11/05/2014
Lower Cost to Build - 12
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 12 tips that may help keep
your building budget within reason, without
compromising on the home you want.
1. Buy a large plot with a friend or family
member that can be split into two smaller plots.
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 plot — 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 plot might be perfect for your new home.
3. 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.
4. 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 low 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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 type of timber would be
installed, don't accept a lesser type — at least
not without a cost adjustment.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Do you really need a garage? If you're counting
on the extra space for storage, 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.
