Embarking on the journey of building your dream home you will learn where you can skimp a bit and where you should splurge. Along the way you will discover there are many ways to cut costs while building your custom home. Here are simple ways to help you learn how to save a few extra bucks during the planning and building process.
Do your research.
As generic as that sounds it is the best and one of the first things you should be doing while starting to think about building. Look at other model homes to find out exactly what type of build you are wanting. The more ideas of your house you have the easier the planning phase will be.
Communicate with your Builder
Make sure that you have an open line of communication from the start. Have a couple of meetings with them before committing to anything. Make sure that they are willing to work for you and that you’re in control of the project. This will ensure that everything planned goes smoothly. Let them know what’s important and seek their input when you’re trying to find ways to save. They will have insight on things that you could save money on and it not make a huge difference.
Shop the Market
Make sure to shop all around for appliances. Compare prices from store to store. Compare high end stores to discount or wholesale stores. You will be shocked at how small the differences are. Buy items on sale, using coupon codes online, check store reward programs. End of Season sales are also a great time to purchase big appliances. Most appliances are best priced in September and October when manufactures roll out new models. Buying last year’s model of refrigerator will not put you at a functional disadvantage.
Take advantage of Builders Discount
Often your builder can get items at a wholesale price or at a discount price. Use this key advantage when using vendors. Do not hesitate to ask if your builder has a discount because you never know until you ask. Also asking places for a 10% off the total isn’t a bad idea to save some cash while buying appliances and certain décor.
Find out what you need Before you need it
I cannot stress this enough. It pays off in the long run to get all of the materials before you need them. If you don’t, you could end up in a situation where you need to buy a dishwasher to be installed that week. But you can’t find it at a reasonable cost right away. In order to get it you have to pay a premium cost. Plan ahead and buy things in advance to avoid rushing into overpriced materials and appliances.
Use Resources
Family or friends that maybe in the building business are an excellent source of supplies and services that can come at little or no charge in some cases. Reach out to local contactors around your area. Ask around for references and look on your social platforms for upcoming specials or how to seminars.
Do some of the work yourself
If you’re handy you can sometimes do the labor and knock out the easier tasks in your house to save money. Installing simple things such as door knobs, painting, flooring, light fixtures, installing cabinets, construction clean up. Be careful, though. If you don’t know what you’re doing, then this money saving tip may end up costing you more in the end. You don’t want to have to go back and re-do your poor quality job. Make sure you’ve got the skills and you know how to use them.
Keep the Big Picture in Mind
Don’t try to focus too hard on the small things. One of the easiest mistakes you could do to yourself in the building phase is get bogged down in tiny details. That usually in the end don’t matter to much. The more flexible your decisions and choices are the faster your home will be finished thus saving you expense completing building quicker. Of course, take your time this is a huge investment but try to keep the goal of a finished home at the forefront of your decision making.
Making a Realistic Budget
The research is done, you have compared the competitors, found the sales but now it is time to put together a budget for all costs. Be mindful and realistic when creating your overall building budget. Keep that number in mind when making choices and try to stay within limit. Helpful Tips:
- Define your monthly building allotment.
- Keep all receipts and track them in a spreadsheet
- Use an app like Mint or Every Dollar to track not only your home building expenses but your personal expenses as well.
Building a house does not have to require a lot of experience or does not have to cause stress. Preparing, research and finding a builder who is helpful, knowledgeable, has connections with vendors, and more to walk you through the process are all ways to ensure you build the house of your dreams at a very affordable price.
UBuildIt partners are CONSULTANTS who support their clients desire to build or remodel their own homes. UBuildIt offices are independently owned and operated. There is no inventory, no major equipment to purchase. UBuildIt has developed a series of programs focused on clients who are interested in having more involvement in building or remodeling their homes beyond the conventional approach of hiring a general contractor. We offer support and guidance to new home builders and can help with all of these things to save you money. For more information CLICK HERE!
