No one wants to pay more than necessary when building a custom home, so the professionals at MDV Remodeling decided that for today's post, we would dip into our vast well of expertise to come up with some less-than-obvious ways to save when having a custom home built.
Here are 10 tips that may help to keep your building budget within reason without compromising on the home you want:
1. Buy a large lot with a friend or family member that can be split into two smaller lots. Some of the most appealing properties may be much larger than you want or can afford, yet the seller may not be willing to break up a large parcel. So if you can share the cost with someone whom you don't mind having as a neighbor, you may be able to pick up a great building site for a better price.
2. Consider a so-called "problem lot" - a hillside, narrow, or in-fill property. Generally, these types of lots are not as desirable as others, so they don't sell as quickly and often go for a much lower price. And with the right building plan, a potentially difficult lot might be perfect for your new home.
3. Choose a bay or canal lot instead of ocean or lakefront property if you're looking for a waterfront site. These choices are usually less expensive but still water accessible. Plus, they provide great protection against inclement weather.
4. Choose low-maintenance building materials - vinyl siding and metal roofing, for example. Even if they are somewhat more expensive at installation, they will pay for themselves in the long run as you won't have to repair, replace, or repaint nearly as often.
5. Collect salvaged materials from demolition sites for use in your design. Old barn wood, used bricks, and distinctive wood doors add character to a home without exorbitant cost. Many times you can have the materials at no cost, as long as you're willing to haul them away. Just be sure to check first with the owner of the building being demolished.
6. Splurge only on those things you truly cannot live without; however, don't skimp on structural components or doors and windows. For the safety and security of your home, you'll want to purchase the best you can afford in these areas.
7. Don't overbuild for the neighborhood you choose. A home that is bigger and better than any other in its area will not command a fair price at resale and your selling price will more-than-likely be colored by the lower-priced homes around it.
8. Try to avoid site preparation charges for things such as hauling in-fill dirt, grading, clearing trees, blasting rock. These processes are expensive and add time to the building schedule right off the bat. Choose the best site you can afford and then pick a plan that fits or can be modified to better suit the site.
9. Some changes in materials or building plan are unavoidable during of the building process, but try to avoid excessive changes. Not only do changes cost more money, they add considerable time and frustration to the building process. Decide exactly what you want before ground is broken - and then stick to it.
10. Think rationally about storage. Do you really need a three-car garage? If you only have two vehicles and you're counting on the extra bay for storage space, consider other areas of the home that will work just as well when designed properly - attic space, space under a stairwell, or finished basement.
that are involved in the building of a custom home. And with our TruYouDesign™ process, we're sure to help you designa custom home that is everything you would want it to be! If you're considering a custom home, consider giving us a call at (240)436-1200 to set up an appointment for a free estimate.