Must-know design considerations for your budget

Many design and construction considerations can influence the final cost of a new build or renovation, say architects Dominic and Marie Bagnato, so read on before setting your wish list in stone.

1. Size Matters. If your budget doesn’t match your brief for a big house, build a smaller or simpler one so you don’t have to sacrifice design details you’ve set your heart on.

2. Access. If site access is so constrained that building materials have to be moved around on site and handled multiple times, you will pay more.

3. Shape. Keep the shape of your building simple, and lines straight. Fewer twists and turns means all tradesmen can work faster and more efficiently, saving money.

4. Single story. A single-level home means tradesmen don’t have to work at a higher level, avoiding costs such as per-day scaffolding hire, and time spent carting materials upstairs.

5. Materials. Limiting the number of materials used will limit the number of trades needed. Timber cladding needs just a builder, a mix of plaster, brick and timber needs a builder, brickie and plasterer.

6. Roof Design. A simple monopitch roof will drain in one direction, keeping costs down. A roof with multiple hips, valleys, gutters, downpipes and flashings costs more.

7. Grounding it. How your place your home on a sloping site affects construction costs. Raising it on posts requires fewer site works than flattening, stabilising and retaining.

8. Alterations. Limit structural alterations to an existing home, where possible. Consider linking old and new with a smaller structure that won’t require changes to the existing roof.

9. Bespoke detailing. Custom-designed details add personality but cost money. Use offthe-shelf detailing to reduce costs, adding architectural interest elsewhere.

10. Going underground. Underground wine cellars, pools and garages free up space on small sites.

11. Feature wall colours. Painted feature walls add up be- light switches and power points, such as touch-sensitive and illuminated types, cost more and electricians may charge more to install them. Use simple switches inside cupboards, and save costlier ones for visible areas.

17. Timber floors. To save money, choose ‘common’ species, and factor in the cost of laying or staining. Cheaper timber laminate is already stained, is quick to lay and comes in a variety of species and prices. But remember, you get what you pay for.

18. Wardrobes and cupboards. Custom-made wardrobes are costly. Limit how many you install and the number of drawers and specialised fittings. Or incorporate them into the plastered wall, with a simple rail and shelves. Or buy off-therack cause painters have to cut in with soft-close, cupboards, but consider every time one colour or surface runners. them in the design process so meets another, and clean up between 14. Benchtops. Cost they fit perfectly. colours. The more colours, differences aren’t limited to product 19. Appliances. Buy high-end the higher the cost. choice. Larger nosing and appliances at ‘scratch and dent

12. Tiles. Choosing several different waterfall sides will increase sales’. If the back or sides are tiles adds up, especially if supply and installation costs. Topmounting damaged, no one will notice and they are unusually shaped or sinks and other fittings you should still be eligible for a intricately patterned. They take are also cheaper than undermounting. full warranty. longer to lay and there is more 20. Taps. Taps come in various waste. If you love a patterned tile, 15. Lighting. Electricians generally finishes and can be wall, choose a simple shape. Use the charge to install light bench or basin mounted. Use a same tiles for walls and floors for fittings by quantity. The more standard tap for the laundry, and a luxurious feel, and maybe a lights, the higher the product and keep stunning taps for kitchens bulk discount. Ceramic tiles are labour costs so limit the number and bathrooms. Wall-mounted cheaper to buy and lay than natural of lights and place them taps look impressive, but must be stone. strategically to reduce costs. Most installed before the splashback

13. Joinery drawers and lighting suppliers offer a free tailored and vanity so there is no room for

cupboards. Kitchen drawers cost lighting plan if you buy their error. Basin-mounted is cheaper more than cupboards, with their fittings. than bench-mounted. simple hinges, so the more 16. Light switches and Source: houzz.co.nz drawers, the higher the cost, particularly power points. Non-standard fullextension