Building a new home is a huge investment, and for many of us we hope it’s an investment we only have to make once in our lives. I think it’s so important to invest in quality, so that in 3 or 4 years you don’t have to replace things you’ve only just finished paying for. If you’re starting a new build, or in the middle of one that’s getting way over budget, then you might want to consider these 4 tips for keeping construction costs low.

1. Shop Around
When looking for who will build your home, it’s a really good idea to shop around and get a few different quotes to compare the prices. For example, with architects, their fees can vary considerably based on style, experience and demand. You might find a particular architect that you love that’s more expensive than the other options and maybe it’s worth it for you, but chances are a more expensive architect is also used to working with higher budgets, so your overall build may come up even expensive. Check out https://northernmat.ca/services/ for their great range of prices and services.

2. Don’t Skimp On the Important Things

There are certain things that I don’t think you should try to cut costs on when you’re in the construction stage. For example if you live in a country like Canada that has insanely cold winters, than it could be a very expensive mistake to skimp on proper heat trace systems for water pipes, as you could end up with pipes that freeze over, burst and have to be replaced. This a very expensive job to do once a house is already constructed. Check out HeatLine.com/ for some great heating solutions.

3. Source the Materials Yourself

If you have a project manager or architect managing the materials, you might find that you end up paying more for this luxury. If you have the time and contacts to source things yourself, you can often save a considerable portion of your materials bill if you source what you need directly. Often you can even negotiate a bulk deal for a lower price per piece. Obviously if you’re going to have someone else do everything for you, that’s going to come with a higher price tag! Talk to your project manager to see if this is an option for you in order to save money over the course of the project.

4. Consider Reusing Materials
If you’re using wood in your home, then there’s a good chance that you could find and use second hand wood. It’s a great way to give character to your home, while also keeping costs down. Check out websites like as Craigstlist to see what’s available in your area. While you’re hunting for some gems to reuse, you can also look at some bargains for second hand furniture. If you have the time and patience it can be a really fun way to snag a good deal.

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Building is expensive, but using these tips you should be able to reduce your overall bill while still ending up with a finished product you really love.