My husband and I have been looking to move for the last 6 months. I know, I know the economy is horrible, but this might be the best time for us to afford a house we would normally not be able to get in to. We would stay in Portland and have found a couple of neighborhoods that we like, but a house we like? Not so lucky! So... we are thinking of the possibility of building. I know what is involved with building, at least I think I do, and it seems quite daunting. But where else would we get exactly what we are looking for?
Here is a Building Affordability Checklist from the book "Blueprint Affordable" by Michelle Kodis.
- Simple Floor Plan - Keep your floor plan as simple and modest as possible.
- Square Footage - Watch your floor plan's footprint.
- Simple Detailing - Design your house to rely on straightforward element vs. those that are more complex.
- Splurge Carefully - Splurge in limited applications
- Materials - Learn to appreciate the inherent elegance of basic and don't be afraid to use materials in unexpected ways.
- Recycle - Incorporate recycled items into your cost.
- Stock Sizes - Opt for off the shelf sizes.
- Go Local - Choose local available materials (such as woods) will lower shipping costs.
- Finishing - If you can leave it exposed, do so.
- Climates - Study your building site's climate and weather pattern and focus on a plan that shields the home from the elements.
- Basement - If you can omit a basement, do so, you'll save thousands in excavation costs.
- Long-term Planning - Choose materials for their durability and life-span.
- Utilities - Create a floor plan that encourages natural ventilation and that is economical to heat.
- Do it Yourself - If you can be your own contractor great, otherwise work closely with your contractor to make material decisions or save in labor.
- Research - Research the materials and finishes you want. Knowledge is power!
Comments