On time and on budget
As an architect, it is important to not only design aesthetically pleasing and functional buildings, but also to manage costs effectively. This includes budgeting for materials, labor, and any unexpected expenses that may arise during the construction process.
One way that architects can manage costs is by using cost estimation software. This allows them to input specific materials and labor costs, as well as any design changes, to get a more accurate projection of the final project cost. This allows for better budgeting and decision making during the design process. Whisker Architecture use ProcCalc for our early project budget understandings and then recommend all clients engage a registered quantity surveyor before submitting for Town Planning Approval or before the Contract Documentation stage starting, whichever occurs first.
Another strategy is to work closely with contractors and suppliers to negotiate the best prices for materials and labor. This can be especially important for larger projects where the cost of materials and labor can add up quickly.
Effective communication with the client is also key in cost management. It is important for the architect to clearly outline the budget and any potential cost overruns with the client upfront to avoid any unexpected expenses or misunderstandings later on.
In addition to managing costs during the construction process, architects can also consider cost-effective design strategies. This includes using sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems, which can save money on energy bills in the long run.
Overall, managing costs is an important aspect of an architect's job. By using cost estimation software, negotiating with contractors and suppliers, and considering cost-effective design strategies, architects can effectively budget and manage costs for their projects.
“Prescription without diagnosis is malpractice”
Whisker Architecture produces Home Masterplan Reports so homeowners can make well-informed decisions from the start. The reports clarify scope and budget, to set client expectations. This obligation-free service ensures you have the knowledge to communicate what you want to any professional.
Inclusions:
1.5hr House Call with Audrey
Site Analysis (including Dial Before You Dig review)
Council Planning Scheme Review
Inspiration Page
3 No. Home Masterplan Diagrams
Opinion of Probable Cost* for the construction cost of each Home Masterplan
Initial Project Budget including forecast costs for all consultant and contingency allowances
“Guaranteed on-time and on-budget!”
Sounds too good to be true? We’ve all heard the horror stories about projects that take years to finish or end incredibly over budget. That doesn’t have to happen. The key is understanding the risk points and mitigating them.
The biggest risk is uncertainty so before anything else we need to agree on the Project Budget, Project Scope and Project Programme. Our Home Masterplan Report is a great way to ensure you project gets off to a great start.
Once all parties have agreed to those three things, we have a plan and a way forward.
Start on the Right Footing - Bulk builders and reality TV shows have skewed many people’s expectations of the time and money involved in a custom build. Start your project on the right foot by getting a solid understanding of your Project Budget, Project Scope, and Project Programme.
We choose to use Procalc for our early project Opinions of Probable Costs.
Book your Home Masterplan Report for an assessment of your brief and budget.
Understand Your Project - Changes to the design can be a costly exercise, particularly when those changes occur after permitting or after the construction contract has been signed.
Visualising your project using High Quality Renders such as those you see on our website.
Understand the spaces with 3D Walkthroughs and 360 Degree Renders.
See physical material samples of all major materials.
Town Planning - Local Councils are a world all their own and there may be delays and even design compromises during this process. How we mitigate this is:
Research the planning code restrictions that apply to your block and design within them.
Have a Pre-application Meeting with council to discuss the design before submitting. This gives us an opportunity to tweak any areas of concern to council before submitting.
When submitting to council for Town Planning we write town planning reports addressing every code requirement - making it as easy as possible for council to approve the design.
How we mitigate cost risks during design and we always recommend: We recommend a Quantity Surveyor on every project. They provide the expertise and peace of mind that what we’ve designed fits your budget. We will also integrate a Design Contingency Sum to allow for unforeseen requests like an additional garden store or a particularly expensive pendant you may not have realised you wanted when you first came to us. Larger changes may result in a change of scope and a reassessment of the budget.
Procurement - How we procure (purchase / buy) your new built reality and the steps to that are very important.
Choosing a procurement method: We’ll go through this in more detail in a later blog, for now, suffice to say that a competitive procurement process is more likely to result in a good price, and a selective process is more likely to result in good quality.
How we mitigate cost risks during the quoting stage: Number crunching is great but reality is less certain. Quotes can come back higher or lower than expected but we’re with you every step of the way with a plan forward. Our experience allows us to know which areas can be value managed for the least impact on lifestyle and how to compare multiple quotes from builders.
Understand the contract before: We typically use the ABIC
Construction - In the words of a forgotten sage “S**t Happens”. Things go wrong on site - small and large. There’s a lot of moving parts and some things cannot be foreseen.
Every client is required to have a Construction Contingency Sum for just these occasions and a buffer in their timeframes. One of our jobs on site is to steer the project through these squalls and into calmer seas - without losing the essence of the design.
A word of warning about “fixed price contracts” - many of these contracts actually have a lot of room to charge clients more for things the builder could not have (or just didn’t) allow for in their quote. These are called “variations” and are standard across many contracts. Unforeseen circumstances (like hitting rock during the foundation stage) is why a Construction Contingency Sum must always be included in the Project Budget.
Ready to get started? Have a question that’s not covered here? Let’s chat about your project in more detail, make a customised plan, and go through exactly what to expect next. You can request a meeting through the website, Facebook or call me on 0410 151 790.
I can't wait to meet you!
