Build for Less

                    Build for Less by Thrift Proofing the Builders Quote    

You want the Home of your dreams but don't have the budget to build.   If you are one of those thrifty people these tips to building on a budget could be something very easy for you to accomplish.   

First you must find a builder that allows you to make some of the item purchases yourself - those that he usually supplies.  You can get an even bigger savings if you find a builder that will let you contract some areas of the work out yourself.  For example:  you may have a brother who's a brick mason or roofer. 
Not all builders will do this because mis-understandings can arise with warranty problems, scheduling workers, timing issues and insurance.  Thrifty building takes some effort.   

If your clear that the items you purchase will not be covered under the builders warranty and clear that you'll be responsible for everything concerning the workers you hire, this can be managed.  After you have a quote from a builder willing to work with you, start these 10 Tips.

10 Steps to Thrift Proofing the Building Quote

1.) Make a list of Those People you know that work in the home building industry.
If you know a painter, brick mason, carpenter, roofer, cleaner- these are only a few, you can opt to get a quote from them directly and start building smart.  

2.)  Use your thrifty shopping talent and opt to buy some items you know you can find at a cheaper price.  Shopping for fixtures, cabinets, appliance package discounts, flooring, windows, carpet, trim work, are only a few examples.  Go over this with the builder, will he be having the installer set up or you.   When purchasing some of these items you need to know if your builder will have the installer or if you will need to purchase the item with the installing package. 

3.)  Go through the Builders Quote line by line.  You may see areas that you never thought of before.  Maybe you think you want to take on something else. 

4.)  Be extremely cautious doing anything that will have major warranty issues.  Bigger concerns will be: foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, heating & cooling. 

5.)  Don't over look the savings you will get over the long term by having up-graded blown in insulation & a high quality furnace.   Just because it's new doesn't insure lower heating/cooling and electric bills. 

6.)  I also suggest Geothermal when ever possible.  There are grant programs through your state that will help with the high up-front cost.  This can lower your heating and cooling bill greatly.  You may think suggesting a high cost geothermal system shouldn't be on a thrifty page but because I've seen the proof of it lowering my sister's monthly utilities by over 60%, I will suggest this.  And everyone said she would never heat that 125 year old home in the country without high cost.  You'll need to compare country living / city living cost concerns with geothermal. Department of Energy Tax Incentives 

7.)  If you have the Knowledge and Time you can save thousands by contracting out the home yourself.  This may be too much for many to take on.    

8.)  Find the perfect lot for sale- within your price point and location you desire. I have the staff, knowledge and resources to get you exactly what your looking for.  Anytime you purchase something on your own, you know the exact cost of that land purchase.   Having this Purchase as the package of your building contractor may or may not come at a higher price.  Search by subdivision for your lot or let me help you quickly find the perfect piece of land.

9.)  Finding your own blue printscould save a little but it's necessary to go over this with your building contractor because lot size and blue prints must work together.  And know the cost of having any changes made. 

10.)  Country Living may or may not be for you but think about "No Water Bills."
There is a up-front cost to install a septic system but multi task this cost with a geothermal systems that runs on your Free Water and that long term savings may change your mind.   I can help you find a lot for sale that has the perfect mix of country and city living. 

Buy Direct - Trim work, exotic flooring, treads, stair parts - Wyandot Millwork

Your thrifty personality can work to your advantage and bring you great savings.  Build smart by building for less and use these thrifty building tips to get exactly what you want.  Keep everyone update on your success with tips and suggestion in my blog.   

Something else to look into is the Heating & Cooling Savings many are testifying to.  They have constructed their homes out of Concrete for stability and energy savings.  Read More about this Options for building to save energy. 

Consider:  Buying a Brand New Home already finished. 
          You may qualify for an 8,000 Home Buyers Tax Credit
           You may qualify for the Toledo Downpayment Assistant Program
           
Home Finance Information:  learn the different loan options available

Do you need to sell your Home first?  Staging Tip to sell your home faster.
Do you need help Pricing your Home to Sell?  Helpful Resources are available.
Do you need to find a lot for sale?  Search by Subdivision and call for help.
Selling your home first to build later.  Find your Homes Market Value.
Family and LivingInformation in Toledo areas like Sylvania, Perrysburg,Maumee Oh
Important Facts Resource Page about The Toledo & Surrounding Area in Ohio.
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