drain water to the down pipe. Once the gutter is fixed to the clips, water is poured on the roof to check the slope. This should not too fast as it will not be self cleansing. Again the slope should not be too visible on the fascia board.

The roof corners are done with stopped ends connected to the gutter. This has a hole for the swan neck shaped pipe. This piece makes the bend from the roof to the wall. The down pipe is joined to it, to take the water down. The pipes are fitted straight and connected to the wall with brackets away from doors and windows. If a water storage tank is elevated, the pipe is joined from the swan neck to the tank. If it is on the ground, a pipe runs down and bends towards the tank. When water is not harvested, the pipe bends and lets out water onto splash apron.

Andrew Karundu Is A Building Economist Providing Home Based Solutions To Fixing, Repairing, Remodeling, Redesigning Your Homes Using Simple Tried And Tested Methods To Improve Your Lifestyles. This Site Should Provide Adequate Information On Most HOME IMPROVEMENT SOLUTIONS.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Karundu

How to Select a House Design and the Factors to Consider

When a developer agrees that its possible to build, several factors to be considered when selecting a suitable house plan. This include the land location, the topography, whether it is level or sloping. On a sloppy terrain it would be advisable to use a basement. Basements will allow a new space to be created. This will reduce the waste of having a whole foundation the height of a house buried in the ground. This would be used to make up for the levels. On flat areas, usually the foundation depths into the soil is minimal.

Other factors to consider in a house design is the availability of resources. Since without funds it would be difficult to commence the project. Its also important to know that for the many rooms created, the higher the cost of construction. An economical design is one which will provide maximum usage of space. This will be for the amount of money to be used. A storeyed building is more cost effective since the roof and foundations utilized are the same as the one covering ground and other floors.

Also interesting to note is the shape when selecting a house design. Regular shapes like squares are more economical than rectangular or circular shapes. For a square room, the perimeter and area is same. For example, a four by four feet room and a two by six will have perimeter of sixteen but the area will be of twelve feet respectively. But also note that the situation on the ground is what determines the shape of the house. What is important always is the funds available and use of the house.

Another factor to consider is the number of rooms. More rooms are more economical in a house design than fewer rooms. A one bedroom bungalow’s cost could on average be more expensive than a three bedroom bungalow. This is because the three bedroom will not have three kitchens, three bathrooms and three stores. The three bedroom will have more occupants. This people will be using the same facilities like the bathroom and kitchen as in the one bedroom unit.

Andrew Karundu Is A Building Economist Providing Home Based Solutions To Fixing, Repairing, Remodeling, Redesigning Your Homes Using Simple Tried And Tested Methods To Improve Your Lifestyles. This Site Should Provide Adequate Information On Most HOME IMPROVEMENT SOLUTIONS.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Karundu

Parapet walls are built on concrete flat roofs. The height of the walls is three to four feet high. They are built on the edge to secure the flat roof. This is done to protect people from falling off the concrete slab. The construction uses similar walling materials as in the building. This include bricks, concrete, glass, aluminum, masonry or steel. Steel balustrades may also be used as a parapet. The walls has a coping stone for weathering.

The parapet wall is erected using strong mortar. Since the walls are in the open roof, they must withstand wind or weather pressures. Depending on the type of concrete slab, solid wall materials should be used. The floor finish of the flat roof is protected by the parapet wall. Also the drainage channels within the roof are protected by this walls. After the erection of this short walls, water proofing of the flat roof is done.

The parapet wall position is marked around the whole flat roof. The thickness of the wall without finishes is minimum eight inches. A damp proof course of bitumen is first laid out. This is to prevent moisture penetrating into the ceiling below. The wall masonry is built normally as in other floors. During the concrete slab casting, stub columns are left to hold the parapet wall. The wall hoop iron reinforcement is joined with the columns.

After the parapet wall is ready, finishes on it can start. The coping stone is laid above it. This should be wider than the wall the including finishes. This should be at least ten inches wide. this will leave an overhang of one inch on each side. The external part or facade should be finished similar to the building decoration. The internal part is rendered. It is steel floated to weather of dust. After it is dry, external paint is used to finish off.

Andrew Karundu Is A Building Economist Providing Home Based Solutions To Fixing, Repairing, Remodeling, Redesigning Your Homes Using Simple Tried And Tested Methods To Improve Your Lifestyles. This Site Should Provide Adequate Information On Most HOME IMPROVEMENT SOLUTIONS.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Karundu

By: Rin Otori

If you need a shed plan, click this link to get high quality 12×12 shed plans.

The thought of building a 12×12 shed can seem like a difficult task for someone who has never built one before. However, there’s no need to worry because if you take the necessary steps to prepare for this project  building one is a lot easier than it looks. In this article, I’m going to attempt to simplify the process so that you can have an idea on what to do in order to get started:

1..Get A Shed Plan: This is probably the most important step you’ll need to take. You can find 12×12 shed plans at your local home improvement store or on the internet. .I typically prefer to purchase my shed plans on the internet. The reason why is because I tend to find a better selection online, and the plans are usually of higher quality than what I tend to find at the stores. At the bottom of this article you’ll find a link to where I get my 12×12 shed plans.

b.Gather your equipment and materials: Once you have gotten your 12×12 shed plan, find the page where it lists the tools and materials that you’ll need.Check to see if you already have these items, and if not you’ll want to go to your local hardware store and purchase what you need before you start building.

c. Decide on the location of where you want to build your shed: You’ll want to take some time deciding on this if you haven’t already.

After you have completed the three steps above you are ready to start building your shed! Since you have taken the necessary steps to carefully plan this out and prepare, you should find that building your shed will be a lot easier than if you had just decided to wing it.

Want to know where I get my 12×12 shed plans? You can get access to over 12,000 shed plans by clicking here.

About the Author

www.AmazingShedPlans.info

(ArticlesBase SC #2012525)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – 12X12 Shed Plans | Are You Looking For 12X12 Shed Plans?

By: Bill Browne

Although there are many considerations during the process of a custom home building project, Design Alternatives suggests that selecting the right home builder is one of the most important steps.  Many individuals find the whole process confusing and overwhelming; but along with offering custom home design services, Design Alternatives’ vast experience allows them to make builder recommendations or even work with a custom home builder as a consultant/project manager. 

While there are numerous methods of researching home builders, Design Alternatives has always recommended starting with word of mouth.  By talking to friends, family or neighbors who have recently completed a custom home building project, you can find out what home builders were used and which ones have high recommendations.  In addition to talking to acquaintances, Design Alternatives not only suggests asking business related professionals for an opinion but has often recommended custom home builders and even worked with them during the construction process.

Another quality resource for finding local home builders is real estate agents.  Custom home builders often work with real estate agents to help increase new home sales especially in new home developments.  Real estate agents often know which home builders to consider and which ones to avoid.  While doing consulting work for some real estate agents specializing in custom home sales, Design Alternatives has noticed that some can even get you into a few of the finished homes built by the recommended home builders.  Although real estate agents are a great source of information, custom home designers which work directly with home builders are probably the best source for obtaining recommendations.

A custom home designer can see first hand how a home builder approaches and completes a project.  Generally a custom home designer will be somewhat involved as a consultant during the construction process.  After working with clients to achieve their ideal custom home design; Design Alternatives has not only recommended a home builder, but has also provided consultation and project management services to these clients during construction.  Design Alternatives has over twenty years of building relationships with local home builders and knows who can build a quality home along with maintaining a strong bond with its customers.  As you can see a custom home designer is a major source of information when it comes to recommending a quality home builder. 

While selecting the right home builder, Design Alternatives also suggests considering some important questions and tasks to help with your decision.  Although it’s a simple question and often not addressed, ask home builders their availability to start your home building project especially if you need to proceed right away or have a mandatory completion date.  Also knowing if the home builder has the skill and experience with your particular type of custom home will help with your decision.  Design Alternatives obviously recommends doing reference checks and visiting sites of their completed home building projects.

When you find prospective home builders that you are comfortable with, the next step would be starting the bidding process.  Either a description of the home design you desire or construction drawings of your custom home design will then be furnished to the home builder.  As part of Design Alternatives services, construction drawings are included with the complete package a custom home designer should offer.  Home builders then use these drawings to develop a formal bid for your new home.  This bid should include the total cost, construction timeline, payment schedule, specification of materials and what work may be subcontracted out.

Evaluation of the bids you receive is the next step, and much care needs to be given during this review process.  Due to the difference of home builders and the materials which they use, bids can vary by substantial amounts.  Variation in bids can also indicate what amenities are included or not included as the case may be.  A custom home designer such as Design Alternatives can offer assistance during this sometimes overwhelming process.  By accumulating vast experience in the home design and building industry, Design Alternatives can provide insight to details that may have otherwise been overlooked.

Once the initial review process from prospective home builders is complete, you need to narrow your selection down to two.  Set up a meeting with each of those home builders to review the bid and go over any additional questions you may have.  Ultimately you need to know exactly what is included or not included in the bid.  In addition to meeting your budget concerns, determine which home builder is most responsive to your needs and willing to work with you.  Obviously the one that is most willing to accommodate your needs, come within budget and meet your timeline is the best choice for your home building project.

About the Author

For More Information:

Check out how Design Alternatives Custom Home Design and owner Bill Browne can assist you with your custom home design process, provide a complete set of workable construction drawings and offer project/construction management consultation services.

www.DesignAlternatives4U.com

(ArticlesBase SC #2016530)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Design Alternatives’ Recommendations For Selecting The Right Home Builder For Your Custom Home

House Plan – It’s Importance to Building a New House
By Dashiell Wood

A house plan is a must for building a home before its construction begins. It is helpful for planning home space, estimating the cost of the expenses, allotting the budget, knowing the deadline of the construction and setting the schedule of meeting with the architect, designer or home builder. So if you are planning to build a new house without it, then it’s for sure, the house will have a low quality structure and design and also cost you more money in the long run because of the mistakes that may arise once the construction starts.

When making a house plan, there are many important points to consider. One is the location where the house will be built. It is usually best to buy a land before you start to make a house plan. Knowing the area and the type of terrain you chose to build on is helpful to properly plan the house and maximize the space of the land area. It’s also necessary to consider the lifestyle and the size of the family to see how many number of rooms and bathrooms needed, what kind of style and design of the living room, kitchen and dining room and how much space is needed for each of them. You also need to consider the number of your vehicles for you to plan well how much big your garage should be. It’s best to discuss these details with your family to make sure that your new house will meet your standard of living.

There are lots of ways to obtain a desired house plan for your new house. You can search it through the internet and choose from various websites that feature display homes with their corresponding house design plans. Searching for some examples of house plans can be an efficient, smart and fast way of getting and refining ideas in planning and making your own one.

Certainly, a house plan is necessary in building a house. It helps you visualize how the house should look like when it’s fully finished. Seeing the overall layout and house design will make you sure that the architect has met your exact requirements on its structure, features, designs, styles and all other important details in building your house. It also gives the home builder a good overview on its house design and guides him all the way through the entire project. So it’s imperative to not be rush in making a house plan to ensure that all your requirements are met and to avoid mistakes. Ideally, preparing a house plan should take several weeks and need a lot of discussion with your architect or home builder. Doing this gives you a sense that your hew house is built safe and also assures you its quality and excellence.

Display Houses provides a wide choice of new home designs, house and land packages, modern house plans and display homes for sale made by the leading and emerging Australia Home Builders.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dashiell_Wood

How to Save Money on Custom Home Plans
By Craig Swanson

Once you have made the decision that you want to live in a home that no one else has lived in before, then you must decide between building a house from a set of floor plans that have been used perhaps hundreds of times or from a set of plans that have been designed specifically for your new home. Plans you would buy from a plan book or off the internet are stock plans and there are thousands available. Since this is such a huge industry, I would assume that this route is one that many people choose to take. With so many variations of floor plans it seems quite possible to find just the right one, or at least one that needs only a few modifications. If that is the case for you, find a builder and go. But there are many that want to create something that is a unique expression of who they are as well as how they live. The problem is that while they know who they are and how they live, they don’t know the first thing about designing a new home and drafting floor plans. If you fit into this category then you need to get a set of house plans drawn by a professional before you and your builder can break ground. Here a few things to do to make that as economical and painless as possible.

1.) Buy or borrow as many plan books and magazines as possible. You probably already have a good idea of what you want, but have an open mind. Looking at these books will get the creative juices flowing and give you ideas.

2.) Surf the net looking for plans and pictures. Set up a “house ideas” file in the Favorites menu of your browser and bookmark the webpages you like there.

3.) Go to builders’ open houses. This is really where you get the feel of things. Builders that have open houses are trying to sell in the current market and so they know the latest trends and what other people want in new homes. Don’t be afraid to take a tape measure and camera. For all they know, you could hire them to build your new home once you have the plan.

4) Start tinkering with putting a floorplan together yourself. If you are computer savvy, get a cheap house plan designing program or download a free one from the Internet. They are usually simple and easy to learn. If you don’t want to bother putting out that effort, then just get some graph paper and a ruler and start drawing.

The truth is that you can design your own home, you just need to hire someone to draft a full set of house plans from the design that you came up with after doing your own homework. A big part of the cost in having custom home plans drawn is in the time it takes for the draftsman to figure out what you want. A hand drawn or digital floor plan that you bring in along with as many pictures as possible, should put your draftsman to work after one meeting. The more complete and thorough you are the less you should have to pay. Just make sure you find someone who will give you credit for doing your homework.

Craig Swanson is a second generation home builder in Spokane, Washington. to learn more about him or his company, Craig’s Building Services, go to http://spokanevalleyscoop.com

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