This article was originally posted by our project management partners, H2 Projects. Contact us for more information about building your dream home or starting a new development project.
At H2 Projects we’ve developed a robust system to save our customers money on their construction costs.
Our extensive experience has taught us where the best bang for your buck exists in the project, and where you will get the most value for your investment, it also allows us to predict where costs may spiral out of control if left unchecked and mitigate these ahead of time. If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the last 20 years of project management, it’s that rising construction costs can turn building dreams into nightmares.
There are a number of unique factors that come into play during a construction project in Japan which can affect the final sum, be it the cost of raw building materials, cost of civil works, importing foreign furnishings or even gathering quotes for your build. Without an experienced project manager like H2 Projects, it is likely these factors will lead to unexpected costs and big headaches.
Civil Works: Getting Your Site Ready
Before starting your build, you will need to understand what civil or “in-ground” works will be required to ready your site for construction. H2 Projects will ensure all items such as roadworks, power supply, water supply, tree clearing, and landscaping are considered ahead of time and included by the designers and contractors. Not doing so can lead to building delays and extra costs for a project. It also pays to plan ahead as trying to resolve these issues later on can add significant additional costs.
Sourcing Raw Building Materials
The cost of raw building materials in Japan can be quite expensive due to import costs and duties, the strength of the yen, and closed Japanese supply chains. As raw materials are sourced by the project builder it pays to find a reputable company who will deliver a high level of service. H2 Projects has built strong connections with a number of local construction companies who provide this exceptional service in meeting project deadlines, completing projects to budget and delivering quality buildings. This level of execution and service more than makes up for the initial outlay on raw building materials.
Importing Foreign Appliances
Many clients have a wish-list of specific materials, fittings or appliances such as high-spec European windows, Italian-brand custom kitchens, or designer tapware. In general, it is possible to do anything in Japan and H2 Projects can source these exotic products for your build. As these are not standard domestic products however there can be a premium cost attached, both for the supply and the install. H2 Projects can recommend exceptional Japanese equivalent products which can be installed at a fraction of the cost of these imported items. There can also be significant labour savings and higher quality installation associated with buying local brands, as the tradespeople understand and are experienced in installing Japanese products.
Getting The Best Price For Your Build
H2 Projects recommends clients take a ‘preferred builder’ approach and engage the selected builder early in the design phase. The builders can help identify design issues and potential cost blow outs, as well as provide alternative solutions and efficiencies. This is favoured over a tender process. Builders generally have enough confirmed work, so they avoid a competitive tender process unless the project is of a certain scale. Tendering for smaller projects also generally results in a ‘race to the bottom’ and will likely result in some dissatisfaction and unnecessary conflict throughout the project.
How Can H2 Projects Help You
H2 Projects works with a wide range of Japanese and International Architects and Builders. This allows us to identify the most suitable partner and negotiate the best possible price on your behalf. Getting a trusted team together and working closely on your plans, your budget, and your dream as early as possible will ultimately result in the best outcome for you.
Let’s connect! If you have any questions regarding any aspect of the design process in Japan, contact us at sales@h2realestate.jp and let’s start a conversation about your dream home.