If you’re leading a commercial project that involves plumbing as a major component, you’re probably wanting to keep costs as affordable as possible without sacrificing quality.
It’s important to know where you can make budget-friendly plumbing choices that don’t cut corners and affect the finished result. If you’re not sure where to start, this guide should serve as a useful reference for reducing your plumbing spend in upcoming builds.
Use PEX Instead Of Copper For Most Residential Jobs
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is a popular material for modern plumbing because it’s flexible and easier to install than copper, as well as being far cheaper. That makes it an ideal choice for a new build, or any renovation that you want to get done as fast as possible.
Importantly, PEX is still durable and approved for hot and cold water use, so it’s an effective, quality alternative to copper piping that’ll help you save money while still delivering the intended results.
Install Push-Fit Fittings For Faster Labour
The great thing about push-fit fittings is that they don’t need any soldering, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to install them.
With that in mind, these fittings are great for any project you’re working on with a tight timeline, either residential or commercial. They can be just as reliable under pressure, but only, of course, when they’re installed correctly. Make sure to work with a reputable plumbing company, like Military Plumbing, to achieve the professional finish that your clients are expecting.
Go For Dual-Flush Toilets To Save Water And Cost
Dual-flush toilets are a popular option in modern bathrooms today because of the long-term savings they offer. As the name suggests, they work on a dual-flush system, which releases a smaller amount of water for liquid waste and a larger amount for solid waste.
These do have a slightly higher upfront cost than standard toilets, but they can improve the sustainability rating of a build, making them a good upsell for eco-conscious customers. Just offer it as an optional upgrade that your clients foot the bill for, so it doesn’t end up eating into your profits.
Buy Fixtures In Bulk To Cut Unit Costs
When you’re working on multiple projects or a big build, it almost always makes sense to buy all the fixtures you need in bulk. Yes, that might mean ordering well in advance for certain builds, and it’ll take more mental energy to plan exactly what you need at scale ahead of time. But ordering early and in bulk will help you save money significantly per item.
Plus, having everything you need in advance means you won’t have to make any last-minute shopping trips and end up delaying your on-site jobs because you’re waiting for components and fixtures to arrive in dribs and drabs.
Always Hire Skilled Trades — Don’t Cheap Out On Labor
One area that’s never recommended to go cheaper on is your hired labor. Cutting corners on workmanship may result in poorly finished jobs and unhappy clients down the line, potentially affecting your own business’s reputation.
If you’re on a small budget, your priority should be to choose licensed, experienced plumbers, then figure out how you can cut costs elsewhere.
