How can I save money on my Multifamily housing construction or renovations? It is a question we get often here at SWET Construction. There are several strategies to cut cost, while still having quality construction that attracts tenants.
How important is the facade?
According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University,
The facade (or exterior walls) of a building is its public identity, hinting at life behind the windows. Collectively, the shell and structure—including the building’s facade, windows, and doors—represent about 25 percent to 30 percent of total hard costs (the portion of project costs made up of construction materials and labor).
The facade is the biggest thermal barrier in a building, defining how air moves in and out and driving spending on heating and cooling. As such, it plays a critical environmental role. And there are rarely excesses that can be removed from the shell and structure to reduce costs. Instead, focusing on economy of form and selection of materials offer the greatest opportunities for balancing costs and performance objectives
The materials used for the facade should be visually appealing, durable, and environmentally friendly. Many designs use bays and a mix of materials to create variation. This adds to the complexity and length of the facade, which in turn makes the project more expensive.
An easy way to save on the bottom line is to use regular facades, paired with lower and higher cost materials and a few visual shifts.
Create interest with an angled exterior wall and a welcoming entrance, without substantially increase the facades length or complexity. Using materials not typically used in residential construction can also be a significant cost savings.
Check back next week for other strategic ways to reduce construction and renovation cost when it comes to multifamily housing. Until then, contact SWET Construction Group for more information.