Posts tagged: houses

Following are the 12 affordable ways to save money while building a new house on a budget: Low cost building Technique

1. The first tip is to hire a good architect. A good architect shall give you:

• A good design- a good design equals a good house.
• Efficient floor plan-optimal room sizes/ no wastage.
• Sustainable design-low running/ maintenance cost.
• Good finishes-finishes usually carry the biggest cost.

2. The second tip is to keep the design simple. A simple design means:

• Floor plan-square/rectangular plans are cost-effective.
• Open plan living-more daylighting and sociable living.
• Space utilization-multiple space functions.
• Roof design-complex roof design means more cost.

3. Buy stock plans- a fraction of the professional fees

• Most of the plans can be amended on the site to suit the client’s needs with marginal costs.
• Most of these books are outdated and lack any serious professional and design input.

4. Small is smarter

• Scale down-Get rid of stuff/space you do not need.
• Climate-design for regional climate.
• Space utilization-use some spaces for multiple functions, such as; Dining custom study.

5. Hire the best builder- this is the most important tip.

• Minor variation-A home build on a budget.
• No time overruns- Build within the contract period.
• Good workmanship- A home built without shortcuts.
• Experience- Good connections with sub-contractors. Hence cheaper to buy in bulk at a discount.

6. Bid out your costs- compare costs| call referrals

• The low quote could mean insufficient workmanship and it could result in expensive repairs and maintenance in the future.
• The optimal quote could mean a builder’s discount and nice connection with suppliers.
• The high quote could mean too many sub-contractors involved.

7. Shop for fixtures and fittings yourself- a good architect will give you:

• Floor and wall tiles- colors and designs.
• Toilets, wash hand basins, kitchen sinks.
• Inbuilt ovens and cooker and sinks.
• Flat pack kitchen cabinets and wardrobes.

8. Splurge strategically- the difference between being miserly and frugal.

• The public spaces-kitchen, dining, and lounge use a higher degree of finish.
• Private spaces-bedrooms, bathrooms, and laundry use basis finishes and budget fixtures.
• Internal doors-Paneled or solid core flush doors.
• External doors-Steel security doors or solid hardwood doors.

9. Alternative construction methods

• Structurally insulated panels(EPS panels)
• Stabilized earth blocks (SEBS)
• Upcycled shipping containers
• Salvaging used materials- recycled materials and second-hand fixtures.

10. Shop out your mortgage

• Cash down payment
• Interest rate
• Repayment period

11. Choose your friends- Avoid peer pressure

• Do not fall to peer-pressure in the name of wanting to fit-in.
• Do not build someone else’s house/design.

12. Manage the project- Don’t let the project run away from you.

• The project is executed as per the design.
• Stick to specifications and good workmanship.
• To avoid any project overruns.
• To avoid time overruns.

Triangle Homez is a construction firm in Kerala that provides all sorts of construction, building and interior designing services all across Kerala. Contact us for good workmanship and affordable pricing.