You finally get to build your dream home or remodel your existing home to make it just as you like. You have probably saved for sometime to be able to do this. Currently, the median cost of building a single-family home is $289,415, but the cost of building does not need to be astronomical. With strong planning and research, you can cut costs without cutting corners.
Start by using these eight tips to save on everything from finishing nails to laminate flooring.
1. Have your contractor make the materials purchase.
Few consumers know it, but most hardware store chains provide a professional discount to local contractors. They prove their professional credentials to the chain which provides them with a card to use in any location that proves they passed muster with the corporate office. The benefit of them wading through the paperwork and keeping up their licensing and credentials is a ten to 30 percent discount on every purchase.
2. When it comes to choosing your contractor, choose the best.
The upfront cost of hiring the top stone paving team in Surrey area translates to savings down the line because the best does not make building mistakes that unlicensed or amateur individual does. You end up needing more materials to fix these mistakes.
3. Shop around for the best prices on the same items.
It takes time, but not every builders merchant in West Sussex will sell an item for the same price. Comparison shopping saves you hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on what you need to buy.
4. Determine the quality level you can afford.
Know that lesser quality translates in many cases to less durable. Three basic grades exist: custom, quality and builder. Custom costs the most while builder costs the least. Quality grade provides the middle ground.
5. Know what you want and create an exact plan.
If you have to submit what’s called a “change order” which literally changes your order for a material already obtained, you increase your costs and delay your work. You end up getting charged extra not only for the materials, but for the time delay you cost the contractor and the sub-contractors. Know what you want and stick with it.
6. While it may sound counter-intuitive, go energy-efficient.
Buying Energy Star or other government rated energy-saving devices provides you with rebates and tax credits. While your initial cost may be more, the end price will often equal or come in under less efficient choices. Another bonus is the long-term savings these appliances provide. Since they use less energy, you save every month on your utility bills.
7. Use the highest quality, fancy schmancy fixtures and carpet where people will see it the most.
The family room and living room deserves the high-end carpet while the halls and kids rooms can get the standard fare. The children’s bathrooms don’t really need the glossy brass fixtures, but the guest bathroom and master bath do.
8. Design your home or remodelling project based upon standard measurements.
Building based upon standard drywall sizes of four feet by eight feet and two by fours every two feet makes more sense. It requires fewer materials. Those high ceilings of nine or ten feet simply add to you costs.
Use these eight tips to cut your building costs. You don’t have to cut quality to save money. You do need to plan, compare costs and materials, hire an experienced contractor and leverage cost saving methods like having your contractor make the materials purchase. You can build your dream home for less.
