If you are one of the lucky few building their own house in DHA Lahore, this blog is for you. I am an architect in DHA Phase 8, Lahore and have been in the business for 11 years. I have seen the ins and outs of the architectural landscape of the DHA. Very few architect services in DHA openly guide people about what they can do before, during, and after their house construction to save them costs, the places where the most money is spent, and how to minimize the cost.
I am architect Haris Azmat, the founder of H-A Design Studio, one of DHA’s best architect services providers. I will break down the cost of the house construction in DHA Lahore from the architect’s point of view.
Estimating Construction Costs
Grey Structure vs. Complete Construction:
There is a difference between the cost of construction of a grey house and a complete house. When you sit with a contractor or an architect aiming for the entire house, always get a clear idea of what the contractor is offering you for the price. Differentiate between the initial grey structure (shell) and the finished house. Sit down with them and understand the breakdown of the cost. Get it in writing, and never compromise on quality.
Cost Per Square Foot:
The average house construction cost from start to finish in DHA Lahore is 3200/ Per Square Foot. However, the total cost depends on various factors such as the covered area, the location of the plot and the market situation. The price here is subject to change in the volatile market and the changing trends. Always ask your architect to provide you with the complete built bill in writing for audit and traceability.
Labour Charges:
The labour cost may be calculated separately depending on the location or your contract with the architect. However, most of the time, the cost of skilled labour is included in the per-square-foot cost.
Architectural Fees:
It should be noted that depending on the architect’s style or the name on the market, they can charge you separately for the architectural fees based on the cost per square foot. Some architects also offer consultation on a percentage basis, charging around 10% of the project’s total cost. Ask your architect for their mode of work.
Interior Finishes:
Interior design cost is usually calculated separately. The cost of interior design depends on the type of interior and how luxurious you want to go with it. You may also add some things after your interior designer is done with their design so that that cost will be additional.
Smart Home Features:
Want an intelligent house with gadgets and the Internet of Things (IoT)? You will have to invest in that, too. You can have bright lighting, fan-connected appliances such as AC switches that cool your house before you come home, and other futuristic things. Talk to your designer before going for this option. This is usually outside the overall budget for the house’s construction and design.
Cost-Saving Strategies
Energy Efficiency:
You can ask your designer for integrated, innovative, energy-saving solutions such as solar and passive designs to help reduce your long-term costs. In addition, you can ask your contractor to use the maximum day lighting for your construction, so start construction in summer and spring to get maximum benefit.
Material Alternatives:
You can save a lot by selecting your material yourself. This will allow you to bargain, get quality materials, and eventually manage the cost of the house. However, if you have little free time, you must leave this task to the experts.
The construction of a house is a dream for many, but the construction cost of such a dream is high. Always consult the best architects in DHA Lahore who can guide you and break down the cost of the whole project for you. This will help you reduce the price anxiety and post-construction regrets leading to later problems.
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