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6 Ways to Keep Building Costs Down For Your Home

Updated: Jul 5, 2023


 

Wellington Builders | Design & Architecture Services | Eco-Friendly Design | High Performing Home | Structural Insulated Panels | Energy-Efficient Home

 
Lounge room showing plants, a large round mirror and a console table beneath it

Are you struggling to see how building a home these days is still possible? What with inflation being higher than it has been in years, rising interest rates, and material cost increases – not to mention all the delays!


We’ve heard many stories recently of New Zealanders having to put their projects on hold for these very reasons. People who’ve worked and saved hard to build a warm, healthy home, only to have their hearts broken when they’ve realised their dream isn’t going to happen anytime soon, due to increasing building costs.


The driving force for Wellington builders Green Abode, is to help fellow Kiwis build their home – and not just any home, but a custom high-performing home (read “healthy, energy-efficient, warm home”), despite the current challenges. We’ve come up with our top 6 tips to make this goal achievable:

1) Keep the size small

One of the first places to start when building a home on a tight budget is to keep the floor area small. A small, well-designed home will include all the necessities while focusing on effective energy performance. Consider your must-haves and work with our architect to come up with a design that best suits your needs today, and for the long term.

2) Use recycled materials

There are many options on the market for recycled materials these days - from flooring to carpet and kitchen sinks. Not only are they cheaper than brand new, but they minimise the environmental impact of your build and add character to the home.

3) Choose a simple design

An efficient, simple design goes a very long way to cost savings. Stick with straight, simple shapes rather than complex ones. Also, opting for an open plan space such as the lounge, dining, and kitchen area will ensure less is spent on labour and materials. This also makes the house feel less cramped.

4) Build a SIP home

Green Abode SIPs (structural insulated panels) are manufactured to size in the factory and then shipped to the site. This means that there’s very minimal material waste, unlike a traditional timber home. It can also save on labour costs because less time is spent on erecting walls. Read more about SIP Panels here.

5) Choose off-the-shelf rather than bespoke

Plain and simple: custom-made items cost more. Choosing standard-size doors, for instance, will allow you to choose off-the-shelf – which will save on your hard-earned pennies.

6) Use tried and tested materials

Using materials that have been around and have stood the test of time will help minimise costs. If your builders aren’t familiar with the materials you choose, it is likely to cost you more on time and possibly also wastage. It may even cost you time spent correcting any issues.


Another thing to consider is to use products that contribute to energy efficiency. Yes, they may cost more up-front but will save you in the long run.


Yes, it IS still possible to build a home in the current climate! If you would like to talk to us about your home, please give us a call at 0800 368 470.


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