Browse Forums General Discussion Re: List of saving tips when building a new home 4Jan 09, 2021 8:27 pm ![]() ![]() Hi Moe Are you going with a large volume builder or an independent builder? Cost and flexibility vary widely between them, the latter usually offers more flexibility in designs and options, which gets you what you want, but may work out more costly. Things you might save on are getting your own tradies to do things like fencing, landscaping, security. These can be installed after you move in and you're not bound to your builder's tradies to get it done. Thanks so much for responding, I was thinking of.n independent builder but also was hoping for a list for all newbies like me - thanks for your suggestions all great! Also, ask for cash discounts if you can. Re: List of saving tips when building a new home 5Jan 09, 2021 10:15 pm ![]() I was wondering, are there any tips or list of things you should definitely do with your builder when building a new home and others that you should do later on if you’re on a tight budget or simply don’t want to be ripped off? 1. Consider a cost-plus contract. 2. Take on risk liability. 3. Ask to pay all the bills. 4. Try not to make changes to your plan (this certainly applies to volume builders too). 5. Have a budget and stick to it from the beginning. You absolutely cannot make up cost overruns as you get towards the end of your project, mainly because most of the later expenditure is on the most visible aspects of your home. 6. The project triangle consists of quality, cost and time. Make the effort to understand what that means. 7. Spend time and effort in the design stage, because it will pay dividends during construction. There are probably more, but that is what I can think of off the top of my head right now. Re: List of saving tips when building a new home 6Jan 11, 2021 11:41 am In my experience, it is cost saving to have your master plan thoroughly done and research about your selections. There are a lot of small things that I could have missed if I have not researched or asked fellow home builders and friends. Some of these are: The type of sink handles 2.7 Ceiling height 3 layers wall paint Number of powerpoints Insulation Re: List of saving tips when building a new home 7Jan 11, 2021 12:20 pm ![]() ![]() I was wondering, are there any tips or list of things you should definitely do with your builder when building a new home and others that you should do later on if you’re on a tight budget or simply don’t want to be ripped off? I think some of what you are asking pertains to volume builders, who through necessity have a very lock-step approach. We built a custom home with an independent builder and during the process I discovered many savings tips that you would never be able to entertain with a volume builder. 1. Consider a cost-plus contract. 2. Take on risk liability. 3. Ask to pay all the bills. 4. Try not to make changes to your plan (this certainly applies to volume builders too). 5. Have a budget and stick to it from the beginning. You absolutely cannot make up cost overruns as you get towards the end of your project, mainly because most of the later expenditure is on the most visible aspects of your home. 6. The project triangle consists of quality, cost and time. Make the effort to understand what that means. 7. Spend time and effort in the design stage, because it will pay dividends during construction. There are probably more, but that is what I can think of off the top of my head right now. Thanks so much - would you please explain the 3 first points a bit? I'm very new to all this and not sure I understand what they mean - the rest from 4-7 are all fine and make sense For some unknown reason, I am unable to hit send in PM. Could you send me one and I will reply in private? Thanks 24 59896 DIY, Home Maintenance & Repair It looks like they have used rigid sealant in the gap. You are supposed to use flexible sealants in filling this gap to allow for expansion and contraction movement… 1 18012 You have a solid plan and a realistic approach, but let’s break it down critically to… 4 29710 ![]() |