house construction

Home Construction: A Guide to Cost and Construction Options

Building a home is one of the most important and complex investments one can make. Construction costs and options vary depending on the specifications, materials and construction method you choose. In this article, we’ll answer key questions related to home construction costs and options, offering a complete overview of the process.

Home Construction Cost

The cost of building a house depends on many factors, such as:

– The size of the house.
– The quality of the materials to be used.
– The type of construction.
– Location of the plot.
– Specific needs such as energy efficiency or sustainability.

A general estimate for construction costs in Greece ranges from 1,200€ to 1,800€ per square meter for conventional constructions. This cost includes:

– Architectural and engineering studies.
– Building permit.
– Labour costs.
– Cost of materials.
– Internal installations (plumbing, electrical, heating).

How do I start building a house?

To start building a house, you need to follow a few basic steps

1. Selection of land: If you don’t already have a plot, finding a suitable plot is the first step. Make sure the plot has the appropriate permits and can support the construction you are planning.

2. Collaboration with an engineer or architect: The engineer or architect will help you create the plans for the house and coordinate the permitting process.

3. Issue of a building permit: The issuance of a building permit by the competent Planning Authority is necessary to start the works.

4. Choice of construction company: Select a construction company with experience in similar projects and discuss budget and timelines.

5. Supply of materials: Talk to your contractor about the materials to be used. Talk to your contractor about the best materials to choose.

House Construction with the Key in Hand

Turnkey construction is a solution that many owners choose, as it includes the complete delivery of the house ready for occupancy. The construction company takes care of all the work from planning and licensing, to construction and interior work, delivering the home ready to go. The advantages of this option include:

– Saving time: The company takes care of the whole process, so the owner doesn’t have to get involved in the details.
– Fixed cost guarantee: There is usually an agreement on the total cost, with no contingencies.
– Clear timeline: The contractor provides you with an estimate for the time to complete the project.

Construction of a house with iron frame

Iron frame (or steel frame) construction is an alternative construction method that offers a number of advantages over traditional reinforced concrete structures. The key features of this method include:

– Speed of construction: The iron frame is prefabricated, which means site work is faster.
– Strength and flexibility: The steel frame is highly resistant to earthquakes and allows for greater design flexibility.
– Weight reduction: The overall construction is lighter, which reduces costs on the foundations.

However, the cost of construction with an iron frame may be slightly higher than traditional methods.

Construction of a house with cement board

Cement board (or concrete panel) construction is a modern method widely used for walls and floors. Cement board is made of reinforced cement and offers durability and strength. The advantages of this construction include:

– Resistance to moisture: Cement board is highly resistant to wet conditions, making it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens and exterior surfaces.
– Fire and wear resistance: The properties of cement board make it resistant to fire and requires less maintenance.
– Easy to install: It can be installed relatively easily, reducing labor costs.

Cement board is often used in modern constructions, offering a combination of durability and aesthetics.

House construction with plasterboard

Plasterboard is a material widely used in the construction of interior walls and ceilings. It offers easy installation, lightness and good thermal insulation. Some of the advantages of plasterboard construction are:

– Speed and flexibility in manufacturing: Plasterboard is quick and easy to install, making it ideal for interior configurations.
– Economical solution: it is more economical than other materials and offers good thermal and sound insulation.
– Easy to repair: Damage to drywall can be easily and economically repaired.

Despite its advantages, plasterboard does not offer the durability of cement board and can deteriorate more quickly in wet environments.

Building a house is a complex process that requires good preparation, proper cooperation with experts and the right choice of materials. Whether you choose to build with iron frame, cement board or plasterboard, each method offers different advantages depending on your needs and budget.