Construction costs can get out of hand if you do not take control of the process. You have to make sure everything is well accounted for and that every penny spent goes to where they should. From buying equipment and material to renting a digger for hire, there are a lot of ways to save up on construction costs so you can either save more or divert the savings to other aspects of the work.
9 Ways to Minimize Your Expenses in Construction
1. Come up with a solid plan.
Every project is hinged on how well-written its plans are. From design to execution, from timeline to costing, it should all point to the goal of making a profit, like any other business. However, it should not be at the cost of your client. A well-thought plan does not waste any crucial resources — money, materials, time, and manpower.
During the initial planning and design phase, you can already project an estimated budget for the project. Be sure to always make conservative projections to help manage and set expectations.
2. Work with certified fabricators.
Generally, certified fabricators subject themselves to go through the rigorous process of complying and meeting AISC standards which are audited by a third party. This ensures that any fabrication that they produce are of the highest standards. Working with certified fabricators minimizes headaches and guarantees a successful collaboration.
3. Go for standard steel lengths as much as possible.
As much as possible, design for and make use of standard lengths for steel members. Standard sizes are more affordable compared to custom and specialized sizes as these require more time and energy from the manufacturer.
Standard sizes don’t need any further cuts nor does it produce unnecessary scraps.
4. Get the habit of double-checking orders.
Whenever you fill out orders, whether on paper or digital, always go back to check if all the information is correct. Check for duplication, omissions, and errors.
Create a system that will enforce accountability and transparency between departments, especially the sales and estimating teams. Putting a systematic process in place helps avoid errors and miscommunications.
5. Similarly, check all ordered pieces upon arrival.
Upon the arrival of your orders, immediately check the items if they meet your expectations. Doing so helps minimize errors and wasted time returning the items and waiting for the right ones to arrive. Delays in the project caused by wrong deliveries can be costly.
6. Always use the right equipment for the right job.
You wouldn’t use a shovel as a hammer or a hoe to dig a foundation, right? Using the wrong equipment wastes time and can potentially cause it to be damaged which would then need replacing. Always use the right tool and equipment.
Early on in the design and planning stage, determine which equipment you need at the different phases of the project so you can start scheduling purchases or rentals.
7. Observe safety onsite.
Whenever one of your people gets injured, your manpower gets reduced which adds to significant hours lost. Enforce safety rules and make sure everyone follows them religiously.
8. Fireproof cost more practically and effectively.
Fireproofing doesn’t have to always be expensive. Several options are available that are just as good as the expensive ones such as spray-applied fireproofing, intumescent paints, and gypsum boards.
9. Punch list early.
Punch listing early is somewhat a form of a preventive measure. Some companies punch list early — about a month before completion — to give them enough time to respond and troubleshoot any unwanted surprises that may turn up during the project’s home stretch.
Following the tips listed above will help you minimize your construction expenses significantly without cutting corners. Minimizing costs can be efficiently executed without compromising the quality of your work.
