Option 1 will be cheaper to build than Option 2 when you consider the following:
1. Shape | The shape of a building has a significant effect on cost. The complex the shape the more expensive it will be.
2. Size of the footprint | The foundation accounts for almost 30% of your construction cost. The larger the building, the more expensive it becomes when you consider the setting out cost, time to build, material requirement and wastages.
3. Functionality | You’ll have better functionality in a compact and repetitive design than you’ll get in complex layouts. Option 2 will be slower to assemble and maintain when you consider building services.
Building with considerable repetition are economical to produce. Apart from the civil works, the cost of components and fittings is the same for all flats. It’s not the same when you have a complex layout like option 2.
4. Circulation Space | Option 1 will do better here. Think of what it’ll cost to achieve cross ventilation in all rooms.
Option 1 will offer more productive space.
5. Security | Option 1 will also do better here.
6. Curb Appeal | The importance of curb appeal can’t be overemphasized. It is the first impression of a property before most tenant will even step inside. A taller building would appeal more than a dwarf building.
The aesthetic look of the exterior gives your target market what to expect at the other side of the front door.
7. Finishing | I won’t be able to dwell on this but it’ll cost you more to do the POP of Option 2. It’ll also cost you more to do plumbing in Option 2. Even the cost of your concrete fascia, roofing woodwork, roofing sheets/tiles, etc.
8. Value | Option 1 has higher resale value when you consider the ample space left for parking and the number of storey
I hope this will help your client make an informed decision.
