Comparative analysis of the cost of light steel villa and traditional houses

The initial construction cost of light steel villa is slightly higher than that of traditional brick-concrete structure (about +10%-20%), but with the advantages of higher utilization rate, lower maintenance fee and energy saving, the long-term cost performance is significantly better. In the area of sand and gravel material scarcity or complex geology, the comprehensive cost of light steel villa is already competitive.

I. Comparison of basic cost

Light steel villa VS traditional brick-concrete house

light gauge steel frame house main material including keel, insulation layer, etc. rough house unit price 1200-1500 yuan / square meter; traditional brick houses 700-800 yuan / square meter.

Light steel villa all-inclusive price (including decoration) 2000-2500 yuan / ㎡; traditional brick houses 1500-1800 yuan / ㎡. 

Integrated construction of light steel villa reduces waste

Light steel villa foundation cost savings of 30% -50%, the traditional brick houses need deeper foundation to carry weight, light steel weight is only 1/3 of the brick mixed 

II. The long-term cost advantage

If focusing on long-term economy + low maintenance needs, give preference to light steel villa; if preferring traditional technology + short-term low investment, brick house is still a feasible option, but need to set aside sufficient maintenance budget.

Area utilization rate

The utilization rate of light steel villa is more than 90%, while that of traditional brick-concrete house is only 73%, which is 17% more practical space under the same building area. (b) The utilization area of light steel villa is more than 90%;

Calculated with 200 square meters, light steel villa is equivalent to 34 square meters more usable area.

Maintenance cost:

Light steel villa: adopting composite wall + integrated construction, external wall insulation and decoration are completed at one time, basically without secondary maintenance; the main structure is free from overhaul for 50 years, and only regular inspection of connection nodes is required. The main structure is free of overhaul for 50 years, and only the connection nodes need to be inspected regularly. The keel of the light steel villa is made of galvanized steel with strong corrosion resistance, and the service life is more than 70 years, and the maintenance cost is concentrated in the renewal of fireproof coating (about 20 years/times).

Brick-concrete houses: need to be repaired every 5-10 years Cracked walls, water seepage, and the facade insulation layer is easy to deteriorate, requiring periodic renovation . Brick-concrete structure is susceptible to moisture erosion, red bricks and cement mortar need to be partially replaced after aging, and the average annual maintenance cost is 30%-50% higher than that of light steel.

Maintenance cost in earthquake/typhoon prone area: The flexible structure of light steel villa can reduce the cost of maintenance.

The flexible structure of light steel villa can reduce the structural damage, and the cost of post-disaster repair is only 20%-30% of that of brick-concrete;

Brick-concrete houses are prone to cracks in the load-bearing walls after earthquakes, which are expensive and take a long time to repair.

Maintenance costs in humid/salt spray areas.

Mild steel galvanized coating resists salt spray corrosion, and maintenance is focused on ventilation and dehumidification equipment;

Brick-concrete houses require frequent treatment of mold and mildew on walls and corrosion of steel reinforcement, with an average additional annual expenditure of $2000-5000

Energy-saving benefits

Light steel villas have excellent heat preservation performance, and air conditioning energy consumption is reduced by 30%-50%8 , saving 2000-5000 RMB in electricity costs annually.

III. Regional cost differences

The cost of light steel villa is slightly higher (+10%-15%) in the area rich in sand and gravel material, and the cost of traditional house is lower (20% lower per unit price).

Sand and gravel-poor areas Light steel villas have low overall costs (30% savings in transportation costs) Building materials prices for traditional houses have skyrocketed (+50% or more)

Mountainous/geologically complex areas 40% savings in foundation costs for light steel villas Difficulty in construction of foundations for traditional houses (+60% cost)

IV. Comprehensive Cost-Effective Conclusion

Short-term cost: the all-inclusive price of light gauge steel villa is 10%-20% higher than that of traditional brick-concrete, but it can be partly offset by foundation saving and area premium. partially offset;

Long-term value: the total cost (including maintenance and energy consumption) of lightweight steel villas is 25%-40% lower in a 50-year cycle;

Special scenario recommendations:

Mountainous areas, earthquake zones: light steel is preferred (superior seismic performance);

Pursuit of quick move-in: light steel construction cycle takes only 1-3 months (traditional 6-12 months).