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  1. how to save money
  2. 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
Related reading:
  • Save Thousands with a Builder
  • discover
  • 9 ways to save money
  • common mistakes
  • reno, move, or build?
  • architect or other?
  • start here
  • resources
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