As a business owner, you probably already know that the construction costs of your next project can be a bit overwhelming. All expenses that initially can seem very straightforward—the doors, the walls, and the roof—seem to start growing when you start digging through pricing sheets and catalogs. And it's easy to get lost in all the jargon. You may be asking yourself, “What on Earth is 'hardboard'? "What do they mean by 'hardwood'?" And, "How much do I have to pay for this?!"
But don't worry—we're here to help! In this article, we have put together a list of nine crucial construction costs that might surprise you—and some tips for managing them, so that you don't end up paying more than necessary.
1. Land Acquisition Cost
Before any work can begin on your site, you will need to acquire land for the building and access roads for deliveries and employees working there daily (if applicable). The price tag for this step varies widely, depending on where you're buying from (i.e., if it's privately owned or public land), but as long as you have an idea of what kind of space you need, then this cost should be straightforward to estimate. In addition, you can hire a commercial broker to help with construction finance.
2. Labour Costs
Labour costs include workers' salaries and any fees associated with hiring union members or subcontractors.
Other important labour costs include
Building permits: You will need to pay for building permits, which are required by most municipalities. Their price varies depending on the size of your home and whether it's in an urban or rural area.
Permits for plumbing and electrical work: These types of permits are also required by most municipalities and have costs.
Insurance: You'll need to purchase general liability and worker's compensation insurance, which is required by law.
Other expenses: Various other costs might be associated with your project, including fees for soil tests, engineering studies, and inspections.
Site preparation: It includes clearing trees and brush, removing any existing structures (such as buildings), grading the land, so that water drains away from the house, and installing drainage pipes.
3. Taxes
You will also need to pay for building permits and land usage fees, which can vary depending on where you're located and how much space you use. In addition, there are also sales taxes on materials used for construction and income taxes from any employees hired to work on your site.
4. Material Costs
Material costs include everything from lumber and concrete to paint and fixtures. It's important to consider how much material will be needed before you start building to stay on budget throughout the process. If you don't know what kind of materials will be needed until after the foundation has been laid out, you could also consider asking an expert. There may be additional charges associated with bringing over more materials during construction.
5. Contractor Fees
Moreover, you will need to factor in their fees if hiring a contractor to manage your construction project. These can vary depending on the size and scope of your project but typically range from 5-15% of the total cost of construction.
6. Equipment Rental Fees
You'll need to rent if you don't already have the equipment needed for your construction project. This can include everything from excavators and bulldozers to generators and air compressors. Equipment rental fees can vary widely, so it is important to get quotes from multiple companies before making a decision.
7. Utility Connection Fees
You'll need to pay for the connection of utilities such as water, sewer, gas, and electricity. These fees can vary depending on the provider and the type of service being connected.
8. Demolition Costs
If you're demolishing an existing structure on your property, you'll need to factor in the cost of doing so. This can include renting a dumpster for debris removal and any fees associated with disposing of the materials.
9. Septic System Installation
In addition, you will need to install a septic system if your property is not connected to a public sewer system. This can be costly, with prices ranging from $3,000 to $10,000.
Final Word
Building a new commercial structure can be a costly endeavor, but there are also many ways to save money. By being aware of the potential costs involved and planning accordingly, you can stay on budget and avoid surprises.
Caitlyn Bell is an Arts student whose experiences in life make her really tougher than anyone else. She can lend you expert tips on diverse topics ranging from relationship to fashion, making money, health and so on.