Builders in the city are busy identifying new methods to cut the cost of construction, which has shot up sharply owing to high material cost and wages. If these efforts prove fruitful, the customers can have dwellings cheaper by 30 per cent. However, the current roadblock faced by the players in the real estate sector is the fear of rejection from the customers.
In a major fillip to this trend, FACT-RCF Building Products Ltd (FRBL) has launched gypsum-based wall panels and wall putty in the market. The other cost effective methods the builders are experimenting with are pre-fabricated walls, thermal roofing and Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) windows and doors.
A C Joseph, Director, AC City Builders and Developers said that although they are ready for experimenting in the sector, the fear of rejection is pulling them back. “When the availability of the sand decreased considerably we had been using wall mix for the past four years. But the customers always prefer traditional ways than innovative construction methods. The application of new products and methods cannot be ruled out now. Atleast in the power generation sector builers will have to search for alternatives. As a builder we are planning to implement solar panels in our upcoming projects,” he added.
According to sources in the real estate sector pre-fabricated walls will lead to a new trend in the sector. A factory for the construction of pre-fabricated walls is being set up at Aluva. “If these walls are used for construction there will be an estimated decrease of 30-35 percent in the cost. Builders can pass the benefit to their customers. As of now the average square feet price in the city is in the range of Rs 3000-3300. A 30 per cent decrease in the rate will be a boon for the low cost housing segment in the state,” said a builder who concentrates on low cost housing.
Another cost effective material the builders are trying to experiment is thermal roofing. It is a polyurethane material sandwiched between two aluminium sheets. The construction cost can be reduced by 25 per cent by using this material, he added.
An added advantage is that these materials are thermal insulated and sound proof. Majority of the builders are negotiating with agencies to install solar panels in buildings. The cost for setting up a panel with a capacity of one kilo watt is Rs 2.25 lakhs, with 30 per cent subsidy. According to FRBL officials, by using gypsum-based panels, the construction cost can be reduced by at least 25 per cent.
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