Consider studio houses to cut construction costs

Jun 16, 2015

A studio house is a suitable first home; it is economical, reasonable and good enough for bachelors.

By Umar Nsubuga

A studio house is a suitable first home; it is economical, reasonable and good enough for bachelors.

Frank Bbosa a local builder says studio houses can be a money making venture, but it’s important to invest in a professional design.

According to Muhammad Nsereko, an Architect the estimated cost for each room might depend on the location, plot size and finances.  But it is possible to have a five or six units on a 50x100ft plot.

David Kireli, a civil engineer says a studio house or single roomed house does not suit people with families.

Such a house is used by singles or students.

Kireli says that in such a project, the layout, size, location and appearance of your project influence operations.

The units

This kind of room can consist of sitting area of two seats and a small table. A bed area, two shelves of which one can be used as wardrobe and the other for the utensils.

Another space can take TV table and all music systems.

Peter Wasswa who has been in the construction industry for the last 10 years says procurement of materials, foundation, walling to window, walling to ring beam, walling after ring beam, procurement of roofing timber, timber of roofing sheets, plastering, windows, among others are all supposed to be budgeted for.

Wasswa says proper supervision for this project is very important right from foundation to completion, because this will help the owner to avoid errors that might lead to demolitions, re-work, waste of money and loss of time due to delays.

The costs for each unit

The foundation for such a house may cost Sh2-2.5million.

The walls may cost Sh1-1.5million including ring beam, cement, sand and the bricks.

The finishing of the unit is almost Sh1-2million with tiling, painting and plastering.

Each room needs one door and two windows which may cost you Sh1million.

The roofing may cost Sh2-2.5million but this also depends on whether you use tiles or iron sheets.

Electricity and water are also essential services that must be budgeted for.

Tips to lower construction costs

It is important to consider the size of the rooms and quantity of materials to lower the construction cost

A simple design also require less number of columns to be used, easy for the contractor to build, and will take relatively shorter time to complete than a complicated design.

Use strong and durable materialsto ensure your building stands strong for a long time.

 
 

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