Build a fantastic house without going bankrupt by knowing where to spend money and where to save money.
If you have decided to build your new home in California from the ground up, you will likely look for ways to save money during the construction process. Such measures are understandable, but to better avoid a construction accident or defect, you have to know where you need to splurge rather than save.
Splurge
Efficiency is essential to saving as much as possible on future energy bills and remaining comfortable inside your home. Invest in quality blown-in or loose-fill insulation, and make sure the job is done by experienced professionals. Speaking of energy efficiency, splurge on your property’s siding and windows to retain heat in the winter and keep cooled air inside during the warmer months of the year.
You should also focus on building the best kitchen possible, mainly because it often offers a considerable return on investment should you decide to sell your home later on down the road. Even if you do not, having a high-quality kitchen is a must if you enjoy cooking.
Save
You likely want appliances that are just as efficient as your insulation or windows, but try looking at recycling centers that carry residential appliances first before shopping at appliance stores. If you are lucky, you may stumble on gently used stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers and the like that were deemed unwanted. If you do score a good buy, be sure to ask if it comes with a warranty. No luck at a recycling center? Look into coupons, discounts and the like before you start shopping. You should also ask your builder if she or he has a builder’s discount you can put to good use.
If your home will have a basement, you can save some money by waiting to finish it in a year after the rest of your home is built. This is a good idea because waiting gives the foundation of your home time to settle so you can determine if there are any issues like cracks or water leaks to take care of.
Do not be afraid to pitch in
Rather than sit back and let the construction crew handle all the work, see if there are any tasks you can help with. For instance, you do not need much training or professional experience to help with the landscaping or painting. As you finalize your construction plan with the builder, be sure to ask where and how you can save money by doing some of the work yourself.
No matter how on the ball you are about saving and splurging on your future home, not all California construction companies operate on good faith. If you feel you have a construction dispute, learn more about your rights and legal options from a qualified attorney.