- how to save money
- 9 ways to save your money
9 WAYS to SAVE YOUR MONEY
in planning and building your addition
or new home / cottage
1
AVOID the WRONG WAY to SAVE
- don't sacrifice on what truly matters to you
- avoid anything that makes your home or cottage less liveable
- don't compromise where there are long-term benefits, such as energy
efficiency or durability
2
BE COST-EFFECTIVE
- a 2-storey is more cost-effective than a ranch (half the roof, half the
foundation)
- more insulation & better windows are a better investment than a
ground-source heat pump
- reduce costly kitchen cabinets with a walk-in pantry (with economical out-of sight
shelving)
3
OPTIMIZE SPACE UTILIZATION
- efficient use of space will lower your construction cost -
and your energy bills for a lifetime
- avoid long hallways; arrange rooms so halls are not required or can be
minimized
- size rooms for your furnishings rather than over-sizing with the hope
everything will fit
- locate stairs centrally to minimize 'circulation' space
4
ELIMINATE the UNNECESSARY
- focus on what you really need and will actually use
- eliminate rooms that are seldom used - formal living & dining rooms?
- do you really need 3 places to eat - a dining room, kitchen table & a breakfast bar?
5
MAKE IT FEEL BIGGER THAN IT IS
- an open plan that can accommodate flexibility
- higher ceilings (but not too high) will add a sense of openness
- flow of natural light into all spaces / rooms
- large windows in key areas to extend sightlines & bring in
the outdoors
- design your layout to allow sunlight to all main spaces
- locate windows directly opposite doors into rooms
6
AVOID COSTLY CHANGES DURING CONSTRUCTION
- clearly understand ALL of your needs, goals and priorities
- determine & understand all viable options
- fully develop your ideal design solution
7
CAREFULLY EVALUATE TEMPTATIONS
- many shiny possibilities will surface, which can turn into big expenditures
- be wary of inflating their importance, justifying & giving in
- evaluate possibilities based on your original goals & priorities
- always keep in focus your bottom line, so you don't blow your budget
8
DECIDE EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU GET QUOTES
- this will allow you to get the best possible competitive price
9
GET MULTIPLE BIDS
- doing so forces the builders to be competitive in their quotes
- this can save you thousands of dollars
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