Developing an Architectural plan
for the various wants and needs of an Individual or Family that fits into lifestyle
demands and design elegance is the most efficient way to ensure a livable plan.
It is not only possible but highly desirable to design a plan around such requirements
as separate Bedrooms for each member of the family, Guest Rooms, a Quiet Study Area,
an Oversized Entertainment Area/Hall, a Car Garage, a Kitchen, a Store, a Servants
Apartment and Service Area.
While it is obviously best to begin with wants and needs and then design a home
to fit these criteria, this is not always practical or even possible. A very effective
way around this problem is to select a professionally prepared home plan which meets
all needs and incorporates as many wants as possible. With careful selection, it
will be possible to modify sizes and make other design adjustments to make the home
as close to custom as can be.
It is important to remember that some wants may have to be compromised in the interest
of meeting budgetary limitations. The trick is to build the best possible home for
the available money while satisfying all absolute needs. Following are some cost-controlling
ideas that can make a big difference in the overall price of a Home:
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1.
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Square or Rectangular homes are less expensive to build than irregularly shaped
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homes.
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2.
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It is less expensive to build on a flat plot.
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3.
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The use of locally manufactured or produced materials cuts costs greatly.
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4.
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Using stock materials and stock sizes of components takes advantage of mass
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production cost reductions.
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5.
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The use of materials that can be quickly installed cuts labor costs. Prefabricating
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large sections or panels eliminates much time on the site.
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6.
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The use of prefinished materials saves significantly on labor costs.
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7.
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Investigating existing building codes before beginning construction eliminates
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unnecessary changes as construction proceeds.
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8.
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Refraining from changing the design or any aspect of the plan after construction
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begins will help to hold down cost escalation.
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9.
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Minimizing special jobs or custom-built items keeps costs from increasing.
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10.
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Designing the house for short plumbing lines saves on piping and other materials.
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11.
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Proper insulation saves heating and cooling costs.
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12.
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Utilizing passive solar features such as correct orientation, reduces future
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maintenance costs.
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13.
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Proper drainage and sewerage connections.
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14.
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Deep Tube well installations.
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15.
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Installation of water-treatment/softener.
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16.
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Storage and usage of rain water/rain water harvesting.
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To help you consider all the important factors in evaluating a plan, the following
checklist should be reviewed carefully. By comparing its various points to any plan
and a wants-and-needs list, it will be possible to easily recognize the deficiencies
of a plan or determine its appropriateness. Be sure to include family members in
the decision-making process. Their ideas and desires will help in finding exactly
the right plan.
