Set a realistic budget up front
You need to take a serious look at your construction budget and your overall budget. When choosing your plans, be mindful of construction costs as well as long-term costs for energy and homeowner's insurance.
When it comes to homeowner's insurance, costs usually increase dramatically the further a home is built outside city limits. Brick exteriors are also one of the most insurance-friendly options. These are both important considerations when construction time actually arrives.
You might consider consulting a financial analyst to sort it all out. Building cost estimates can help you determine the approximate price to build a set of house plans. You can then talk to lenders and see if you have saved enough money to proceed.
Buy pre-designed plans
Architects are not conducive to affordable house plans, as they can cost between 7 to 12 percent of the house's total price tag. Pre-designed plans are usually available for well under $1,000. Affordable house plans come in all sizes and styles, and the company will usually work with you on minor design changes.
Consolidate plumbing
Look for homes with kitchens that back up to a bathroom wall, or with second-floor bathrooms directly above first-floor plumbing. Less plumbing pipe means less building cost, and makes for one efficient floor plan.
Forget the basement
Basements will either require extensive excavation or the complex task of building into the side of a hill. They cost more money, although the storage space is handy. Alternative storage options include an attic, crawlspace, or a garage. Garages, along with front porches, also add cost-efficient curb appeal because they do not require heating or cooling.
One fireplace
Fireplaces are expensive to install, so affordable house plans typically feature no more than one. Fireplaces are best located centrally, in a family room or den.
Square footage
One of the most obvious ways to cut costs is to decrease the square footage of your house plan. You can opt for a more open floor plan to make the home appear larger, and you don't have to sacrifice style inside or out. Even if you require more space, however, there are plenty of other ways to keep the home plan of your dreams affordable and within reach.
You need to take a serious look at your construction budget and your overall budget. When choosing your plans, be mindful of construction costs as well as long-term costs for energy and homeowner's insurance.
When it comes to homeowner's insurance, costs usually increase dramatically the further a home is built outside city limits. Brick exteriors are also one of the most insurance-friendly options. These are both important considerations when construction time actually arrives.
You might consider consulting a financial analyst to sort it all out. Building cost estimates can help you determine the approximate price to build a set of house plans. You can then talk to lenders and see if you have saved enough money to proceed.
Buy pre-designed plans
Architects are not conducive to affordable house plans, as they can cost between 7 to 12 percent of the house's total price tag. Pre-designed plans are usually available for well under $1,000. Affordable house plans come in all sizes and styles, and the company will usually work with you on minor design changes.
Consolidate plumbing
Look for homes with kitchens that back up to a bathroom wall, or with second-floor bathrooms directly above first-floor plumbing. Less plumbing pipe means less building cost, and makes for one efficient floor plan.
Forget the basement
Basements will either require extensive excavation or the complex task of building into the side of a hill. They cost more money, although the storage space is handy. Alternative storage options include an attic, crawlspace, or a garage. Garages, along with front porches, also add cost-efficient curb appeal because they do not require heating or cooling.
One fireplace
Fireplaces are expensive to install, so affordable house plans typically feature no more than one. Fireplaces are best located centrally, in a family room or den.
Square footage
One of the most obvious ways to cut costs is to decrease the square footage of your house plan. You can opt for a more open floor plan to make the home appear larger, and you don't have to sacrifice style inside or out. Even if you require more space, however, there are plenty of other ways to keep the home plan of your dreams affordable and within reach.
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