As more young Rwandans come of age, conversations, and thoughts about getting their places, paying rent, and eventually owning a home become more frequent. And once they start planning to set up their own families, the pressure to have a home begins to rise. Overcoming the pressure and getting your own home brings relief and prestige to many. Before we get to that stage, the decision to build your own home or buy a property is something many in Rwanda grapple with. While each has its pros and cons, there is little doubt that short- or long-term cost has a significant say in the decision-making process. As a construction engineer, I have worked with several individuals and families to build homes. From my experiences, here are five cost-control tips, especially for first-time homeowners leaning toward construction. Be realistic about your lifestyle. When I was growing up, urban homes used to be simple. They were mostly four bedrooms – two for the kids (however many you were), one for visitors, and the self-contained/Ensuite for the parents. Then there was the living room, Dining room, and Kitchen. Others had outside kitchens for cooking dishes like beans, and some required a lot of wood/charcoal to prepare. Today, things are different. Every bedroom is self-contained, a decision that drives the construction cost up and will leave you paying higher maintenance and utility bills. Before making all the rooms self-contained, always ask yourself if this is necessary. You can start with something other than luxury I get it, I get it; building a home is a statement. It is an achievement. It is a lifestyle and fashion statement. I get it, and nothing is wrong with that. However, all that comes at a cost. I will call it the fancy villa effect. You may see something you like at someone's house but remember, the depths of your pockets may differ. The fancy villa effect is where people opt for what is trending, like the hidden roof design, the extra family rooms for TV, the prayer rooms, and the complicated ceiling designs, to mention but a few - the list is endless. To control the project cost, a house needs to be simple in shape and design, and simplicity, if well thought out, can be appealing and pleasant. We underestimate the power of simplicity. We are not meant to live in spaces as complicated as Cathedrals or Museums. Homes should be simple and classy, a piece of art that is kind to the eye and easy to navigate. Constantly challenge your designer or architect to think of simplicity. Be mindful of the Pinterest Effect This is one of the most common mistakes. Pinterest and other social media platforms provide guidelines for interior design and external outlook. However, it is essential to take enough time and think about the home you want without the influence of someone else's dream; every other idea and visual aid should be a polishing tool to enhance your taste and affordability. Some of the concepts on Pinterest cost millions to bring to life, and even if you have the money, the skills and materials may be limited. The last thing you want is to spend your hard-earned money and end up with a mediocre-looking version of a Pinterest concept. The Changes Effect Most people only understand the rooms' dimensions or the house once they have reached the roofing phase. By this time, a lot of money has been invested in the structure, but it is not surprising to hear a client mentioning that they found something they would like to add or remove. Any change, however small, has a cost implication. As the changes keep piling up, so does the overall project cost. Always keep the changes to the minimum/must-do, and remember there is always room for home improvement which can be done even ten years down the road as long as you budget for it. Budget and plan for the finishing phase The most critical and costly phase of a construction project is finishing. This is what tells the story of the architect and the homeowner. Unfortunately, more than 70% of this phase's materials are imported. It would be best to choose whether to buy from local importers or travel to popular markets such as Dubai, China, and Turkey. These markets have a wider variety and range of products, from basic to luxury. When selecting your finishing material from abroad, factor in the cost of transportation and taxes. Importation comes with its challenges. There is a risk of damages due to poor handling or disruption in supply chains, as we experienced in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. These uncertainties tend to drive the costs higher. In the budgeting process, always leave an allowance for the unknown. By following these five guides, you will get the best out of your decision to build. In addition to having a design of your choice, you can place your construction project, thinking through and ensuring proper planning. There is no doubt that building can be stressful, but if you dedicate the time and be involved in your project, there is a high chance that you will fall in love with your home and look forward to doing it over and again or at least, kick off a home improvement project to upgrade what you have.
