If you're at all familiar with the current market, you'll know that construction is very expensive. For this reason, it's important to look for any and all opportunities to reduce the cost of your next project. These are some helpful tips for building on a budget.
1. Prefabricated Showers
A prefabricated shower floor and walls will usually cost half the price of a fully custom shower bed and tile finish. Also, using a simple shower curtain with a rod can easily save you close to $1,000 per shower; as compared to using glass doors.
2. Alternative Window Brands
Use a less expensive brand of windows and doors like Milgard or Ply Gem as opposed to Anderson. This can save you almost $400 per window!
3. MDF for Millwork
Instead of buying wood baseboards and casings, opt for MDF. After prime and finish paint, MDF baseboards will last just as long. Be advised, however, they may be slightly harder to fix if damaged.
4. Slab Foundation
Typically, a slab on grade foundation will cost significantly less than a raised floor. This is because material and labor expenses are much higher in the current market.
5. Larger Tiles
Large tiles (e.g. 12x24) take a lot less time and hassle to install, and they can cover sixteen times more area than smaller ones (e.g. 3x6). Also, unless this is your final destination or dream home, using lower-grade tile will provide a very similar look, but cost much less.
6. Hollow Core Doors
They might feel less solid, but hollow core doors will still do their job and can last just as long. In a tight budget situation, these are the way to go. Be advised, they should not be used in high humidity areas or in the place of fire doors.
7. Less Expensive Cabinets
Cabinet packages can range widely in prices between various outlets, and there are plenty that still come with the nice, soft-closing features, but that won't break the bank. You can easily save $4,000-$10,000 by opting for slightly cheaper cabinets, and believe me, only you and your dog will know the difference.
Bonus Tip!
In many jurisdictions of California, you can avoid a $12+ per square-foot impact fee if your addition is 749 square-feet or less.
In addition to this, one of the many overlooked methods of saving money on any construction project is choosing the right contractor. When saving, it's just as important to avoid unnecessary expenses that would result from mistakes. Failing to plan, budget, and secure proper permits, incorrectly sizing windows and doors, or hiring unqualified contractors will all result in a much more expensive project. For this reason, finding a trustworthy contractor should be a priority. Here at West Coast Construction Pro, we guarantee a smooth and on budget project. With our many years of industry experience, we'll do it right the first time.
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