It’s no secret that buying a home is a pretty steep purchase. Your home is likely to be, and remain, the largest financial decision you will ever make.
New construction homes offer you the ultimate customization experience. Because of this flexibility, you are able to cut more costs than you may think. Here is how to build your dream home within reasonable means.
Set a hard budget
The easiest way to set a reasonable budget is to meet with a financial advisor before your contractor, to see how much home you can afford.
Always remember that even the slightest of changes to your home design can easily set you over budget. Make sure you have a solid plan before breaking ground.
Your base price is not the final price
The base price on a new construction home is the cost for the basic structure and standard features for the model home you choose. It does not include upgraded features and finishes, room additions, extended ceilings, designed materials, and other items that homeowners may want to use to customize their space.
If you find yourself way over your base price, say, by $50,000, you are most likely splurging on the previous mentioned items. To cut costs a bit, research alternatives to these materials and finishes.
Choose a reasonable but reputable builder
Of course, you want the best of the best for your contracting needs. However, that does not always mean the largest developer in your community. Research outside of the realm of the “big name brand” and get quotes from several companies.
Some contractors may even offer closing cost incentives! You never know if you don’t ask around. Read more on how to choose the right contractor for your project.
Research your appliances
Depending on the contractor you choose, they will typically provide you with options for appliances. However, that does not always mean you have to go with their suggestions. See if the manufacturers they contract with offer a lower cost option. Additionally, you may close on the house and have more affordable appliances installed after the fact.
It is important to keep in mind that the appliances you pick will need to fit correctly within their designated spaces.
Think about the future
You can always opt for standard features and upgrade them later! Lighting fixtures, hardware, molding, and elevated landscaping can all be installed at a later date, and maybe even at a better rate. It is understandable to not have a huge chunk of change all at once, so spend as you go and spend wisely.
Another thing to consider is your return on investment. Of course, your new build home is likely your forever home, but once your family starts to downsize, there are certain home features that will help to sell your home for over face value. With that being said, when making cuts to your budget, try not to eliminate the upgrades that offer you the best ROI.
Always try to stay levelheaded during the new build process. It is easy to get carried away when you have so many options at your fingertips. Always weigh your choices wisely and decide between what you want and what you need.