Nowadays, it is common to use pre-mortared full walls instead of blocks that are mortared on site. Ytong has these in their range. Since labor time is crucial for the final cost of building a masonry house, does anyone have experience with what becomes the cheapest option? 1) Loose blocks that are mortared by hand or 2) ready-made elements that are mounted with a crane with significantly less work?
I assume that the ready-made elements are considerably more expensive, the question is where is the break-even point for profitability?
We are aiming for a masonry house of 250 sqm. Furthermore, I wonder if it becomes cheaper to build a single-story 250 sqm or 2 stories. I am going to apply for preliminary approval, so I am grateful for input.
I assume that the ready-made elements are considerably more expensive, the question is where is the break-even point for profitability?
We are aiming for a masonry house of 250 sqm. Furthermore, I wonder if it becomes cheaper to build a single-story 250 sqm or 2 stories. I am going to apply for preliminary approval, so I am grateful for input.
No easy questions you come up with....
The signature Sweli here on the forum has built with prefabricated large blocks. She seems to have fared reasonably well price-wise. Search her posts and check her website. There are others who have built with leca and other stone variants, but most have probably done the masonry themselves, which makes price comparison a bit tricky.
The signature Sweli here on the forum has built with prefabricated large blocks. She seems to have fared reasonably well price-wise. Search her posts and check her website. There are others who have built with leca and other stone variants, but most have probably done the masonry themselves, which makes price comparison a bit tricky.
Thank you for that answer, I will meet the representative for the construction company this week so it should become clearer then. The worst part is getting hold of a murare, seems to be in short supply. I will return with more input for anyone interested later in the week. ;D
Now I have more to go on, it is cheaper with large blocks and releases less moisture. You have to dehumidify a stone house thoroughly after laying the bricks. If you're lucky enough to find a cheap bricklayer, a stone house of about 180 sqm can be built for a cost of 1.2 MSEK, finished externally. I have an actual example of this. It was, however, in block form.
Can get back soon with details. Got the price from the architect who designed the house. As I understood, it's finished externally with a roof. It looks great. The stone material I estimate at around 130k SEK for the rest. As mentioned. I'll get back.