saving money building a new home
heartspeace
11 years ago
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zyllah
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
What can we reasonably "save for later" in a new build?
Comments (60)Honestly, you can get more finishes than you think from the outset if you're willing to put in the time, creativity and legwork. Are you at all handy? We are far from DIY experts and did quite a bit in our first home including installing dentil crown in our living room, changing out lighting and ceiling fans, painting several rooms, painting the walls and floor of the garage and sealing the cracks, and installing beadboard and chair rails in two of the bedrooms. We also shortened some IKEA Billy bookcases so they fit perfectly on a wall in our sitting room. Everyone who saw them thought they were built-in. Just by doing those simple DIY projects ourselves we saved thousands of dollars. Become familiar with when different stores and websites have their major sales and buy things then in advance instead of waiting until you need them. A friend of mine has a master spreadsheet of everything she needs for her build along with dimensions, budget for each and photos of the look she's going for. She cleaned out her attic and garage to store her purchases. Each week she makes the rounds at the local ReStore, Sears Scratch and Dent and other places. She's gotten to know the salespeople so well that some of them will alert her when sales are about to occur or when something comes in that she might like. For example, when the annual Elfa sale occurred she ordered all of her pantry and master closet shelving because she had already designed them online. When IKEA had their kitchen sale she bought cabinets for her laundry room. She found the perfect sideboard to convert into a guest room vanity at a church rummage sale. She can barely still get her car in the garage but her builder is shocked by how much under her allowances she is so far even though she's thus far gotten everything she wanted....See MoreDoes putting your home in the "Parade of Homes" save you money
Comments (18)I think it depends massively on the rules for the particular parade, and how things are "done" in your area. Sometimes, if everybody is just throwing up a parade home, yes, they can be cheap. In other areas, parade homes are homes that were already being built that are opened up as a marketing tool for the builders and subs. In that case, you might not gain much. One local parade only allows advertisement within homes by companies who are members of the local HBA. (Meaning, if you used a kitchen company who isn't a member, they can't put out materials and likely won't discount.) Some parades are free to tour, but charge fees for the builder to put the home on the parade, others charge to view, but don't charge the builder. Our builder isn't too into it, as it's a huge time commitment for him and doesn't really gain him much in useful contracts. YMMV. It really depends on which segment of the market you're in, as well....See MoreNew Home Build - Is this framing normal for a new home?
Comments (20)Pitiful but may be ok. You are looking at it all wrong. It is not the lumber it is about if it is plumb and leveled esp at the windows. It is not about foundation bolt - it is about if any of them are missing more than 6' apart and and 2x at the corners. It is not about the OSB flooring, rather if OSB was glued and fastened properly.... Sheathing same way can not end in the air....See MoreWhere to sink money in a new build
Comments (8)nilofera - If you have planned for good structural bones with your architect already, think of upgrades that will enhance how you use / live in the space or that will add quality of life when you are living there. The options are almost endless. I would get the highest quality windows you can Foundation? Think about going with 9' forms - makes a huge difference in how a basement feels. electrical - upgrade to an extra 100amp sub-panel for a future generator or even up to 2 - 200 amp panels pre-wire for outdoor lighting, extra lamp posts down the driveway, in ceiling speakers or perhaps a hot tub in the back yard. I'm planning on timers in lieu of switches in kids bedrooms, bathroom and hall Storage! Sneak it in everywhere you can. Closets, built-in, cabinets. Hope this helps!...See MoreUser
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoMom23Es
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11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoheartspeace
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11 years agolast modified: 9 years agozyllah
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11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoLinda Gomez
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoheartspeace
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agozyllah
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoLinda Gomez
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11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoheartspeace
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoheartspeace
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11 years agolast modified: 9 years agojazzyjones
11 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
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