Browse Forums General Discussion Re: Options to save on house construction cost 5Oct 28, 2017 7:58 pm Build smaller. You'll save money, & help save the environment. Nobody needs a 300sqm home. To save money in the long run (on heating & cooling costs), follow passive solar design principles. That is, orientate the house correctly, living areas to the north. Re: Options to save on house construction cost 6Oct 31, 2017 12:49 pm Things I would not get the builder to include are driveways (and relevant paths), carpets, curtains, antenna or anything else outside of the build itself. The builder will contract these jobs out and add their margin on as well. We considered organising our own tiling in the last house but decided that it was easier to get the builder to include it in the quote. I would not remove anything from wet areas, as if the waterproofing fails I imagine they would wipe their hands of it as they wouldn't guarantee what has happened afterwards. I also can't see the benefit of taking out any electricals (put in the basics and adjust it later if needed), but in some of these areas you may as well put in the extras (downlights, etc) during the build, as electricians aren't cheap (unless you have a willing mate that will give "mates rates", but make sure they are qualified). Light fittings (pendant lights, etc) are something I would rather source and get installed myself. As was already mentioned, you will need to budget for all these items you take out, as you may not be able to use finance to cover it (if they are lending based on the value of land and contract). For us we got the same mm thick exposed aggregate concrete driveway and path for almost half the price the builder had quoted. We also got good quality Redbook carpet and the best Dunlop underlay, including installation for the same price the builder quoted for their 'builders range' carpet and standard underlay. Get quotes and compare prices. Sometimes for a few hundred difference it is easier to get the builder to include it. Weigh it up. Second Time 'Round there is a few calculators you can use if you just google it 7 4664 I've just had a look at the website. The company are just building broker's. There are plenty of similar companies that basically draw your plans (they own them so you… 8 4374 How are you doing Ben? Extremely interested in hearing what you are doing or plan to do! 12 13344 |