Are multi-res developers paying too much for building services?
Rising construction costs and recent hikes in pricing for electricity transformers, and other power distribution infrastructure, are all putting the squeeze on the feasibility of new multi-residential developments. But one of our Brisbane Directors, Toby Murdoch, says there are still ways to seek out cost efficiencies on new multi-residential apartment and townhouse developments.
Ashburner Francis Director and Electrical Engineering Manager Toby Murdoch believes power loads on some new developments are being over calculated.
“Precise calculations are critical,” Toby explains. “In some instances, those calculations can reveal that existing networks are actually sufficient to power a new multi-res or townhouse development without requiring a costly transformer and all the downstream infrastructure that comes with it.”
In addition to reviewing calculations, Toby says there are two strategies that could help developers further contain their costs. Firstly, he recommends engaging building-service engineers to undertake pre-feasibility studies — especially for multi-res apartment developments where space is at a premium.
(Portrait): Toby Murdoch, Ashburner Francis Director &
Electrical Engineering Manager (Photo ©Leonie Bolt)
(Background image) Photo by Tom PREJEANT on Unsplash
“Ideally, developers need to know how much space to allow for transformers, ahead of their design going to Council,” he says. “Unearthing these dimensions after your application has been lodged, can lead to the loss of valuable square footage (from proposed units or apartments) to accommodate transformers — and, of course, secondary applications to Council to seek approval for those redesigns.”
For developers looking for further cost-efficiencies, Toby’s second recommendation is to engage engineers that offer mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and ESD services all under one roof.
“Where possible, I always recommend an integrated approach to service design or, at least, a highly collaborative team of consultants,” Toby explains. “In the case of townhouse developments, working together to coordinate service routes can help minimise additional trenching (and other costly earthworks) as well as assisting in constraining costs for cabling from the point of supply to the final distribution boards within each townhouse.”
Banner photo by Emily Rose on Unsplash