7 tricks to save money when building your new home

Chloe Hines Chloe Hines
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Once we decide to start building a new home, what most frightens us is the thought that the budget might not be respected, and that expenditures will start going through the roof. Another danger is that once we hire professionals, they might make our budget skyrocket and execute projects and designs without our full consent.  If you're properly preapred though, none of this has to happen!

In this article we will detail seven tips that can help you to save money on the construction of your new home. This extra money can be used to cover the costs of moving, something unexpected, or interior design details and decor.

For example, one consideration is if you should build your home yourself, or hire a contractor. There are advantages and disadvantages to any option you will choose. Let's see the pros and cons…

1. Choice of materials

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When choosing materials, you must be aware that some may be more expensive. This occurs in the case of some wood, marble and other finishes. 

It is best to choose materials from around the area where the work is being carried out, since distance can significantly increase the cost. This solution is sensible and helps economise, besides being an environmentally-friendly decision.

2. The land and purchase of materials

If the ground where you will build your house has unevenness, the project should be adapted to this surface. Otherwise, excavation and transport of extracted material represents an extra expense!

In the same field, you should offer a safe place to gather the materials that you buy in quantity and that can be easily accessible for extraction by the working crews. Remember – buying in large quantities is best, the best deals will be offered that way.

3. The plan of the project

Look for an architect or an engineer; this will help optimize the work without leaving areas under-prepared and will simultaneously meet the needs of your family. A professional can make appropriate recommendations on the use and size of the rooms and make the house work with the best performance per square meter. 

Avoid making changes to the project while under construction – every detail should be defined and laid out, especially electrical and plumbing installation. Once a project begins, changing anything afterwards will cost loads of money and slow down the entire process.

4. Prefabricated is always an option

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Prefabricated homes have come a long way in recent years and now can include the high-quality design and top products that a traditional, single-family home would have. Prefabricated homes are much cheaper and easier to build – and most can even become mobile, moving with you on your journey throughout life. 

Tiny homes are another prefabricated home option that are incredbily popular right now. However, make sure a tiny home is adequate for your lifestyle and budget first!

5. Internal facilities

To save on a traditional construction project, think about making a metal structure. The architect can advise you and do the maths to see if it is cheaper than a frame of concrete. The money saved in this type of decision could allow you to reinvest in buying good quality materials when making the electrical and sanitary installations. 

Also, instead of proper walls to separate rooms – consider interior architecture and temporary partitions to save money on construction costs. 

6. External facilities

You can certainly save money when it comes to finishes and materials. Micro-cement, for example, is high quality and durability is guaranteed. It is used both as floor finishes and for walls and comes in different colors. It is waterproof, is not porous and can be applied both in bathrooms and kitchens or other rooms. 

Different types of wood are another option. There are some recovered at low prices and offer good presentation. Even plywood panels made from layers of wood guarantee excellent presentation and durability. Do not stay with the usual materials: research what you can get in your area of residence, and maybe you can save even more money.

7. Why save?

When choosing fixtures you can save by choosing a certain model or brand, but never in quality. This should be the best you can get to ensure good performance and durability. Coatings, health-based appliances and light fixtures. Everything has its price according to quality, but also make sure it's your style and taste. Don't spend loads of money for a brand name item – status does not always equal longevity, nor quality.

Don't forget, there are several questions you should ask before your start building your home, and those questions and the answers can all be found here at homify!

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