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Real Estate News What are the keys to building a house without surprises, with planning and good decisions? - La Nación Propiedades

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What are the keys to building a house without surprises, with planning and good decisions? - La Nación Propiedades
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December 13, 2024


Having the support of experts and a clear strategy allows you to manage the challenges that arise during the construction process, maximizing resources and minimizing unforeseen costs.

By Ariel Goldfarb





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Good planning and professional support are essential to avoid cost overruns and meet objectives. Luciana Mata



Building a house or apartment is a dream for many, but it can also become a challenge if not planned properly. The key to saving time and money lies in avoiding common mistakes and optimizing resources from the beginning. “In our experience, good planning allows you to save between 15% and 20% of total costs,” architect Camila Beccar Varela, general manager of Micelio Desarrollos, assured LA NACION .

According to the latest available data from October, building a 315 m² house in a gated community cost US$874,098, with a value of US$2,774/m², according to the most recent report from Reporte Inmobiliario.





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Each brick represents one more step towards the goal of having your own home, a challenge that with good planning can optimize resources and avoid extra costs.

Recommendations to take into account



  • Precision to save. By having solid planning, you can save between 15% and 20%. This is because with careful planning, you can carry out procurement and construction tenders to obtain competitive market prices.
  • Trust the professionals. It is common for clients to want to resolve some things directly, and they do not see the risk involved in making decisions on issues in which they have no experience. It is essential that there is a suitable professional leading the entire project, from design to completion.
  • The value of your time. Some purchases or resolutions seem like they will be cheaper if we do them ourselves, but it is essential to factor in that one's time is also valuable. And if we consider that someone who has no experience in the subject is going to take more time than someone with a professional background in the field, it is highly probable that we will end up spending more time than necessary, not to mention the frustrations that come with not being able to unblock the issues.
  • Think long-term. Even though building a house is more related to a personal or family project, it is important to also consider it as an investment. In this sense, if you consider that perhaps in 10, 20 or 30 years you will want to sell the property, it is prudent that the design of the house takes this into account, and eventually it can also be adapted to another family with a low level of investment for remodeling.




Define objectives

One of the most common mistakes is not having a clear vision of the project's objectives. Camila Beccar Varela stressed the importance of defining aspects such as dimensions, style and budget before starting. “Many owners simplify the design stages and do not assume that decisions will change during the work. This generates delays and cost overruns. A trusted architect can guide them to make decisions at the right time,” she explained.





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Defining clear objectives from the beginning avoids delays, cost overruns and ensures a smooth project.

It is essential for the owner to identify his priorities from the start. The architect advises including a detailed schedule and a contingency plan in case of unforeseen events. In addition, she recommends carrying out an analysis of projected costs for each stage, so that the budget is realistic and allows expenses to be met without surprises.

In the case of construction in gated communities, it is vital to consider the specific regulations of each location . These include design restrictions and regulatory setbacks that, if not complied with, could result in fines and delays. In this regard, Beccar Varela advised working with an architectural firm that takes these parameters as a starting point.

The importance of the architect

Choosing the right studio is essential , as the relationship with architects could extend for more than two years. “ The studio or professional must be recommended by someone you trust and have proven success stories . Good communication between the client and the architect is key to channeling wishes and expectations,” the architect stressed.



Matías Beszkin, partner at Alton Desarrollos, said that building an apartment requires a similar level of commitment to building a house. It is essential to evaluate not only the design, but also the architect's ability to adapt to changes that may arise during the process.”

To maximize this relationship, experts suggest defining a contract that details responsibilities, deliverables and estimated timelines . Regular meetings with the architect will help maintain control over the progress of the project and resolve problems early.

Tenders and contracts

To reduce costs, Beccar Varela recommends putting all construction items out to tender . This can be done under the “turnkey” or “management” modality , but always with at least two budgets to compare. “The bidding process must be led by the architecture studio. This is the largest expense of the project, and if it is not done in detail and with experience, the cost overruns can be surprising ,” he warns.





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With solid planning and professional guidance, costs can be reduced by up to 20%

It is also important to include penalties for non-compliance in contracts, both for suppliers and for builders. This will ensure that agreed deadlines and quality are respected. Clauses should provide for possible changes in material prices, especially in inflationary contexts.

As for the contracts, they must detail every aspect of the project. “ The rules of the game must be clear from the beginning, since the construction process can last around a year ,” said Beccar Varela.

Optimize resources and time

Time is also a valuable resource. Beccar Varela emphasizes that delegating to professionals is key. “ Sometimes, clients try to resolve certain issues on their own, but this is often counterproductive . One’s time also has a cost, and lack of experience can lead to spending more,” he says.



Technology can be a great ally. Tools such as 3D modeling (BIM) programs and construction tracking applications allow you to visualize the project before construction and detect possible errors. In addition, detailed budgets and early negotiations can make a big difference in costs. For example, freezing prices with advance payments or choosing favorable installment plans can generate significant savings.

A long-term investment

Thinking of the house or apartment as an investment for the future is also crucial. “The design must be flexible to adapt to changes in the lives of the inhabitants and the needs of the market. A property that can adjust to new demands will always have a better response,” explained Beszkin.





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From the initial design to the last detail, the coordinated work between architects and builders ensures that this dream is built with solidity and quality.

Furthermore, choosing highly durable materials and sustainable technologies not only contributes to caring for the environment, but also reduces long-term maintenance costs. Evaluating the cost-benefit of incorporating solar energy, thermal insulation systems and other innovations can result in significant savings.

It is also important to consider the location, the services in the area and the possibility of making modifications with little investment. Beccar Varela concluded that the house is not only a space to live in, but also a valuable refuge that could become a good investment in the future.


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