Author Topic: Cheaper ways to build a house?  (Read 1242 times)

pers0n

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 2
Cheaper ways to build a house?
« on: July 26, 2018, 04:38:05 PM »
I was wanting some opinions on some ideas for a cheaper way to build a home?

Obviously ones within reason, this is more about getting a house built to avoid paying rent for years and years and being able to get the house built with cash or paying it off in 2 years, which is feasible for me. It's not so much about investing and resell, as it would easily resell for what I put into it, that I know because of the location.

  • Smaller square feet - homes today are excessively large. I've seen trailer homes that don't waste space with 900-1200 sqft and have 3 bedrooms and 2 baths
  • No carpet - I could get the cement slab stained which would look better and use rugs where needed
  • no driveway - I could use gravel instead of concrete
  • No garage - I can easily have a carport
  • Concrete instead of wood - I read this costs a bit more to build but is cheaper, energywise and maintenance wise, many houses use this in the area
[li]
[/li][/list]

Do you have any other ideas?

Fishindude

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3075
Re: Cheaper ways to build a house?
« Reply #1 on: July 27, 2018, 06:51:53 AM »


Some things that will help control cost:
* Keep the footprint of structure near square.  This eliminates additional lineal feet of foundation and exterior walls.
* Simple gable or single slope roof lines, no unnecessary dormers, hips or valleys.
* Keep the footprint small and simple.
* Stick with pretty "standard" windows and doors.
* Stick framed on a slab will be cheaper than a crawl space or basement.
* Build where utility connections are cheap and simple, rather than having to install a septic and well.
* Keep the electric simple; one light switch and ceiling fixture(s) per room, rather than the elaborate electric installed in most new homes.
* Eliminate vaulted and / or tall ceilings, 8' everywhere.
* Heat and cool with one simple forced air HVAC system rather than multiple units, zones, etc.
* Standard fiberglass tubs and showers -vs- tile units going into many new homes.
* Standard box cabinets and laminate counters -vs- custom stuff, granite, etc.

I doubt stained and sealed concrete will save anything over an economical floor covering.   A grave driveway will be regretted, go hard surfaced at the time of construction if possible.   Concrete walls will be more costly than stick framed and it would take a real long tome to see any energy savings payback.

Good luck !

Dave1442397

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1646
  • Location: NJ
Re: Cheaper ways to build a house?
« Reply #2 on: July 27, 2018, 08:04:47 AM »
I'd still go with putting a floor over the concrete slab. If you do just concrete, all the plumbing will be buried, which could be a problem if and when something breaks.

My parents' house (and most houses where they live) are cinderblock built on concrete slab. Once they upgraded the windows it cut their heating bill quite a bit (oil fired furnace).

YttriumNitrate

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1836
  • Location: Northwest Indiana
Re: Cheaper ways to build a house?
« Reply #3 on: July 27, 2018, 08:16:29 AM »
My take on this question is that you are over thinking things. Buying a somewhat rundown house and fixing it up yourself will get likely get you the most bang for your buck.

FIRE@50

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 553
  • Age: 46
  • Location: Maryland
Re: Cheaper ways to build a house?
« Reply #4 on: July 27, 2018, 08:23:18 AM »
I agree that buying a used home will save you money. Also, a one story home will always be cheaper to build.

Cadman

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 524
  • Location: Midwest
Re: Cheaper ways to build a house?
« Reply #5 on: July 27, 2018, 08:37:23 AM »
I agree that buying a used home will save you money. Also, a one story home will always be cheaper to build.

I agree buying a fixer-upper would be more cost effective, but if building new, a 2-story will be more economical than a single story as the major costs are in the foundation and roof.

To the OP, how much work can you do yourself? Do you live in an area where permits are required? Or can you do your own elec/plumbing?