There are absolutely places where you can save money on a project. We typically start by reviewing the homeowner’s selections and then consider cost-saving alternatives. One good example is if the homeowner really wants composite decking. No maintenance, long-lasting, it’s great stuff. There are two or three really good brands out there. We would start by pricing out all three, show the homeowner the cost for each of those, and then we would show the homeowner what the cost of the same deck would be in, say, cedar. At that point the homeowner can start making the choices about which products are right for them and how they can put their dollars where they mean the most.
We usually find that when we work through the design/build process, the breakdown of what each section costs can be a source of surprise. People assume there’s more value in the physical structure, like the walls and roof, but there is a lot of value in these houses in the selections they make in the interior, from tile to granite to millwork. Even the little things like hardware can add up really quickly to have a dramatic effect on total price, which can definitely surprise people.
The things that are worth splurging on are really any items the homeowner has a strong feeling about. If there are things they really want in their house, our job is to break down the overall cost of the house so they can surgically put the money where they want it. When this is done we are able to hit the items that are most important to them and make sure they are in the house without compromising quality somewhere else.
Have more questions about budgeting for a custom home? Contact us to learn more.
