You will come across various homeowners who have built a small house for themselves on a tight budget. You can do it, as well. However, you have to chalk out a proper plan and design and stick to it throughout. Apart from that, you also need to source materials at wholesale rates.
It is most likely that you will not find a ready-made house based on your specifications. So, the only option that remains is to build it. In doing so, you should make a plan with minimalist features. You’ll achieve the best results at a minimal cost. Read about a few budget-friendly ways to build a house.
Rope In a Contractor
You should make it very clear at the beginning that you have to stick to a tight budget. So, the contractor will also act wisely from the start of the project. Putting all the pointers on paper and getting an agreement is the best option to avoid tussles in between. The house plan is the essential element. In this case, that will help you source a plot of the required size. If you plan on a small dwelling, there is no point in getting a large plot. Apart from that, if you have figured out the plan, you need the space too. If you do not have a space, you have to look for it.
Do ample research on zoning policies impacting the structure and design. Get in touch with property agents who can source the right plot for you. They are better equipped to handle such formalities. In doing so, you already may have spent a part of your budget. The contractor fees, land cost, permissions, and agent fees will be part of the expenses. Now, you have the excess amount, on whose basis you have to plan the remaining work.
Choose Simple Structures
This will help you to come up with the best house ever. Squares and rectangles are easy to work on and will not leave any space without functionality. You must have learned the same in your geometry class in school? Now, it is time to apply that knowledge. You should build your house upwards and not sideways to lower costs. Do remember that the foundation is the most expensive. So, the less space you have, the better it is for you.
Go for a simple roofing option for the top part. After building the initial cover, you can always make some changes, deletions, and additions later. A plain and sloping roof is best, as it will give you a breather in terms of the construction of the gutters. Most budget builders often address functionality much before aesthetics.
Think About Energy Efficiency
You can construct an energy-efficient home from ground zero. It will be cheaper than what you would spend later. Install solar panels on the rooftop to save on electricity consumption. Installing it at the very foundational phase will help you avoid structural damages or alternations later. Additionally, you should pay attention to the windows. They should be large enough to allow a lot of sunlight inside.
Apart from letting in ample light, the construction of large windows will help you save some amount on the walls and supporting structures. You can create plumbing systems that utilize wastewater to reuse in the flush or your porch garden for the kitchen and bathroom. To avoid purchasing excess plumbing and pipeline equipment, you should plan the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry areas in one single section.
Use Second-hand or Recycled Materials
Head to a thrift store or another construction location for this purpose. You can always use the wooden frames and slabs of concrete for various purposes in your small home. Most construction sites sell these as waste. You can also use some wooden parts to create accents outside the front door if you happen to have a small patio. Furthermore, you can also convert them into window planters.
Bricks can also be used to design fireplaces and patio pathways. If you can lay your hands on waste dry walls, you are in for more savings. They are mostly made from gypsum. So, you might have to buy less of that and can manage with the old one to create your new one. Apart from that, you can also use the gypsum as plant fertilizer.
Install The Basics
You should concentrate more on the basic structure of the house. Install flooring made from wood or concrete. You can add mosaic or vinyl later on when you save some money. Apart from that, you can also do without expensive countertops for the kitchen. Get a granite slab instead to do the job initially. These are just a few of the basics that can make your house livable. The focus should be on the foundation. So, set the foundation and supporting structures well.
These are a few of the ways you can build a small home on a budget. If you can think out of the box, there is room for more possibilities.
