THE COSTING STRUCTURE OF DWELLINGS

Costing Elements
The aim of this study is to identify and emphasize the role and influence of various factors in the building process. Certain economic aspects of building will be studied and in the process the building process as such analyzed. The importance of building costs in the separate levels of clear.
economy, macro as well as micro - as well as the importance of certain control-aspects are very

Another important aspect which is covered is the total cost of housing for individual households in this entity, especially due to the early stage in which the costs are incurred influences the housing costs to such a degree, also becomes noticeable. The different cost comparisons in which it becomes noticeable that the South African building costs compares very well to the those of various European countries. Building houses are in the business to make money, however they have pressures as well in terms of cash flow, managing sub trades and ensuring that they are also on target to build the home on time. It is a good idea to establish a good rapport with your builder, visit the site on a regular basis and inspect progress as well as adherence to design.

Financing is also important, especially if you are building houses for a living or even if you are building your own. Most trades will not work or provide supplies if they are worried about getting paid. Ensuring that you have sufficient funds available at the time you need it to pay all of your sub trades will have a major impact on whether you meet your construction schedule.

Another area that can have a significant impact on meeting schedules associated with building houses is inspections. The home you build must pass numerous inspections for both the municipality as well as utilities. For example you cannot turn on the electricity until the electrical inspector has given the ok. Plan for these inspections and ensure that everything is in order including having the inspector on schedule.

Various costing aspects and the influence of different factors on the building costs, especially in the construction stage, is investigated. This investigation shows that all stadiums of the building is very important in determining the final cost of the structure.

39 Dwellings was divided in 26 building elements and the average percentile value is tabulated and these values are used to create a progress schedule which is very useful in calculating the completion value of the building contract at any given stage, e.g. to calculate the value of progress payments.

A typical medium sized house of 116 square meters will be used as basis for comparison with alternative finishes. The different elements will be discussed and a list of alternative materials and methods compiled. The labour costs of the building will be scrutinized and the effect of any change in the final
cost, if any, calculated.

In closing comments will be made on the problem of labour costs in general and any problems discovered again accentuated. The conclusion finally reached, is that due to the steady rise in ground and building costs it is becoming unaffordable for the average household to become a "fancy" house as seen in the fact that new dwellings are getting smaller and smaller and the rapid rise in the erection of mass housing. If carefully planned these houses could basically offer the same amenities as the present single dwellings on relatively large plots. The final settlement costs should however be very much lower.