Strategies to Keep Building Costs Down
With construction costs continuing to rise, it's more important than ever to understand how to manage and optimise your building budget effectively.
In this guide, we'll look at practical strategies to keep your building costs under control during your new home build.
Whether you're just starting your building journey or already in the planning phase, these insights will help you make informed decisions that could save you thousands of dollars.
Factors that influence new home building costs
When building, the extra costs that add up can sometimes feel like a dark art. But once you understand the elements that influence costs, it's actually very simple to take control of costs on a build.
The three things that influence costs on a new home build are:
Design complexity - The more intricate your design, the higher the cost
Size - The more there is to build, the higher the cost
Site conditions - The more enabling work required to start the build, the higher the cost
The rule of thumb is: the simpler you can make these three things, the lower your cost to build will be.
Have a think about your build... what can you influence early on to make your build simpler so that you're getting more value for money for every m²?
Practical Ways to Reduce Building Costs
Here are a few strategies you can implement to keep your building costs under control:
Choose a simple roof design - Complex roof structures with multiple pitches and angles significantly increase costs
Optimise your floor plan - A well-thought-out rectangular or square design is more cost-effective than irregular shapes
Select standard window sizes - Custom windows can dramatically increase your budget
Consider your facade materials - Some materials require more labor and maintenance than others
Remember that every design decision impacts the build price so it's important to balance the look that you want with what you can afford.
Working with your Builder (Never against them)
Building a strong relationship with your builder is crucial for managing costs effectively. Here are some key points to consider:
Maintain clear communication throughout the project
Get detailed quotes and understand what's included
Discuss potential cost-saving alternatives
Be decisive about your choices to avoid expensive changes later
Early planning and good communication can help prevent unexpected costs and delays during construction.
Building a new home doesn't have to be an overwhelming financial challenge. By understanding and carefully managing the key cost factors - design complexity, size, and site conditions - you can make informed decisions that keep your project within budget.
Remember that successful home building is about finding the right balance between your dreams and budget. With careful planning, open communication with your builder, and smart decision-making, you can create a beautiful, functional home that meets both your lifestyle needs and financial goals.
Building Contract reviews for New Home Builds & Renovations
If you're looking for a personalised review of your Building Contract at a reasonable price, you can find out more information about my Building Contract Health Checks here.
I support clients with their HIA and Master Builders Home Building contracts from all states in Australia, including Victoria, ACT, Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, WA, and the Northern Territory.
Building Contract reviews are for people who want to understand their contract better before they sign.
If you're a person like me who wants to dive into the details, wants education on what makes a good contract, and what to look out for - then you're a great match for a Building Contract Review with me.
Ultimately, I want you to walk away from our session with confidence to proceed with signing your contract.
We go through any of your questions like how to avoid delays, what to watch out for and how to keep costs within your original building quote.
Happy building! 💚
Thanks for reading and catch you on my next post :)
Annelyse
Construction Management | M. Construction Law
