Whether you’re creating a single-family home or a gleaming, modern office tower, an effective building design will create the atmosphere you want and provide a comfortable space for occupants to live and work. The design can also have a major impact on the cost of the project—and not always in ways you’d expect. Here are a few simple design choices that can save you money when creating and maintaining your building.

4 Design Choices That Can Lower the Overall Costs of a Building

1. Go Multistory

The most expensive parts of any building are the foundation and the roof, so reducing their square footage will significantly lower the cost of your project. A multistory structure creates a much smaller footprint—while still providing all of the space you need—and leaves more vacant room for landscaping or other features.

2. Limit the Plumbing

Plumbing is a complex part of any project, especially if you’re building a large commercial or industrial complex. Installing bathrooms, kitchens, and other fixtures directly above one another will limit the amount of plumbing your building will need and help prevent problems later.

3. Use Skylights & Large Windows

Many commercial buildings waste enormous amounts of energy on interior lighting, even during the day. Installing skylights and large windows maximizes the use of natural light and significantly reduces electrical expenses.

4. Simplify Your Roof

The more hips, joints, and valleys your roof contains, the more expensive it will be. A square or rectangular building design allows for a much simpler roof, which can shave thousands of dollars off the cost of your project.

As one of Susquehanna Valley’s leading design and engineering firms, Mid-Penn Engineering has been building better communities since 1969. This one-stop shop provides a wide range of services under one roof, from building design to structural engineering and surveying, with the expertise to handle every step of your project. To discuss your project and request a quote, visit their website or call (570) 524-2214, and follow their Facebook page for news and updates.