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