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Tips for building low cost: prices and how to buy well in a market that has recently moderated increases - Infobae
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www.infobae.com
January 12, 2025
Products to save on, when to buy, which payment system is best and how to plan an effective budget to successfully build your business
By Jose Luis Cieri
Bricks represent a more economical option compared to traditional or solid alternatives, according to experts
In a world where construction costs vary, strategically planning a building or remodeling is essential for those who want to achieve the dream of owning a home. And if it is with a low-cost approach that does not compromise quality, so much the better.
The recent moderation in the rise in prices of certain materials, combined with purchasing strategies, allow for the development of affordable and functional projects. Although values rose sharply since the end of 2023 and prices reached more than 250% in the middle of the year, they began to fall due to the lack of sales and the halt in public works. Today, the costs to renovate a home start at USD 900 and exceed USD 1,500, according to several consulting firms, including Apymeco , the Association of Construction SMEs of the Province of Buenos Aires.
According to Construyo al Costo, price fluctuations in the construction materials market this year were diverse. Alejo Staffieri , manager of the company, explained to Infobae that “finished concrete materials, such as blocks and pipes, had the largest increases, driven by the rise in the price of cement.”
However, steel-related products such as mesh and screws showed greater stability.
On the other hand, there were decreases in finishing materials, such as ceramics, porcelain and bathroom accessories, which is attributed to "improvements in commercial relations with suppliers," Staffieri explained.
Currently, the most economical materials include thick products essential for the structure of the works. These include:
At this time of year, many people take advantage of the opportunity to renovate or build their homes (Illustrative Image Infobae)
On the other hand, finishing materials are among the most expensive, impacted by factors such as the increase in energy and fuel prices. Below are the prices according to Corralón Ciudadela:
According to its manager, Domingo Echeverría , “most categories registered a significant drop in their prices, positioning the materials in a more affordable range compared to other periods of the year.”
Echeverría also highlighted that the current offer is solid and reliable, which allows for planning both small projects and larger developments.
Freezing prices through a “materials stockpiling” system is one of the best strategies to avoid unforeseen events: “This method not only ensures predictability in the budget, but also guarantees supply throughout the entire project,” said Echeverría.
Pablo Gaytán , from Corralón Ciudadela, attributed the increase in finishing products, such as faucets or porcelain tiles, to their dependence on imported inputs. “Costs have risen considerably in dollars. Today, a bag of cement costs about $10,000, when historically it was $6. This distortion reflects an expensive market in international terms,” he commented.
Fernando Pavón , head of commercial architecture at Familia Bercomat, suggested alternatives such as ceramic bricks, which are cheaper than solid bricks, and dry systems such as drywall , which are more efficient and less expensive.
He also pointed out that “using ceramic tiles instead of porcelain and applying paint to the remaining areas allows for savings in both materials and labor.”
Designing functional spaces and limiting construction to a single floor are other recommendations to reduce costs. In specific projects, such as kitchens and bathrooms, opting for prefabricated furniture, inexpensive taps and coverings in key areas can make a big difference.
Specialists recommend designing functional one-story homes to optimize resources and space. Remodeling a complete bathroom takes between 30 and 60 days (Illustrative Image Infobae)
It is advisable to take advantage of the financing plans available through various banking entities that facilitate interest-free purchases for customers.
Gaytán stressed that taking advantage of promotions from large chains and making wholesale purchases at strategic times of the year, such as during the payment of Christmas bonuses, offers economic benefits: “Under these conditions, it is possible to negotiate volume discounts or secure financing installments of up to 18 months,” he indicated.
The sector agreed that the best time to buy materials is now, given the relative stability of the market. Staffieri stressed that “anticipated and planned consumption allows prices to be frozen and to avoid expected increases due to inflation and growing demand.”
It is advisable to constantly negotiate with suppliers and take advantage of discount opportunities on bulk purchases.
“Even if the market remains stable, no scenario is completely predictable. Shielding costs by stocking or gathering protects the consumer from unexpected fluctuations,” Gaytán concluded.
www.buysellba.com
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Consejos para construir low cost: precios y cómo comprar bien en un mercado que recién moderó aumentos
Los productos para ahorrar, cuándo conviene comprar, qué sistema de pago es el más adecuado y cómo planificar un presupuesto efectivo para construir con éxito
www.infobae.com
January 12, 2025
Products to save on, when to buy, which payment system is best and how to plan an effective budget to successfully build your business
By Jose Luis Cieri
Bricks represent a more economical option compared to traditional or solid alternatives, according to experts
In a world where construction costs vary, strategically planning a building or remodeling is essential for those who want to achieve the dream of owning a home. And if it is with a low-cost approach that does not compromise quality, so much the better.
The recent moderation in the rise in prices of certain materials, combined with purchasing strategies, allow for the development of affordable and functional projects. Although values rose sharply since the end of 2023 and prices reached more than 250% in the middle of the year, they began to fall due to the lack of sales and the halt in public works. Today, the costs to renovate a home start at USD 900 and exceed USD 1,500, according to several consulting firms, including Apymeco , the Association of Construction SMEs of the Province of Buenos Aires.
According to Construyo al Costo, price fluctuations in the construction materials market this year were diverse. Alejo Staffieri , manager of the company, explained to Infobae that “finished concrete materials, such as blocks and pipes, had the largest increases, driven by the rise in the price of cement.”
However, steel-related products such as mesh and screws showed greater stability.
On the other hand, there were decreases in finishing materials, such as ceramics, porcelain and bathroom accessories, which is attributed to "improvements in commercial relations with suppliers," Staffieri explained.
Currently, the most economical materials include thick products essential for the structure of the works. These include:
- Sand (1 m3 bag): $30,000.
- Stone (1 m3 bag): $60,000.
- Cement (bag): $10,000.
- Lime (bag): $6,000.
- Hollow brick 12 : less than $400 per unit.
At this time of year, many people take advantage of the opportunity to renovate or build their homes (Illustrative Image Infobae)
On the other hand, finishing materials are among the most expensive, impacted by factors such as the increase in energy and fuel prices. Below are the prices according to Corralón Ciudadela:
- Porcelain : between $5,000 and $30,000 per square meter.
- Ceramics : from $5,000 per m2.
- Faucets : between $50,000 and $1 million, depending on quality and design.
- Sanitary : toilets from $40,000 to more than $1 million.
- Concrete bricks : with high prices due to their manufacturing process (starting at $2,900 per unit).
Perspective
From a comprehensive perspective, Familia Bercomat acknowledged that market conditions facilitated a favorable scenario for those planning works.According to its manager, Domingo Echeverría , “most categories registered a significant drop in their prices, positioning the materials in a more affordable range compared to other periods of the year.”
Echeverría also highlighted that the current offer is solid and reliable, which allows for planning both small projects and larger developments.
Aspects behind the fluctuations
Changes in the prices of construction inputs are due to various factors. “ The stability observed in recent months could be altered due to an increase in demand, variations in the exchange rate and the price of energy and fuel,” said Staffieri.Freezing prices through a “materials stockpiling” system is one of the best strategies to avoid unforeseen events: “This method not only ensures predictability in the budget, but also guarantees supply throughout the entire project,” said Echeverría.
Pablo Gaytán , from Corralón Ciudadela, attributed the increase in finishing products, such as faucets or porcelain tiles, to their dependence on imported inputs. “Costs have risen considerably in dollars. Today, a bag of cement costs about $10,000, when historically it was $6. This distortion reflects an expensive market in international terms,” he commented.
Strategies to save with a low-cost focus
Planning is essential to optimise resources and minimise costs, according to various specialists when it comes to building “low cost”.Fernando Pavón , head of commercial architecture at Familia Bercomat, suggested alternatives such as ceramic bricks, which are cheaper than solid bricks, and dry systems such as drywall , which are more efficient and less expensive.
He also pointed out that “using ceramic tiles instead of porcelain and applying paint to the remaining areas allows for savings in both materials and labor.”
Designing functional spaces and limiting construction to a single floor are other recommendations to reduce costs. In specific projects, such as kitchens and bathrooms, opting for prefabricated furniture, inexpensive taps and coverings in key areas can make a big difference.
Specialists recommend designing functional one-story homes to optimize resources and space. Remodeling a complete bathroom takes between 30 and 60 days (Illustrative Image Infobae)
It is advisable to take advantage of the financing plans available through various banking entities that facilitate interest-free purchases for customers.
Gaytán stressed that taking advantage of promotions from large chains and making wholesale purchases at strategic times of the year, such as during the payment of Christmas bonuses, offers economic benefits: “Under these conditions, it is possible to negotiate volume discounts or secure financing installments of up to 18 months,” he indicated.
Strategies
Materials such as ceramic bricks, adhesives, steel products and mid-range ceramics are competitively priced. In addition, “coarse materials” such as sand and stone remain within reasonable ranges, with approximate values of $30,000 and $60,000 per cubic meter, respectively.The sector agreed that the best time to buy materials is now, given the relative stability of the market. Staffieri stressed that “anticipated and planned consumption allows prices to be frozen and to avoid expected increases due to inflation and growing demand.”
It is advisable to constantly negotiate with suppliers and take advantage of discount opportunities on bulk purchases.
“Even if the market remains stable, no scenario is completely predictable. Shielding costs by stocking or gathering protects the consumer from unexpected fluctuations,” Gaytán concluded.
www.buysellba.com
