How to build your house on a very tight budget

There comes a time when you deeply feel that it is the right time to build your own house. However your are a bit hesitant because you have a limited amount of money. You begin to wonder if the money you’ve allocated for this project will be enough to cover the expenses from start to finish.

You are not alone, Many people feel like this. And  it is a valid concern for many. Let’s get you unstuck from this question

Here is a realistic guide to get you started and keep you moving.

1. Plan slowly and carefully

Planning is one important aspect of any building project.

Sit and carefully plan the following:

• Sketch of the house don’t worry that you are not an expert do it your way
• Choose the wall colours that you like
• Determine the number of bedrooms
• Determine the number of comfort rooms e.g. a separate TV room, a bar
• Decide if you want to integrate the car park/garage
• Choose the type of windows and doors
• List any other customisation that you like

The point here is to list down all your ideas. All of them.

This  will help you to decide on what to include or leave out in future. Do not limit your ideas yet. After all, you are still in the first phase of the building process. So get wild and list everything down.

2. Make and keep things realistic

Now you have a list of all of your ideas. Now is the best time to trim it down to reality. Stick with reality.

You would want a house with rooms for each and every  family member, but with a limited budget, you can quickly tell that a 4 bedroom house will not be very achievable. With that in mind, compromise with a 3 bedroom house, with allowance for an extension in future.

Keep your on the important aspects and what the family cannot do without. This way, you will have it will be easy to tell what you should focus on.

3. Keep it simple

Now, since you have come this far to the level of being realistic with your goals, consider simplicity to your house design. To make this happen you must start simple. 

You need avoid being too extravagant.

Always keep in mind that you are working with a limited budget as the main guide. This should not discourage you. The simplicity that you are beginning with does not mean the house will remain that way forever. You will be able to slowly make changes along the way. For now,  under the circumstances to be content with a simple house.

Things to cross out are the expensive interiors and fittings. Instead of straining to make these expensive items to fit your “budget”, get alternative functional items. This is because, you can always replace these functional items with more luxurious fittings later on. For this moment focus on the minimum needs that your family must require.

4. Choose an affordable location

If you haven’t already done so, choosing a site that needs less scraping and digging will make the building process faster and cheaper. If it is possible avoid building on a slope, or  black cotton soil. Instead a site that’s naturally fit for construction without much leveling.

Another thing you should consider is the neighbourhood.

Less populated areas have more affordable plots compared to the busier areas. So if you wish to have a bigger space but have a small budget, look at affordable plots for sale on less populated areas.

If you’re having a trouble find the perfect plot, you can ask help from professional real estate agents. They will help you find the location that fits it in your house design.

5. Find a reliable quality builder

Never settle on a random builder. You are building your home and the house of your dreams, therefore don’t let just anyone work on it.

Do a thorough background check on your builder of choice. Make sure they are licensed by relevant bodies like NCA, AAK. Ask for work references and previous jobs to know if they fit your style and preferences call their previous customers to verify. If possible visit their current project.

If they fail to meet any of these, move on and look for another.

Sources:

EDS ARCH STUDIO

Davolyn Construction