Whether you are building a new house or renovating the existing one; the house-building process is an extraordinarily expansive financial project. Hence, knowing how to save money when building a house Australia can be highly advantageous before commencing the process.
The house-building cost varies based on the design, area, and building material quality. In addition to building costs, you may need to consider the “site costs” as well.
These costs include tree removal from the site, sloppy or rocky site preparation, additional retaining walls, drainage system etc. Therefore, choosing the land wisely is advisable before starting the project.
Below we have discussed different tips to make the home-building process cost-effective. Follow these tips and have a chance at saving tens of thousands of dollars on unforeseen building costs.
Further Reading: Want to know the costs to build a house in Melbourne? Read Soho’s guide.
House-building speed
The first thing to consider to cut costs when building your dream home is the build speed. Indeed, hiring the right builder, choosing good quality material and paying attention to unnecessary construction is essential. But, on top of it all, the speed your builder proceeds matters the most.
The higher the build speed, the more labour costs and the more time you will need to wait to earn the rental income (if you are to rent out the property). Therefore, we advise you to choose the faster building option.
You can also save thousands of your money choosing the best house and land packages. In the best house and land package, you get the best land and the most competitive and speedy construction team.
Follow the plan
Take your time when designing your dream house. Sit down with your custom builder and discuss the whole construction plan. However, once the contract is signed and the construction has commenced, it is best to avoid making any amendments.
Changing the project during the construction process can be extremely costly. First, the builder will charge more money for “variations”. Secondly, there will be demolition costs to make the changes. Third, you will need to pay extra for labour costs and buy different materials.
Hence, instead of saving money, changing the construction plan can cost you a hefty amount of money.
Quality of the building material
Choosing cheaper materials instead of expensive ones can help reduce costs handsomely. However, you will need to do thorough market research to find the best price options without compromising the quality. For instance, timber flooring is available at different pricing.
Polishing the concrete floor of your large living room is a cost-effective option. However, based on your home design, carpeting suits you better than only polishing your living space.
Still, you can choose affordable carpets from the market. Finding premium quality materials without going out of budget is a fun and rewarding experience. Our ideas on home decor in Australia can help you there.
Saving money on bathroom construction
Some people go above and beyond when building or renovating their bathrooms. Though you need a relaxing and refreshing corner in your home after a tiring day, altering a few amenities during bathroom construction can save costs.
Firstly, tiles are among the most costly components of the bathroom’s construction. However, the tiles’ costs vary from $100 per square metre to comparatively economical options. You can check out the extensive tiles range in the market varies based on the quality and the pricing.
The next crucial things to consider in the bathroom’s construction are fittings and fixtures. These include tapware, shower heads, etc.
Indeed, these fittings and fixtures are compulsory. But instead of going with the luxurious options that come with an overwhelming price tag, you can choose affordable options. You can check out your local nearby stores to get the best deals.
Saving money on kitchen construction
Regardless of which corner of the world you reside in, the kitchen is the core of the home everywhere. Hence, anyone building their home gives utmost attention to the kitchen’s construction.
And you can save money without compromising the ambience of a good kitchen. Firstly, instead of using stones or granite material for the benchtops, you can laminate benchtops. The laminated benchtops look like granite or stone but are lightweight and affordable.
Secondly, if you have the skill, renovate the cabinets and cupboards of your kitchen yourself. There is no need to hire professional builders.
More on saving money when building a house
What is the cheapest way to build a house in Australia?
- Choose a cheaper location. The cost of land and construction materials can vary significantly depending on the location. If you are on a tight budget, consider building your house in a less expensive area.
- Go for a smaller house. The smaller the house, the less it will cost to build. If you don’t need a lot of space, consider building a smaller house.
- Use cheaper materials. There are a variety of materials that can be used to build a house, and some materials are more expensive than others. If you are on a budget, choose cheaper materials, such as concrete blocks or steel framing.
- Do some of the work yourself. If you are handy, you can save money by doing some of the work yourself, such as painting, tiling, or landscaping.
- Get multiple quotes. Get quotes from several builders before making a decision. This will help you to ensure that you are getting the best possible price.
- Be prepared to negotiate. Once you have received quotes, be prepared to negotiate with the builders. You may be able to get a lower price if you are willing to be flexible.
How much does it cost to build a house in Melbourne?
The average cost to build a house in Melbourne is between $1,300 and $3,900 per square metre. This means that a 200 square metre house would cost between $260,000 and $780,000 to build. The actual cost will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the house, the materials used, the finishes, and the location.
What is the cheapest building material in Australia?
Here are some of the cheapest building materials in Australia:
- Concrete blocks: Concrete blocks are a relatively inexpensive building material that is also durable and fire-resistant.
- Steel framing: Steel framing is another inexpensive building material that is also strong and lightweight.
- Timber framing: Timber framing is a traditional building material that is still used in some parts of Australia. It is a more expensive material than concrete blocks or steel framing, but it is also more aesthetically pleasing.
- Prefabricated materials: Prefabricated materials are materials that are manufactured in a factory and then transported to the construction site. They can be a more cost-effective option than traditional building materials, as they can be installed more quickly.
How can I save money around my house in Australia?
Here are some tips on how to save money around your house in Australia:
- Do your own maintenance and repairs. If you are handy, you can save money by doing your own maintenance and repairs around the house. This includes things like painting, tiling, and plumbing.
- Shop around for services. Get quotes from several businesses before hiring someone to do work on your house. This will help you to ensure that you are getting the best possible price.
- Use energy-efficient appliances and fixtures. Energy-efficient appliances and fixtures can save you money on your energy bills.
- Insulate your home. Insulation can help to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which can save you money on your energy bills.
- Plant trees. Trees can help to shade your home and reduce your energy bills.
