I. Design Stage
Choose a Simple Style
The pavilion can be designed in a hexagonal or octagonal shape, which will reduce the use of materials and thus the construction cost. The design of the pavilion can refer to ancient pavilions as much as possible. Because the shape and materials of ancient pavilions have been selected and they are designed from a material – saving perspective. Also, designing the pavilion into a delicate and exquisite shape like hexagon or octagon can reduce labor cost and bring the benefit of cost reduction.
Avoid too many decorative details. Reduce decorative elements such as beautiful wood carvings and complex metal engravings. If you want some decorative effects, you can choose simpler geometric pattern carvings, or use relatively cheap decorative methods such as stickers and paintings. For example, using wood – textured stickers to imitate the effect of wood carvings costs much less than real wood carvings.
Use classic designs and accessories as much as possible. Classics last forever, so you don’t need to use too many other redundant decorations to decorate the pavilion to avoid waste.
Reasonably Plan the Size
Determine the size of the pavilion according to actual usage needs. If it’s just for two or three people to rest, a small – sized pavilion with a diameter of 2 – 3 meters is enough, which can reduce the amount of materials used. For example, a large octagonal pavilion with a diameter of 6 – 8 meters requires a lot of wood or metal materials to build the frame, and the corresponding roof – covering materials will also increase. While a small square pavilion may only need 4 pillars, 4 beams and a small amount of roofing materials to complete the basic structure.
Regarding the height, avoid designing it too high on the basis of meeting the basic standing and activity space. A taller pavilion requires longer pillars and more materials to build the frame, and it will also increase the installation difficulty and cost.
For the width of the pavilion, make it as small as possible. Don’t make it too wide. The appropriate width is the best. An overly wide width requires more materials, and more foundation and building materials will be used.
Preliminary Planning of Material Selection
Consider using common and relatively inexpensive materials during the design. For example, for the frame material, you can give priority to moderately – priced wood such as pine instead of expensive mahogany. If it’s a metal structure, ordinary carbon steel after anti – corrosion treatment is much cheaper than stainless steel. In terms of roofing materials, the price of plastic corrugated sheets is lower than that of traditional glazed tiles.
In the early stage of pavilion design, compare different suppliers for materials as much as possible and choose materials with low price and good quality. This is also a way to save materials and costs.
II. Material Procurement Stage
Look for High – Cost – Performance Material Suppliers
Search for more high – cost – performance material suppliers through online channels. The market is big. Try to find low – price suppliers both online and offline. Establish long – term cooperation with suppliers and a long – term trust mechanism.
Pay attention to suppliers’ promotional activities. For example, during some building materials fairs or holidays, many suppliers will launch discount, full – reduction and other preferential activities. When purchasing materials, you can choose to purchase during these periods to reduce costs. Suppliers hold some promotional activities every year, and you can use these activities to bargain and obtain pavilion materials at a lower price.
Consider Material Substitution Options
Use composite materials instead of natural materials. For example, there are now some wood – like materials made of fiber – reinforced plastics (FRP). Their appearance and texture are close to wood, but the price may be cheaper, and they have better corrosion resistance and durability. In roofing materials, use color – coated steel plates instead of traditional tiles. Color – coated steel plates are easy to install, have a relatively low price, and there are a variety of colors and styles to choose from.
Use innovative materials. For example, use environmentally – friendly materials. Their prices are lower than ordinary traditional materials, and their material quality is better than traditional materials and they have a longer service life. People nowadays attach great importance to environmental protection and have a very advanced awareness of environmental protection. Therefore, the materials for making pavilions now should respond to market demands and fit consumers’ consumption tendencies to win a larger market share.
For foundation materials, if there is abundant local stone resource, you can consider using local stones as the foundation of the pavilion, which can save transportation costs. Or use a concrete foundation instead of a more expensive stone – carved foundation. Of course, if there is a better – quality stone resource with a low price, it’s also a feasible method.
III. Manufacturing and Installation Stage
Self – installation (if you have the ability)
If you have certain carpentry or building installation skills, you can try to install the pavilion by yourself. This can save a lot of labor installation costs. During the installation process, follow the design drawings and installation instructions and operate carefully. For example, when installing a wooden pavilion, first fix the pillars on the foundation, and then install the beams. Pay attention to ensuring the structure is level and vertical. For a metal pavilion, make sure the connections are firm and connect each part through bolts or welding.
Choose the Appropriate Construction Time and Construction Team
Regarding the construction time, try to avoid construction during the peak construction season (such as spring and autumn), because construction teams are busy during this period and labor costs may rise. You can choose to construct in winter (if the local climate allows) or during non – busy periods in summer.
Choose an experienced but reasonably – priced construction team. You can find a well – reputed construction team through friends’ recommendations, online reviews and other methods. When signing a contract with the construction team, clearly define the terms such as price, construction period and quality requirements to avoid additional cost increases in the later period.