When you are making plans to construct a home, one of the very first things you need to consider is how much money the project will set you back. There are a lot of things that go into figuring out how much it will cost to build a house, but the construction plan is probably one of the most important ones. It is in your best financial interest to spend some time determining which building plan will serve your purposes in the most efficient manner possible so that you can realise long-term cost savings. As a means of assisting you in making an educated choice, the purpose of this article is to discuss several of the top house construction plans that are also economical.
It's likely going to be the single most important financial decision you ever make. As a result of this, it requires time and effort from you, your architect or designer, engineers, and the contractor in order to be successful and to be exactly what you've always dreamed it would be and even more.
To build a house AND make it cost-effective requires even more effort to ensure that you are making the right decisions and staying disciplined in your approach to making it more affordable. If you want to build a house AND make it cost-effective, you need to make sure that you make the right decisions.
You want all of your hard work to pay off in the end when you're designing an affordable home because you spend so much time planning and sittinging your home, creating an efficient floor plan with a simple, straightforward layout, and simple details and materials as well as optimised building systems.
If the actual building process isn't carefully optimised, planned out, and held to the highest regard, then it doesn't matter if the home's design was thoughtfully conceived and reasonably priced.
You, the architect, and the builder must all work together and communicate effectively in order to design a house in a way that minimises construction costs. In addition, the contractor, his crew, as well as all of the subcontractors and suppliers involved in the project need to devote sufficient time and effort to it. You can reduce the cost of building your home by paying close attention to details like the availability of certain materials, the methods used in construction and installation, the level of energy efficiency achieved, and the location of suppliers.
FAQs About Home Design
Concrete homes are typically more expensive to build than conventional homes, but they're less expensive to maintain and more durable over time. In addition, concrete affects the bottom line in other ways, lowering heating and cooling costs and even insurance premiums.
Timber frame construction is one of the most specific types of home construction. It is a form of wood frame construction that relies on large wooden beams for its basic construction, with more narrow timber beams in between them.
framing reigns supreme as the most popular building method for residential construction, but other techniques are becoming more widely used.
Although wood is a cheaper alternative to concrete, it ages faster and has higher maintenance and repair costs. Hence, while wood deteriorates quickly, especially if it is not maintained regularly, concrete has a lifespan of two to three times more than that of most other building materials.
Here's the bottom line: When building new construction, building up with a two-story home is cheaper than building out. When remodelling, building out with a one-story addition is cheaper than adding a second story to an existing dwelling.
Understand Home Construction Methods And Optimise Accordingly
When planning the layout of your home, it is important to keep in mind how it will ultimately be constructed. Choose building materials based on their monetary cost, their capacity to support the structure, and their aesthetic appeal. Wood is more cost effective than steel. Masonry and concrete are typically considered to be somewhere in the middle. To make decisions that are more cost-effective, it is helpful to have an understanding of where various types of materials fall on the cost spectrum.
It is essential to keep in mind that there are costs associated with a low price. For instance, despite the fact that it is more expensive, steel is much more durable, can span further than, and has smaller members than wood or other materials that are less expensive.
Understand Construction Modules And Dimensions
Materials that are efficient will not only reduce waste but also the costs associated with it. If you buy less material overall and don't throw away any of it, you'll save money by reducing the amount of waste you produce.
For instance, the majority of building materials that are sold in sheets, such as plywood, gypsum board, and insulation board, are all sold in sizes that are 4 feet by 8 feet. If you aren't certain exactly what dimensions to make your walls, one option is to choose widths that work with a typical stud spacing of 16 inches or 24 inches between centres and heights that work with a standard sheathing size of 4 feet by 8 feet.
It is nice to have ceilings that are 9 feet high, but because of the additional 12 inches, you will need to add another piece of drywall to the wall. That 12-inch piece across the entire floor area requires additional sheets of drywall and additional labour to instal it 9 feet up in the air. This is in addition to the additional costs associated with heating the additional 12-inch space, which you are not even going to be using.
Take into account any length restrictions imposed on the studs and the spans of the framing members. The lengths of stock lumber are typically sold in increments of two feet. In addition, if you intend to frame your floor with 2x10s or 2x12s, keep in mind that there is a maximum distance that they can span without additional support from beams. It is more cost-efficient to use prefabricated wood trusses and joists. You should think about using these rather than built-up or site-built framing members.
Consider Advanced Framing Techniques
The development of more sophisticated methods of picture framing is one of the most recent shifts in art history. Currently, 2 by 4s spaced at 16 inches apart are the gold standard for wood wall framing, along with double top plates, three-stud corners, jack studs, cripples, and doubleheaders. This method is gradually being replaced with one that makes use of single top plates, corners with two studs, no jack studs, no disabled people, and single headers. The spacing between the studs in the new method is 24 inches.
In addition to lowering the cost of construction and speeding up the building process, cutting-edge framing techniques also cut down on energy consumption. The price is lower than normal due to the reduced amount of lumber involved. It can be done more quickly due to the fact that there are fewer individual pieces of lumber to instal.
In addition to this, it lessens the amount of heat that is lost as a result of thermal bridging and it makes additional cavity space available for insulation. It results in a decrease in the cost of lumber that is between 5 and 10 percent lower, a reduction in the labour costs associated with framing that is between 30 and 50 percent lower, and an increase in thermal performance that is between 50 and 75 percent higher. Building Science Corporation is able to provide you with a large amount of additional information on the subject of advanced framing techniques if you are interested in learning more about these techniques and would like to do so.
Build With Energy Efficiency In Mind
We have mentioned in the past that increasing energy efficiency is cost-effective because it lowers operating costs as well as ongoing monthly utility bills. This is due to the fact that it increases operational efficiency. However, during the construction phase of your home, it is essential to properly build your home in order to ensure that all of the wonderful energy-efficient design strategies you have incorporated into your design function properly.
Insulate Your Home Properly
Making sure that your home is adequately insulated is one of the most important things you can do to reduce the costs associated with maintaining it.
Ensure that the entire building envelope, including the walls, roof, and floor or foundation, is insulated. Have a conversation with the designer, architect, or builder of your home about ways to construct it that are more energy-efficient and will improve the thermal performance of the home.
There are a number of methods that can be used to accomplish this, some of which include increasing the amount of insulation, utilising a type of insulation that is more effective, reducing the amount of thermal bridging, and utilising windows that have a higher performance level. To maintain a temperature that is comfortable in the home while using less energy is directly proportional to how efficient the home is.
Keep in mind that there are numerous kinds of insulation, each of which can perform in a variety of ways and can be purchased at a variety of prices. Determine what kind of insulation you want and how much of it you need, and then proceed from there. In addition, building codes specify the minimum insulation requirements that must be met, but it's a good idea to exceed those requirements whenever the budget permits it.
Ensure An Air Tight Building Envelope
If air leaks are properly sealed in the thermal envelope of the home, it is possible to reduce future energy costs by as much as fifty percent in comparison to those of other houses of a similar type and age. In addition to this, it is one of the most efficient and cost-effective building practises for a house.
The most likely locations for air leaks are any penetrations through the exterior walls of the building. During the winter, if you put your hand to the window and feel the chilly air coming in, you will have direct experience of this phenomenon.
That means your furnace will have to heat more air, which will increase your energy costs and take money out of your pocket. Pay close attention to properly sealing around windows on the interior as well as the exterior whenever you have the opportunity to build a new home or even replace the windows in your existing home. This is especially important if you want to reduce energy costs.
Other parts of the exterior perimeter that need to be sealed include the top and bottom plates of the walls as well as the rim joists. In addition, ensuring adequate sealing around device penetrations on the interior, such as wall outlets and switches, is a good idea.
Insulate Ducts And Pipes
Insulating your home's air ducts and pipes that carry hot water is essential in order to reduce the amount of heat that is lost as water and air move through the pipes and ducts. Make sure the ducts are taped and sealed by your contractor to prevent any air from escaping.
Actively Participate In The Construction Process
Find Ways To Reduce The Amount Of Labour
If you want to keep more of the money you save from the construction of your home, you might want to think about doing some of the work on your own. Think about being your company's general contractor if you have experience in the construction industry. You have the option of doing some of the work yourself, even if you are not THAT familiar with the process, provided that you are competent with various construction tools and enjoy having your hands dirty.
Check to see if any of your relatives or friends who work in the construction industry, such as electricians, plumbers, or other construction specialists, would be willing to lend a hand in this endeavour. If they are not already free, their services will almost certainly cost less than those of another contractor.
It is important to keep in mind to communicate with your builder on a regular basis and right from the beginning to ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding your responsibilities. It is important to maintain a realistic perspective regarding your abilities. The very last thing you want to do is spend money on is having the contractor fix the mistakes you made.
Creatively Source Materials & Products
If doing the actual work isn't your thing, maybe you could help find and order the various finishes and fixtures?
It is not necessary to make purchases from pricey showrooms. Light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, hardware, and bath accessories can be purchased at reduced prices from any of the hundreds of discount supply stores and online retailers today. Create a list of the things you require, then use your creativity. Look in the classified section of the newspaper, eBay, Habitat for Humanity Restores, and other discount warehouses. You might even come across some interesting reclaimed materials that come with a cool backstory that you can share with your loved ones and friends.
If you are concerned about the quality of a product that you find online, you should first see if the same item is sold in a local showroom, hardware store, or building supply store so that you can examine it in person before purchasing it online. This piece of advice can also be applied in the opposite direction. Look around at the various local stores for products, make a list of the ones you want, and then search the internet for those products to see if you can get a better deal on them than you would in the store.
It is essential to keep in mind that you should not have the feeling that you are giving up anything. It is acceptable to treat yourself to nice things and invest lavishly in some aspects of your home.
Just make sure you spend your money wisely. Make it a point to organise your priorities and identify the things that are most important to you. For instance, if creating a relaxing oasis in your bathroom is something that is important to you, then by all means, go ahead and get all the bells and whistles. But you should also think about taking a less extravagant approach to decorating rooms or areas of your home that aren't as significant to you.
Tiny Homes
Over the past decade, the popularity of tiny homes as an affordable and environmentally responsible housing option has increased. Tiny houses typically have a floor space of less than 400 square feet and have a square or rectangular shape. Because of the uncomplicated layout and the limited space available, the building can be constructed at a more reasonable cost.
Although they aren't very common, tiny homes are available for purchase and are frequently constructed. However, depending on how uncommon homes of this type are in your region, it may be difficult to obtain a mortgage for one of these alternative homes, so you should be prepared to pay cash for the one you choose.
Shipping Container Homes
Because retired shipping containers serve as the framework for shipping container homes, the framing process can be completed more quickly and for less money. Container homes can be constructed out of shipping containers, or multiple containers can be joined together to create a larger dwelling.
Cob Construction Homes
Clay and sand are combined to make cob, which has been utilised all over the world for many decades. The walls and foundation of a house can be constructed out of cob.
Constructing with cob results in buildings that are strong, environmentally friendly, compact, and distinctive in appearance. You can utilise cob in the building of a contemporary home as well as in the construction of smaller projects such as sheds and garden walls by combining it with other building practises or materials.
As is the case with tiny homes and shipping container homes, it may be challenging to obtain a mortgage for a cob home in most areas. Cob homes are not typically found in most areas. As a result, the majority of buyers finance their purchases, and the three types of homes that follow are the ones that garner the most interest.
Colonial Homes
Colonial homes are found all along the East Coast and are characterised by their symmetrical layout and rectangular form. Because of their straightforward layout, they can be constructed at a lower cost than homes with intricate or asymmetrical floor plans.
Colonial houses have developed over time, and contemporary architectural motifs are frequently used for the construction of mansions. However, it can be difficult to find affordable colonial homes that are ready to buy, so if you plan on building, it is best to stick to a simple layout and a small size in order to keep the cost of construction down. They are also simple to find plans for, and since they are constructed from the inside out rather than the outside in, you can save money on the foundation.
Ranch Homes
Ranch homes are typically one-story structures that have garages that are attached to the house. Because it is simple to find construction plans for them and because they can be highly customised, you can find a home that is suitable for both your requirements and your financial situation. If you want to buy a ranch home, you have a variety of options available to you in terms of size and shape, all of which are priced affordably.
Prefabricated Homes
Off-site construction is used for the construction of prefabricated homes, which are then brought to the property and assembled there. In order to personalise the house, you select the layout as well as the components from among the options provided by the builder. By constructing the house in sections away from the actual site and limiting the number of design options, prefabricated or modular homes are more cost-effective.
The home's layout as well as the upgrades can be customised, but doing so will incur additional expenses. Keep in mind that prefabricated houses are still more expensive than building a house from scratch on the land, but they are still more affordable. In general, prefabricated homes are more environmentally friendly and can be built more quickly than on-site homes built from scratch.
Cheapest Materials To Build A House
The number of materials that you have to purchase is the primary driver of a home's cost; this number is determined by the layout and size of your home. However, there is an abundance of low-cost building materials and other options available to help cut costs.
Prefabricated Panel
Panels that have been prefabricated are built off-site and then shipped to the location where they will be assembled. Prefabricated wall panels, framing, floor joists, and roof trusses can be ordered by you or your contractor according to your desired house design or one of the prefabrication company's standard home plans.
Wood, steel, or concrete can be used in the construction of prefabricated panels. You may also have the option of adding finishes, paint, or additional features such as fireproofing, depending on the services that your panel supplier offers.
Concrete Sheets
Prefabricated panels can come in a variety of different forms, including concrete sheets. They are just as simple to instal and save time and money by reducing the need for on-site framing and pouring, as well as helping to prevent delays caused by inclement weather. Concrete is an option that is not only secure but also fireproof, insulating, and weatherproof. It is also relatively inexpensive.
Shipping Containers
The foundation of your home can be made out of repurposed shipping containers, which are an option that is both affordable and environmentally friendly. Living in a tiny space in just one container works really well. It is also possible to construct a larger space by assembling multiple containers or by building off of a single container.
Reclaimed Wood
The price of reclaimed wood is lower than that of freshly cut lumber, and it prevents wood from being dumped in landfills. It's possible to get it for free through various online Buy Nothing groups or at construction sites; just make sure to get permission before taking any of the discarded wood.
Your house will have an original appearance thanks to the variety of grains and colours that can be achieved by using reclaimed wood in panelling or anywhere else it will be visible. Reclaimed wood can also have its finish reapplied so that it satisfies your aesthetic preferences.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a sustainable alternative to traditional lumber that is both long-lasting and grows more quickly than trees. In addition to this, it is adaptable and can be utilised for a variety of purposes, including framing, roofing, flooring, and fencing. Some varieties of bamboo are regarded as lucky plants that you can keep inside your house.
There are many different species of bamboo, and the age at which it was harvested has an effect on how long it will last. Before making a purchase, you should do research on the types of bamboo and suppliers that will best meet your construction needs.
Brick
Brick is a relatively inexpensive building material that can either be purchased brand new, recycled from previously constructed buildings, or handmade at home. Brick can be reclaimed through the use of online marketplaces, Facebook groups that offer "buy nothing" options, as well as construction and demolition sites.
Brick installation takes a lot of time, which means that you might end up paying more for the labour. However, if you are willing to lay your own brick and have sufficient experience doing so, or if you know a reliable contractor, this can still be an affordable option for your house.
Conclusion
When you are putting together your plans to build a house, one of the very first things you need to think about is the amount of money that will be required for the construction. It is highly likely that this will be the single most significant financial choice that you will ever have to make. It is in your best financial interest to spend some time determining which building plan will serve your purposes in the most efficient manner possible. This will save you time and money in the long run. When selecting building materials, you should take into account not only their monetary cost but also their ability to adequately support the structure as well as their aesthetic appeal. Wood is a more budget-friendly option than steel.
Masonry and concrete are typically positioned somewhere in the middle of the hierarchy of building materials. Take into consideration any length restrictions that have been imposed on the studs as well as the spans that the framing members are allowed to cover. Instead of built-up or site-built framing members, it is more cost-efficient to use prefabricated wood trusses and joists for the construction of a building. Modern framing techniques not only save time and money, but they also reduce the amount of energy needed. Increasing energy efficiency leads to a reduction in both the initial startup costs and the ongoing monthly utility bills, making it a cost-effective strategy.
It is essential, however, to construct your home in the correct manner in order to ensure that all of the strategies for energy-efficient design that you have incorporated into your design operate as intended. Make sure that the insulation covers the entire building envelope, which should include the walls, the roof, and the floor or foundation. The minimum insulation requirements that are required to be met are specified in the building codes; however, it is a good idea to exceed those requirements whenever the budget allows it to be done so. If air leaks in the thermal envelope of the home are properly sealed, it may be possible to cut future energy costs by as much as fifty percent. It is essential to insulate the air ducts in your home as well as the pipes in your home that carry hot water if you want to reduce the amount of heat that is lost as water and air move through the ducts and pipes.
You have the option of doing some of the work yourself, even if you are not THAT familiar with the process; this is something that is open to discussion. Check with your family members and friends to see if any of them have jobs in the construction industry to see if any of them would be willing to lend a hand with this project. If you are concerned about the quality of a product that you find online, you should first check to see if the same item is sold in a local showroom, hardware store, or building supply store before you make your purchase. Make a list of the items you find at the various local stores that you are interested in purchasing, and then search the internet for those items after you have completed your list. Cob can be used to build both the walls of a house and the foundation of the house.
Houses made of cob are notable for their distinctive appearance, in addition to their durability, compactness, and environmental friendliness. You can utilise cob in the construction of a modern home in addition to the construction of smaller projects such as sheds and garden walls. Cob can also be used in the construction of garden walls. The following three categories of dwellings are the ones that consistently receive the most inquiries. Homes that are constructed off-site using prefabricated components can be constructed more rapidly and in a manner that is less harmful to the environment. Reclaimed wood is sold at a price that is significantly lower than that of newly cut lumber, and it eliminates the need for wood to be dumped in landfills.
Concrete is an option that not only provides security but also resists fire, maintains insulation, and is impervious to the elements. Framing, roofing, flooring, and fencing are just some of the many applications that are suitable for reclaimed wood. Brick is a relatively inexpensive building material that can either be purchased brand new, recycled from buildings that have already been constructed, or handcrafted at one's own residence. Bamboo is a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional lumber that is not only more durable but also grows at a faster rate than trees.
Content Summary
- When planning the layout of your home, it is important to keep in mind how it will ultimately be constructed.
- Choose building materials based on their monetary cost, their capacity to support the structure, and their aesthetic appeal.
- To make decisions that are more cost-effective, it is helpful to have an understanding of where various types of materials fall on the cost spectrum.
- It is essential to keep in mind that there are costs associated with a low price.
- Materials that are efficient will not only reduce waste but also the costs associated with it.
- Take into account any length restrictions imposed on the studs and the spans of the framing members.
- It is more cost-efficient to use prefabricated wood trusses and joists.
- The development of more sophisticated methods of picture framing is one of the most recent shifts in art history.
- In addition to lowering the cost of construction and speeding up the building process, cutting-edge framing techniques also cut down on energy consumption.
- Building Science Corporation is able to provide you with a large amount of additional information on the subject of advanced framing techniques if you are interested in learning more about these techniques and would like to do so.
- However, during the construction phase of your home, it is essential to properly build your home in order to ensure that all of the wonderful energy-efficient design strategies you have incorporated into your design function properly.
- Making sure that your home is adequately insulated is one of the most important things you can do to reduce the costs associated with maintaining it.
- Ensure that the entire building envelope, including the walls, roof, and floor or foundation, is insulated.
- Have a conversation with the designer, architect, or builder of your home about ways to construct it that are more energy-efficient and will improve the thermal performance of the home.
- If air leaks are properly sealed in the thermal envelope of the home, it is possible to reduce future energy costs by as much as fifty percent in comparison to those of other houses of a similar type and age.
- In addition to this, it is one of the most efficient and cost-effective building practises for a house.
- The most likely locations for air leaks are any penetrations through the exterior walls of the building.
- Pay close attention to properly sealing around windows on the interior as well as the exterior whenever you have the opportunity to build a new home or even replace the windows in your existing home.
- Think about being your company's general contractor if you have experience in the construction industry.
- Create a list of the things you require, then use your creativity.
- If you are concerned about the quality of a product that you find online, you should first see if the same item is sold in a local showroom, hardware store, or building supply store so that you can examine it in person before purchasing it online.
- It is acceptable to treat yourself to nice things and invest lavishly in some aspects of your home.
- Over the past decade, the popularity of tiny homes as an affordable and environmentally responsible housing option has increased.
- The walls and foundation of a house can be constructed out of cob.
- Constructing with cob results in buildings that are strong, environmentally friendly, compact, and distinctive in appearance.
- As is the case with tiny homes and shipping container homes, it may be challenging to obtain a mortgage for a cob home in most areas.
- If you want to buy a ranch home, you have a variety of options available to you in terms of size and shape, all of which are priced affordably.
- The number of materials that you have to purchase is the primary driver of a home's cost; this number is determined by the layout and size of your home.
- However, there is an abundance of low-cost building materials and other options available to help cut costs.
- Prefabricated panels can come in a variety of different forms, including concrete sheets.
- The foundation of your home can be made out of repurposed shipping containers, which are an option that is both affordable and environmentally friendly.
- It is also possible to construct a larger space by assembling multiple containers or by building off of a single container.
- The price of reclaimed wood is lower than that of freshly cut lumber, and it prevents wood from being dumped in landfills.
- Your house will have an original appearance thanks to the variety of grains and colours that can be achieved by using reclaimed wood in panelling or anywhere else it will be visible.
- Reclaimed wood can also have its finish reapplied so that it satisfies your aesthetic preferences.
- Bamboo is a sustainable alternative to traditional lumber that is both long-lasting and grows more quickly than trees.
- Some varieties of bamboo are regarded as lucky plants that you can keep inside your house.
- Before making a purchase, you should do research on the types of bamboo and suppliers that will best meet your construction needs.
- However, if you are willing to lay your own brick and have sufficient experience doing so, or if you know a reliable contractor, this can still be an affordable option for your house.