How to Lower the Cost of Building a Custom Home

Building a custom home is as exciting as it is expensive. No matter what budget you set, there's a very high chance that you will go over it, and your imagination will always surpass your available funds. That's why it's so important to be realistic about your resources and capabilities. This starts with making a discreet list of all the elements that are essential and non-negotiable, as well as all the elements that are preferred but not exactly necessary. If you are looking to build your dream home on a firm budget, here is how to lower the cost of building a custom home.

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Make sure to use recycled materials - you can often find flooring and other materials from other construction sites or you can visit your local industrial recycling center. These days, reclaimed materials couldn't be more in vogue. They connote a sense of timelessness and respect for the environment. If you want your home to have a more raw or slightly industrial look, this may be the best way to go.

2.  Make sure that you bypass hiring an architect - you can often purchase blueprints from a company like Advanced House Plans to have your custom home built. When it comes down to it, it may not only be less expensive, but it could also be a much safer option. When you go with a tried and true floor plan, you know that you won't be running into any amateur mistakes. A lot of architects are much better at talking the talk than they are at walking the walk. And when push comes to shove, you don't want to be the one learning from others' mistakes.

3.   Make sure to incorporate space for solar panels - one great way to lower the cost of building a custom home is to go green. If your rooftop has a lot of southern facing exposure, you could save a ton of money on your energy costs - in addition to saving the planet. Some people absorb so much energy with their panels that they are actually providing extra energy that goes into the grid, and some municipalities will actually compensate you for your contribution. How cool is that?

4.   Make sure that you work out bids with various contractors - the idea is to lower the cost of your build by inviting multiple proposals. Not only will you get a very realistic idea of the range that you could be spending on construction, but you will also present yourself as someone with a strong business acumen. This will provide you with more leeway for negotiation and prevent a good deal of potential exploitation.

5.   Make sure that you lower your footprint - the more materials you have, the more money you are going to spend on your custom built home. That's why it's best to go with strong, sturdy materials that are meant to last, but you also want to keep it to a minimum. In the end, your space will feel more expansive if you take a minimalist approach, and if you use top of the line building materials, you will avoid expensive and wasteful remodels in the future.