Affordable housing is a modern approach focused on efficient budgeting and strategic techniques to cut construction costs. It prioritizes the use of local materials, improved skills, and technology without compromising the strength, performance, and lifespan of structures. Contrary to misconceptions, low-cost housing involves proper resource management and allows for economic choices such as phased finishing works.
1. Building Material Cost (65-70%) : In low-cost housing, the material cost is minimized by using locally available resources, and labor expenses are reduced through effective scheduling. Cost reduction is achieved by selecting more efficient materials and improved design.
2. Labor Cost (65-70%) : By properly scheduling work and utilizing local materials, labor costs can be significantly lowered. Efficient material selection and improved designs further contribute to cost reduction.
1. Plinth Area Reduction : By implementing the concept of thinner walls, like 15 cm solid concrete block walls, the plinth area can be reduced, resulting in significant cost savings.
2. Innovative Use of Local Materials :Using locally available materials, such as soil-cement blocks instead of burnt bricks, can lead to cost-effective construction.
3. Energy-Efficient Materials :Opting for energy-efficient materials, like concrete blocks over burnt bricks, not only saves energy but also reduces construction costs.
4. Environmentally Friendly Alternatives :Substituting conventional building components with environmentally friendly options, such as R.C.C. door and window frames instead of wooden frames, contributes to cost-effectiveness.
5. Efficient Design Planning :Careful planning of each component of a house helps reduce material wastage during construction, ensuring cost-effective practices.
6. Adapting Foundation Methods
– a. Arch Foundation : In ordinary soil, adopting an arch foundation can reduce construction costs by up to 40%, bridging loose pockets of soil.
– b. Under Ream Pile Foundation : For black cotton and soft soils, under ream pile foundation can save about 20-25% in costs compared to conventional methods.
1. Wall Construction
– a. Rat-Trap Bond Wall : This cavity wall construction method enhances thermal comfort and reduces brick and masonry costs by 25% and 10-15%, respectively.
– b. Concrete Block Walling : Utilizing concrete blocks with lower energy consumption than burnt bricks can reduce wall thickness and overall construction costs by 10-25%.
– c. Soil Cement Block Technology : Using soil cement blocks instead of burnt bricks in masonry can achieve an overall economy of 15-20%.
2. Doors and Windows : Opting for concrete or steel section frames instead of wood can result in cost savings of 30-40%. Similarly, using commercially available block boards for shutters can reduce costs by about 25%.
3. Lintels and Chajjas : Replacing traditional R.C.C. lintels with brick arches can save 30-40% in construction costs.
4. Roofing
– a. Filler Slabs : By replacing the bottom half of RCC slabs with filler materials, roofing costs can be reduced by 20-25%.
– b. Jack Arch Roof/Floor : Easy-to-construct jack arch roofs/floors can save on cement and steel, especially in hot climates.
– c. Ferrocement Channel/Shell Unit : These precast units provide an economical solution to RCC slabs, reducing costs by 30-40%.
The suggestions provided for cost reduction in construction are general and depend on factors such as the building’s nature, owner’s budget, geographical location, material availability, and construction management practices. Engaging experienced professionals for planning and design is crucial for achieving overall cost effectiveness, often up to 25% in practical scenarios. Affordable housing emphasizes smart strategies that make construction accessible to a wider population.
