How to keep costs down when building a house

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Forum -> Household Management -> Finances

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amother

Starflower

Tue, Jan 18 2022, 9:08 am

We actually didn't use such a great architect , he was half the price of others so we used a space planner with him, it was so worth it. Our space planner is tops! I wouldn't recommend this way though if you don't know anything about construction.
I would splurge on a highly recommended HVAC guy that knows where to place the heating and cooling vents, I've seen big messups on that and its so silly that it could just be done right the first time!

amother

Tue, Jan 18 2022, 12:32 pm

OP here. Cost is 800k to 900k for a well-built 4000sqft house (not estimates from budget builders). And not including the land.

amother

Molasses

Tue, Jan 18 2022, 12:34 pm

Thank you! Does that include a basement or on slab? Finished or unfinished?

amother

Tue, Jan 18 2022, 12:57 pm

Finished basement.

amother

Lemonchiffon

Tue, Jan 18 2022, 1:00 pm

Thanks!

amother

Lemonchiffon

Tue, Jan 18 2022, 1:01 pm

Assuming that includes a third story (attic) is that correct?

amother

Chambray

Tue, Jan 18 2022, 2:23 pm

These days, you often need to weigh price against availability. Delays cost money- whether it's the crew or the money you're spending to live where you do now. So sometimes it's worth it to upgrade something because you can get it versus waiting two months for it. We went with a brand of windows (don't remember which) that our contractor normally doesn't recommend because the upgrade doesn't buy you much. But they were easily available and good quality.

Before you pick anything, find out from people who know how available it is. Nothing is for certain, but that perfect affordable tile may be unreliable.

amother

Tue, Jan 18 2022, 8:42 pm

I'm not sure what you mean when you say attic. This is for a three floor home-bedroom level, main level and basement.

amother

Tue, Jan 18 2022, 8:43 pm

amother [ Chambray ] wrote:

Interesting point!

amother

Lemonchiffon

Tue, Jan 18 2022, 9:21 pm

amother [ OP ] wrote:

I'm not sure what you mean when you say attic. This is for a three floor home-bedroom level, main level and basement.

Ok, so what I have in mind is 3 stories plus basement. Ie basement, main level, bedroom floor, and livable finished attic (Ie with bedrooms / bathroom).

So I assume that prob adds on like 200K or so.

amother

Peach

Tue, Jan 18 2022, 9:24 pm

amother [ Lemonchiffon ] wrote:

Assuming that includes a third story (attic) is that correct?

It’s normally per sq ft. So figure $200+ per sq ft these days

amother

Opal

Tue, Jan 18 2022, 9:35 pm

Sometimes can find clearance tiles from home depot/Lowes

Newer style (flat look) doors and trim are much more expensive without changing functionality (although the look is beautiful)

We bought hardware ourselves from eBay/discount websites (knobs, doorsteps, locks)

Every shampoo niche, recessed medicine cabinets add extra cost

Wire closet much cheaper. Can always replace later.

Don't need to put in backsplash the first day. Can do later.

Tile installation can cost more than the tile. Decide if you really need tile all the way up the wall, or if 3/4 or shower area only is enough.

Tub/shower combo cheaper than shower only. (Go figure!)

Special color exterior siding is more expensive for same quality

Wall mount toilets and vanities are more expensive for plumbing installation

In general stick with the mindset of no upgrades...it's hard more often than not to resist

And as mentioned upthread each day delayed is $. Dont waste time and avoid delays whenever possible. Not always worth nickel and diming if gonna lead to later decision.

amother

Jasmine

Wed, Jan 19 2022, 12:01 am

amother [ Opal ] wrote:

How did you know what yo buy on eBay . Which hardware, sites , etc?

amother

Opal

Wed, Jan 19 2022, 12:09 am

amother [ Jasmine ] wrote:

How did you know what yo buy on eBay . Which hardware, sites , etc?

Stuck with known brands like kwikset. Ordered from hardwareandtools.com

We weren't looking for trend, just quality at discounted prices.

Also ordered things from ikea (towel bars, toilet paper holders). They had great prices for stainless steel vs the cheap plastic stuff.

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