Construction Tips to low cost building
Lower Cost to Build - 15 Construction Tips and Other Ways
to Save Big When Building a House
No one wants to pay more than necessary when building a
home. But only the experts know how to save money on
construction, right? Not necessarily. Here are 15 tips that
may help keep your building budget within reason, without
compromising on the home you want.
1. Buy a large lot with a friend or family member that can be
split into two smaller lots. Some of the most appealing
properties may be much larger than what you want or can
afford, yet the seller may not be willing to break up a large
parcel. So if you can share the cost with someone else
(preferably someone you don't mind having as a neighbor),
you may be able to pick up a great building site for a
reasonable price.
2. Consider a so-called problem lot — a hillside, narrow, or
in-fill property. Generally, these types of lots are not as
desirable as others, so they don't sell as quickly and often
go for a much lower price. With the right plan and a capable
contractor, however, a potentially difficult lot might be
perfect for your new home.
3. Choose a canal or bay lot instead of ocean or lakefront
property if you must have a waterfront site. These choices
are usually less expensive but still water accessible. Plus,
they provide great protection against inclement weather.
4. Buy low-maintenance building materials — vinyl siding
and metal roofing, for example. Even if they are somewhat
more expensive at installation, they will pay for themselves
in the long run as you won't have to repair, replace, or
repaint.
5. Collect salvaged materials from demolition sites. Old
barnwood, used bricks, and distinctive wood doors add
inexpensive character to a home without exorbitant cost.
Many times you can have the materials at no cost, as long
as you're willing to haul them away. Just be sure to check
first with the owner of the building being demolished.
6. Splurge only on those things you truly cannot live
without. However, don't skimp on structural components or
doors and windows — for the safety and security of your
home, you'll want to purchase the best you can afford in
these areas.
7. Don't overbuild for the neighborhood. A home that is
better and bigger than any other in its area will not
command a fair price at resale. Instead, the assessment will
be colored by the lower-priced homes around it.
8. Monitor construction allowances as the home is being
built to ensure you're getting what you asked for (and are
paying for). This includes decorative details as well as
structural elements. If you and your builder agreed, for
instance, that a particular brand of insulation would be
installed, don't accept a lesser brand — at least not without
a cost adjustment.
9. Use only a certified general contractor. The experience of
a well-qualified contractor is invaluable to the home-building
process. In addition, seasoned professionals have
established relationships with suppliers and subcontractors
— something you cannot possibly hope to get without years
of experience in the business.
10. Try to avoid site preparation charges — hauling in-fill
dirt, grading, clearing trees, blasting rock. These processes
are expensive and add time to the building schedule right off
the bat. Choose the best site you can afford and then pick a
plan that fits that site or can be modified to better suit the
site.
11. Avoid change orders — the changes in materials or
blueprints that invariably occur in the midst of the building
process. Not only do change orders cost more money, they
add considerable time and frustration to the building
process. Decide exactly what you want before ground is
broken — and then stick to it.
12. Keep the depth of your home at 32 feet or less. Any
more than that and roof trusses may need to be specially
designed, which can add significant dollars to the overall
building cost. If you have sufficient land and want a larger
house, consider adding width or additional stories.
13. If you really want ceramic tile or hardwood flooring but
feel you can't afford it right now, consider vinyl flooring.
Vinyl makes a good underlayment, and the tile or wood can
be installed right on top of it at a later date.
14. Choose a stock plan over custom-drawn plans. The
savings in total cost are great and you can probably
customize the stock plan to get exactly what you want.
15. Do you really need a three-car garage? If you only have
two vehicles and you're counting on the extra bay for
storage space, consider other areas of the home that will
work just as well — attic space, space under a stairwell, or
spare bedroom. Or put up a garden shed, which is cheaper
than building a huge garage.
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