Self build cost cutting tips!

cluelessselfbuilder

Hi everyone,

We are about to (hopefully) put our house plans out to tender, however before we do this, we have to decide what kind of finishes we want for the house to get comparable tenders. Our house is 3390 sq feet (with a separate 527sq foot integrated double garage) - we haven't got any tenders yet however we think we can just about afford to finish this to an average standard, without an tarmac or landscaping, however we would love sliding sash uPCV windows and stone on the external garage walls, so we are looking for other areas we could reduce cost to account for these higher than average expenses. This (again hopefully) will be our house for life, so are totally happy to live in an unfinished house for a few years - all we really require right now is a kitchen, 1 bedroom and an en suite for the next while.

What areas would you not save money on given a tight budget? And what areas would a cheaper alternative cause no reduction in functionality of the house? We both work full time, but are keen to do as many bits ourselves as is sensible, like painting, tiling etc to reduce cost.

Am I better to source windows, bathrooms and kitchens etc myself and arrange someone to fit them, or would i get them cheaper through the building contractor (who presumably will get trade prices) and have them fit it while on site?

All suggestions gratefully received!!

betsie

The biggest way you can save money is to project manage the build and source all the materials yourself. we have just finished our house (took 53wks) and we project managed the whole thing. It is more work and you have to be a couple of steps ahead planning wise to make sure the next trade is lined up and you have the materials for them. We saved thousands by doing this. We had separate people to do the ground work, the brickwork, carpentry, roof tiling, etc so lots more work but worth the saving if you can manage it.
Do not skimp on the exterior finish as it is not something you can go back and change easily - like roof tiles ,stone mullions etc but you can shop around to get a good price. It's so much easier with the Internet

hels234

betsie wrote: »

The biggest way you can save money is to project manage the build and source all the materials yourself. we have just finished our house (took 53wks) and we project managed the whole thing. It is more work and you have to be a couple of steps ahead planning wise to make sure the next trade is lined up and you have the materials for them. We saved thousands by doing this. We had separate people to do the ground work, the brickwork, carpentry, roof tiling, etc so lots more work but worth the saving if you can manage it.
Do not skimp on the exterior finish as it is not something you can go back and change easily - like roof tiles ,stone mullions etc but you can shop around to get a good price. It's so much easier with the Internet

Totally agree on all counts! We paid for a project manager and it was a complete waste of money! we could have done a better job ourselves! yes it will take longer but we will definetly self manage next time. I did tonnes of sourcing myself as our project manager constantly suggested stuff/places he obviously had accounts with and also added on more profit for himself. Google is fab and there are plenty of places like this that will give you tips for where to buy. There is another board on here to do with diy etc that is pretty good. Good luck

Thrugelmir

hels234 wrote: »

We paid for a project manager and it was a complete waste of money! we could have done a better job ourselves! yes it will take longer but we will definetly self manage next time. I did tonnes of sourcing myself as our project manager constantly suggested stuff/places he obviously had accounts with and also added on more profit for himself.

Time costs money though. Sourcing things for the cheapest price is one aspect of project management. Also depends how much you are losing through sacrificing your own time. As that in itself is a cost.

Doozergirl

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Time costs money though. Sourcing things for the cheapest price is one aspect of project management. Also depends how much you are losing through sacrificing your own time. As that in itself is a cost.

Indeed. Project managers are there for people without time or expertise.

I too can project manage my own builds for less than I charge people, but it takes the money straight out of my pocket because I'm not at work. I lose twice!