What increases the cost of building a house the most?
The biggest impact on construction costs usually comes from:
• excessive floor area
• complex structural design and complicated roof geometry
• large spans without clear structural logic
• poor organization of building installations
• changes made during construction
• a mismatch between the project design and the available budget
That is why rational and well-planned design is one of the most important parts of the entire process.
Architectural Consultation
Building a house involves many decisions that are difficult to change later.
This consultation service is intended for clients who would like professional guidance before purchasing land, before starting the design process, or before making important decisions related to house construction and spatial organization.
Frequently Asked Questions Before Building a House
I’m buying a plot of land. How can I know if it’s suitable for building?
Before purchasing a plot, it’s important to evaluate much more than just the location and the view.
The following aspects should be carefully analyzed:
• building possibilities according to the local zoning and planning regulations
• plot orientation and sun exposure
• access to the plot
• terrain slope and topography
• infrastructure and utility connections
• required distances from neighboring buildings
• potential additional construction costs
In many cases, a professional site analysis before purchase can help prevent significant future costs and poor spatial decisions.
Is CLT construction more expensive than traditional construction?
CLT construction cannot be compared solely through the cost of the structure itself.
In a well-designed CLT house, the advantages include:
• faster construction and assembly
• high precision in execution
• fewer on-site errors
• thinner structural elements
• lower building weight
• improved energy performance
• a more comfortable indoor microclimate
The overall cost-efficiency ultimately depends on the project itself and the way the house is designed.
When is the right time to speak with an architect?
Ideally, before making major decisions — before purchasing land, choosing a pre-designed house, or making agreements with contractors.
Many problems arise precisely because the design process starts too late, when certain decisions have already been made and are difficult to change.
Can a CLT house be built in different locations — by the sea, in the mountains, or in an urban environment?
Yes.
The CLT system allows houses to be designed for a wide range of climates, terrains, and locations — from urban plots to homes by the sea, in natural surroundings, or in mountainous areas.
It is important to emphasize that CLT is a structural building system, while the final appearance of the house is not determined by the structure itself.
In most cases, the CLT structure is not visible from the outside, as it is additionally protected with façade layers and other finishing materials. This means the house can have a completely contemporary, traditional, or locally adapted architectural appearance.
When designing a CLT house, particular attention should be given to:
• protecting the CLT structure from moisture and weather exposure
• construction layers and connection details
• façade systems and finishing materials
• the building’s energy performance
• ventilation and protection from overheating
• adapting the building to the site, climate, and terrain
These are principles that apply to high-quality architectural design in general, regardless of the chosen structural system.
A well-designed CLT house is not a standardized product, but a carefully developed architectural project in which architecture, structure, and construction methods are fully coordinated.
Types of Architectural Consultation
1. Consultation Before Starting Construction process
Intended for clients who are in the early stages of planning a house and would like professional guidance before making important decisions.
Consultation topics may include:
• what to check before purchasing a plot of land
• realistic house construction costs
• the difference between gross and net floor area
• how to organize the project budget
• what is important in floor plan organization
• CLT versus traditional construction
• the sequence of steps from concept to construction
• how to choose an architect and contractor
• the most common mistakes made before starting construction
• how long the design and construction process usually takes
This type of consultation can help avoid costly mistakes and poor decisions early in the process — issues that are often difficult to correct later on.
2. Site Analysis Before Purchase or Design
Intended for clients who would like to evaluate the potential of a plot of land before purchasing it or before starting the house design process.
The analysis may include:
• review of the plot’s spatial possibilities
• orientation and sun exposure
• site access and terrain configuration
• possible positioning of the house
• potential issues and limitations
• efficiency and logic of future spatial organization
• an initial assessment of the plot’s potential
• evaluation of the feasibility and value of building on the selected location
The goal of the analysis is to help the client realistically understand the potential of the site before making a major financial decision.
3. Professional Review (“Second Opinion”)
Intended for clients who already have a project, conceptual design, floor plan, or contractor proposal, but would like an additional professional opinion before continuing the process.
The consultation may include:
• review of the existing floor plan or project
• evaluation of the functionality of the space
• analysis of the project’s efficiency and logic
• comments on room organization and layout
• review of the relationship between gross and net floor area
• assessment of structural logic
• comments on CLT or traditional construction systems
• identifying potential issues before construction begins
Sometimes small adjustments made in the early stages can significantly improve the quality of the space and reduce future construction costs.
Not sure where to start?
An initial consultation can often help you better understand the possibilities of the site, the budget, and the organization of your future home — before starting the design or construction process.