“Selecting materials like energy efficient insulation, windows and doors saves you more money overtime.”

The desire to cut costs on a new home build is very common. You want to save some cash and still get the home of your dreams. We completely understand that! But think of it this way: Your home is more than just a place to sleep and eat. It’s a place of safety, comfort and security that should last a lifetime.  Sometimes, substituting a luxury home upgrade for a sub-standard one, or using cheap materials, labor and appliances, can spell disaster down the road. Keep reading to learn more about common building shortcuts to avoid and ways you can save cash without sacrificing quality.  

Small Building Shortcuts That Cost You Big Money

Often, we hear of homeowners that opted for the cheaper version of something, and were later faced with an expensive overhaul. Below are common cost-cutting tactics that aren’t smart in the long run:

1. Selecting products like insulation, doors and windows that are less energy efficient than a higher quality option.  You won’t notice it immediately, but over time your house will leak heat and air through poor quality insulation. This results in a higher energy bill and possible replacement costs. 
2. Going for lower quality appliances and mechanical equipment, like electric, plumbing and cooking devices, can result in poor air circulation, water leaks and possible fire hazard. Even more, hiring a contractor that uses cheap, unskilled labor is a fast track to installation mistakes and expensive repairs. 
3. Selecting cabinets, countertops, hardware and flooring that will not hold up to wear and tear. Faux wood cabinetry and laminate countertops, for example, are budget friendly, but are susceptible to scratching, gouging and burning. Quartz and granite countertops, for example, are initially more expensive, but will last for decades. 
4. Going with a cheaper contractor. Cheaper contractors may take shortcuts, may substitute for lower end products and may not finish the job in a professional manner. All of this leaves you with expensive repairs in the future. At Modern Structure, we take the time to guide you through making the best decisions that will save you some cash and increase the longevity of your home. 

Being Your Own Builder Has Consequences 

Labor takes up the largest percentage of the cost of building a new home. It’s common to think about the possibility of being your own builder and saving on those labor costs upfront.  Before you make this huge decision, take these things into consideration:

1. What experience and training do you have? Knowledge of building codes is essential. 
2. Do you have a contractor’s license? You cannot legally build a home without one.
3. Do you have insurance? Without the proper insurance, one misstep could cost you big time. 
4. Do you know how to schedule subcontractors and purchase materials? This is a big one. Without the knowledge of who the best sub-contractors are and where to buy materials from (at the best price), you’re setting yourself up for scheduling nightmares and costly mistakes. 
5. Do you have the time to manage building your own home? Being your own builder is a massive undertaking and a big time commitment. If you’re on a strict timeline, hiring a professional contractor to keep the project on schedule is a must. 

5 Smart Ways to Cut Costs Without Taking Shortcuts

1. Simplify or minimize your home’s design. Smart home design can reduce plumbing and electrical runs as well as HVAC ductwork. 
2. Opt for higher quality windows and doors to prevent air loss and reduce energy usage. 
3. Build up! Not down or out. A two story home can actually save you more cash than a sprawling ranch style home. Building up uses less roofing and foundation materials, which accounts for the largest portion of your home’s structural expense. Stacked homes are generally more energy efficient because the building envelope is much smaller. 
4. Use finished products that hold up to wear and tear, weather and sun. Better quality products now, means less maintenance later. 
5. Install higher performance mechanical equipment, like water heaters, air conditioning and heating systems. This larger upfront expense saves you big money later, year after year. 

Modern Structure Saves You Money Without Sacrificing Quality

We are experts in thoughtful home design in the Evansville, Indiana area. We pride ourselves on building homes that satisfy all of your needs, within a realistic budget. Corner cutting is not in our vocabulary. We find smart solutions to save you more cash, without sacrificing quality. Our team hires only the most skilled subcontractors in the area, and selects building materials that last. We build homes to be sustainable, and of the highest quality, saving you more money throughout your home’s life.  

Cutting costs on your new home build by using lower quality materials, unskilled labor and shortcuts is a bad idea. In most cases, upgrading something later costs a lot more than installing the higher quality product the first time. Talking with a reputable contractor from the start is the best way to meet your goals and move into the home you’ve always dreamed of!

We are dedicated to the client-builder relationship and would love to meet with you. 

 If you’re ready to talk about building your dream home, contact us for a free building consultation!