Building your house can be the single most expensive thing you’ll do in your life. If you want to build your house on a budget, you will still want to make it durable and livable.
Thankfully, you don’t have to sacrifice functionality or eco-friendliness to save money. You just have to plan it out with care. Read on to learn about building a house on a budget.
Work with the Right Contractor
Sure, doing everything by yourself might seem the most economical solution in the short term, but it will cost you more in the long run. Experienced home builders are licensed and insured, and they can save you a lot of money by avoiding common pitfalls.
Browse local contractors and look for positive reviews and volume of work. You need someone with a good reputation and proven experience.
Have a Solid Plan
Before you even order any materials, you need to plan everything out in as much detail as possible. Planning on the front end will help you avoid costly mistakes down the road.
If you have to change an order, you will have to pay hefty fees. This includes construction material, as well as appliances and other items. In addition to extra fees, changing orders will also disrupt your schedule and might cause you to spend more on your local contractor as well.
Go Green
Today, many states give you a tax credit, rebates and more if your home is energy efficient. This means that by building an eco-friendly house, you will protect the environment while saving money in the long run.
Adding energy efficient features might also end up being more economical up front. Upcycling will help you utilize materials that you wouldn’t normally consider. For example, HDPE recycled plastic lumber is both durable and economical, making it a great alternative to conventional lumber.
Be Creative and Build Up
Finally, you should try to incorporate a streamlined design that focuses on function and practicality. When it comes to total footage, aim to build up rather than out. A house stacked in two or three stories will cost significantly less than a one-story house of the same footage.
Since the foundation is one of the costliest parts of building your house, you should be smart about it and go for that second floor instead of a second garage.
To reduce costs even further, consider buying a “problem” lot that might be cheap on the market. You can always develop it with creativity even if the land is harrow or on a sloped hillside.
Building a House on a Budget the Green Way
Liked our article on tips for building a house on a budget? Here at NuEnergy, we give you the know-how to protect the environment and live green without overspending.
An eco-friendly home is an efficient home, so going green is also good for your wallet! So, come on in and discover how to protect the environment the smart way.
