How to save on a storeyed house

HOMES & CONSTRUCTION

Designing a home is one of the most engaging tasks. A few people build more than one home, while others completely fail.

Moses Kinobe, an architect, says the funds required and the time involved usually influence our building patterns.

"Society determines how, when and for whom we build," Kinobe says.

Building a double-storeyed house is more expensive than a single storey.

Fred Lukoda, a construction expert, says the design (pictured right) in the artist's impression is great and was created cheaply using brick features or niches in and outside the house.

"The designer anddeveloper tried to save on the masonry, compromising the comfort of the house," he says.

 
Roofing materials
Clay roof tiles were used. They added 20% to 28% to the cost, but a concrete slab roof might be three times higher.

According to Lukoda, the double-pitched roof comes with many unnecessary valleys and ridges as opposed to a simple roof.

Good points
There are many things which make this design unique. Its exterior finish looks beautiful, the balcony is painted, the design has more than one colour and the behind side is covered with rough cast.

The skirting finishing was done well on the edges, especially on corners; it brings out the beauty of the house from a distance.

However, it depends on the way your builder aligns them on the wall. This skirting lasts longer compared to painted plaster.