Reducing Square Footage
One way to dramatically reduce costs is to just reduce sq. Footage of the entire home. Think small and cozy to slash costs. Another smart strategy is buid upward with two-story design rather than outward. Such as with Ranch design.
Custom design cost more in design time, materials and labor.
Most Architects and Design Companies have dozens of stock plaans that they have built time and time again. Many errors have been eliminated in these designs, which makes them go up smoothly, saving you time and money.
Adding decorative stone, cedar shake or stucco can actuall accent your home and cut costs.
The Roof is one of the most expensive material and labor line items in your budget. This is why the simpler roof system, the less expensive it will be. The most inexpensive roof is simple, single ridgeline with shallow pitch,. More complicated roof systems called hips and valleys with steeper pitch are more visually interesting, but they are also a lot more expensive.
Ship lap on the interior of your walls looks great. However, it’s roughly twice the cost of drywall.
If your marriage can take the heat, down grade your kitchen appliances and amenities. Almost everything in a kitchen can be upgraded later. Including flooring, appliances and cabinetry.
Much like kitchens, bathrooms have a variety of materials that can be upgraded later. If you want that jetted tub in the master bath but can’t afford it now, specify a soaking tub of the same size from the same manufacturer. Swapping it out in the future will be a snap.
Last minute changes in the design or materials are called “change orders” and they can quickly take a toll on your budget. Save these for correcting any serious errors.
