Why do you need a construction budget?
A construction budget features estimates from suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors, and in turn helps anticipate the total cost of a project. In addition, it looks at past projects, that are similar in nature, to estimate the cost and duration of the new project.
A construction budget, in most cases, determines several things, including the nature and grade of resources to be deployed for the project. Affecting the skill level of resources to the allowed numbers of resources, the make of capital assets such as machinery, and also the make and grade of the material being used. A well-designed budget can help manage costs effectively, ensuring that the project stays on track, and prevents the unplanned from derailing the project.
What are the steps involved in creating a budget for a construction project?
A smart budget is thoroughly pre-planned to allow you to have maximum productivity and efficiency while keeping overhead costs in check. To create a smart budget, follow the below mentioned steps:
Step 3: Prioritise expenses
After estimating your costs, it is important to prioritise expenses based on the project requirements and available resources. This involves determining which expenses are essential and which can be deferred or eliminated. Project costs fall under two common categories: hard and soft costs. Hard costs encompass the actual physical construction of a building, the construction site, and the landscape whereas soft costs are less evident because they are often invisible. Prioritising expenses help ensure that the project stays within the budget and that funds are allocated appropriately.