Life-cycle costing made simple
3. Start early on new build projects
Consideration of Life Cycle Costs should begin at the earliest possible stage.
During the design process consider:
- Life Cycle Costs as well as initial capital costs at project programme planning/ design/ inception stage, especially focusing on creating a balance between higher initial costs and reduced whole life costs and costs in use.
- Standardisation of components to simplify future repairs and maintenance. In other words choosing a limited number of products rather than having a lot of different types. For example, using one particular range of kitchen cabinets across all the homes provided by a housing organisation so that all the fixtures and fitting will be the same, instead of varying from project to project.
- The impact on surroundings and the local community. Does the development contribute to the long-term future of the area, in its economic, social and environmental impacts, or does it only provide a short-term gain with cost implications in the future?
- Sustainability issues of the dwelling and its components: energy efficiency, orientation, insulation, ventilation, water conservation, as well as the sourcing and use of renewable resources.
- The health of the future occupants - encourage the use of products which do not emit harmful toxins.
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