How can a qualified architectural designer save you money?

Saving your money is `in the design`. The way a project is built is key. Very similar completed buildings can cost the client a very different amount. The choice of contracts, systems, materials and design details ; all have a cost to you the client.

Every line on a drawing represents a cost. Every person on site represents a cost.

Fixtures and fittings can sometimes cost more than the building`s structure.

Firstly, considering the `contract`. It can be more efficient, for all, if you employ labour only ; and supply the materials. Labour on a building project sometimes accounts for a whopping 66% ( 2/3 ) of a project`s cost. This will also give you more control over materials and quality. A design and build contract can be effective, where the architectural designer and builder are working together.

With regards to systems – your foundation type may save time and money on site e.g. screw piles. The floor joists can be latticed or `metsec` joists in lieu of traditional timber. Beams can be laminated glulam timber. Walls can be timber frame or sips panels. Bathroom pods can be prefabricated construction off-site and craned in. Indeed, modular prefabricated complete houses are here now. Roof sheets can be laid quicker than individual tiles.

A log home can be energy-efficient and cost-effective. There are new products on the market such as standing seam roof sheets with integrated bonded solar panels, underfloor heating within the chipboard floorboarding, a sleek compact platform home lift, a lightweight structural system for loft conversions, natural wood windows with alumininium cladding, timber-aluminium lift sliding doors, ground source heat pump ( 0% vat ) and authentic upvc sash windows.

Materials can be at least 30% of build costs. Many similar or identical materials, and products, can differ vastly in price. I would normally specify a product or material, or an equivalent. An example of a cheaper equivalent are concrete blocks – these vary a great deal in cost from Merchant to Merchant. Another real-life example is ironmongery – I remember I took over a Project, the previous Architect specified ironmongery which was expensive and difficult to obtain ; we managed to source a better product for less.

Design details can affect time and money. If a detail is fiddly on site, it will cost more. There are certainly more than one way to design a detail. You are better to pick `off the peg` items especially where they are not seen, and choose a few `wow` features to spend your money on.

An architectural designer will consider functionality, but also the environment and energy efficiency. The use of space and use of materials are key. Low maintenance products and reduced running costs will save you money after build completion over time.

An architectural designer can in planning your project, specify the exact materials, saving material waste cost and labour savings.

Spaces can be visualised before they are built.

All leglislation and regulations can be complied with before work commences on site, saving potential fines and delays.

An architectural designer can provide cost-effective design solutions. Specifying the right product will save time and money. Through spending more time on the design, site time ( and associated costs ) will be reduced. Detailed drawings will save time and money on site, so no `extras` are forthcoming.

All design drawings and Specifications can be costed by an quantity surveyor/estimator, prior to construction.

Assistance can be provided during construction, to answer questions, solve problems and review/co-ordinate to avoid delays. It is important to be flexible once on site, because there are sometimes unforeseen eventualities with labour and materials.

Planning Permission can be gained efficiently and buildability issues can be ironed out before construction.

The management of the tender process is important, as is putting forward the best contractors for the project. The choice of building contract, and its clauses can make a difference. Money can be saved on site by avoiding changes and delays.

An architectural designer who is a professional has codes of conduct to follow ; and so no extra commissions are taken or added to the cost.

Open communication is key to achieving cost savings.

Choosing a designer to get good value for money is difficult. However, a good designer should save you, at least their fees.

Lastly, the resultant design will add value, greater than what it cost you, to your building. So you can enjoy your new bespoke building, often `rent-free`, because you can normally sell for more!.