Pay attention to the details on these items to get exactly what you want while staying within budget and not have to break your bank account !
When working with an architect or builder in Sri Lanka, you spend a lot of time going over design details to ensure it’s exactly as you want it. We get fixated on elements such as the flow of the design, storage solutions, the size of rooms, floor finishes and domestic quarters, to just name a few. But underneath those higher-level decisions is a collection of smaller considerations that also need to be specified and decided on in some way as we do get stuck for options. The experts at Beverlee Holdings will aid you to create the perfect space for you while giving you the whole design and build package in one!
Many things are represented on a floor plan, or simply assumed to be included because they just seem obvious, but aren’t dealt with in sufficient detail to ensure that you and your builder are on the same page. And when that happens, you’re more exposed to inaccurate quotes, build-stage cost variations, builder’s margins and buggered up budgets.

Interior Features to Consider in Your Budget

1. Tiles. This is a great example of an item that, while rarely shown on a drawing, is assumed to be included in the builder’s quote. It’s important that both the cost of the tiles and the extent to which they will be used is clear. Eg – Floor, wall, bathroom, outdoors, garage, kitchen etc.

You will need to be made aware of the cost per square area that has been allocated for the tiles (for both floor and wall), as well as whether the wall tiles have been quoted as full height, half height or even skirting tiles only. This may well vary from one bathroom to the next, kitchen layouts are very different to other areas, so are the tiling options for the outdoor areas taking the local weather into consideration – so take the time to set out your expectations room by room, area and allocation. Tiles used for decorative purposes also need to be decided on well in advance as the costs and application methods for these are very different to the generic laying of regular tiles.

2. Internal and External Doors. Doors are pretty easy to identify on a floor plan, so there should be no confusion about how many are required. However, there are many considerations when selecting doors, which can affect the cost significantly. How wide and high are the doors? Glass or antique? Are they solid-core or hollow-core? Are they plain or paneled, and will they have a painted finish or do you want wood veneer? Where is the timber from and has the timber been treated for termites and wood rot? Has the timber been treated for harsh weather – heavy rains and the scorching daytime sunlight? Are the hinges of good quality? Will they rust when exposed to water on a constant basis? The wood experts at The Cove by Beverlee Holdings will help you get your head around as many of these choices and help you avoid extra costs during the build.
3. Woodwork. From kitchen cupboards, wardrobes, dining tables to basic storage shelves – Sri Lankans love using wood as its durable and long lasting for furniture and interiors. . Homeowners increasingly want built-in cabinets for storage and display solutions in all manner of places, including bathrooms, laundry rooms, bedrooms and living spaces. Woodwork should be easy enough to identify on a floor plan; however, given that there are so many options in terms of color, material, fittings, design detail and hardware, it’s very difficult for builders to arrive at an accurate allowance for the item. Always ask your builder for recommendations on what timber to use for your woodwork based on your house design – different items turn out better in varied options of timber. The team at Beverlee Holdings’ Furniture Design and Production arm, The Cove, are experienced in recommending options to make your life easier.

The truth is, unless there are detailed drawings available for carpenters and furniture suppliers to quote from, the builders can only guess at what the cost might be. So make your builder’s life easier and have an image in mind of what you want – there are plenty of options on the internet to choose from to give your builder and carpenter an idea to gauge the cost of your woodwork items, whatever they may be. Enlist the expertise of the designers at The Cove by Beverlee Holdings (the interior design arm of Beverlee Holdings Pvt Ltd) can easily develop detailed drawings for quoting rates or specify/recommend options in your plan.

4. Closets, Cupboards and Wardrobes. Custom closets are a must-have for many bedrooms these days. But there are many options for actually fitting out a closet, from using basic materials like wire racks and MDF shelves to high-end custom made cabinets. We tend to focus on how big the closet is and often neglect the details of how it will be used. When working with a builder who offers you the ‘total solution’ like Beverlee Holdings Pvt Ltd, you do not need to hire outside experts to customise your cupboards as they have their own furniture design arm to help you with this.
5. Lighting. Lighting is one of the most common items to cause a budget issue, and there are several factors that contribute to this. First, it’s rare that an electrical plan is completed at the quoting stage depending on the expertise of your builder. Second, because many people are unaware of the lighting options available (and the associated costs) when quotes are being prepared, they haven’t yet put enough time into considering their choices. The lighting professionals at Beverlee Holdings have vast experience in these areas and are familiar with the costs and light fittings available in the local market to give you the most accurate quote when you make your choices.
6. Flooring. A plan should indicate the intended floor finish, be it wood, tile, polished concrete or otherwise.However, when it comes to flooring types, wood in particular, you’ll need to make selections or allowances for the supply and installation of your preferred type of wood in order to avoid nasty surprises and cost overruns.For example, wood flooring can be a rather generic term when we consider that it may include wood laminates, floating wood floorboards and traditional strip flooring. With such a wide range of products and costs, it’s important to understand what you want and check with your builder regarding what type of wood is best suited for your home.
7. Outdoor, Garage and Garden Taps. These can often be neglected on plans. Though they’re easily overlooked during the design stage, they will be sorely missed if not included. Specify how many you want in your quote.
8. Hot water. Again, this is another assumption we make, and yes, it’s fair to assume that any reasonable builder will include some kind of hot water heater. However, if you prefer to install an environmentally friendly solar hot water unit, you need to make that very clear, as the cost for one can be up to three times higher than for other systems.
9. Windows – What may seem like a straightforward decision sometimes isn’t when it comes to windows. You want something aesthetically pleasing with features that match your other home design options. You want windows that are energy efficient and save on your air conditioning bills. You want windows that provide a great source of natural light but are also secure for security purposes. Before long it becomes clear that there is a lot more involved in making the best decision for your window choices. Even the location of your windows is something important to consider. Fortunately, window construction has come a long way since those old drafty windows. If you choose Beverlee Holdings as your builder, they will be the best resource to assist you with your choices.
10. Decking. Despite decks’ popularity, key information on them is often missing from a plan. There are many types of decking boards available, including domestic and imported hardwood, and each of these is also available in different sizes. The costs can vary dramatically, so if you have something specific in mind, you must ensure that your drawings specify your preference.

You might also want to consider the attachment method used, with nails being the fastest and cheapest option and stainless steel screws being the most secure, long-lasting and expensive. Decks can be relatively pricey structures, so it’s important that you set out your requirements in as much detail as possible so that when you compare a number of quotes, you are confident that you are comparing apples with apples.

Offering a host of services including renovation and construction of commercial, residential and mixed-development properties, Beverlee Holdings specialises in designing and building semi- luxury and luxury homes that are environmentally sustainable/ eco-friendly, sophisticated in design, contemporary in space utilisation and offers an elevated lifestyle. Beverlee Holdings will aid you to create the perfect space for you wherever you want in Sri Lanka.