Where To Splurge and Save On A Custom Home

Where To Splurge and Save On A Custom Home

A custom home is a huge financial investment that could easily spiral out of control without the right design and management. Establishing and following a budget early in the building process will ensure a successful project, while allowing you to design and build a home you will love for years to come.

One of the most complicated parts of budgeting is deciding where to splurge and where to save. Designing a home that spends your hard-earned money in the best way and offer options on where you can cut back can make a huge difference to the end result, adding long-term value to your home without breaking the bank.

Here are our top tips.

Splurge… on a high-quality builder

Cutting corners on something as important as a builder is always going to end in disaster. A consistent, communicative and skilled builder that can both design and build your home will ensure that your custom home is built to the highest standards, with exceptional levels of craftsmanship and fantastic attention to detail. In contrast, a builder that looks to cut costs, isn’t very communicative or doesn’t have the necessary skills to bring your vision to life will result in ongoing issues that are sure to cost you more money down the line.

Ensure you’re working with a reputable and licensed builder that can offer both design and build by comparing quotes, asking for testimonials and viewing previous projects.

Save… on fixtures and finishes

You should always look to save money on elements that are easy to replace down the line, including fixtures and fittings. Opt for standard and affordable tapware, light fixtures and cabinet hardware initially – these can all easily be upgraded when required. They are also some of the items most likely to follow the trends, meaning you may want to replace them after a couple of years anyway.

That said, choose where you save carefully – for example, a shower is harder to replace than a tap or cabinetry. Your builder should be able to advise on exactly which fixtures and finishes are best to save money on.

Splurge on… high-traffic rooms

Communal spaces like kitchen and bathrooms experience the highest levels of foot traffic in your home, so it’s important they are built to last. Splurge on making sure every element of these rooms work for your lifestyle, including the layout, appliances, storage and countertops. If you are a keen cook, opt for the top-of-the-range appliances – they need to withstand very regular use. If you’re more interested in entertaining out of your kitchen, consider focusing your budget on finishes like benchtops and splashbacks, as well as the layout. Consider the flooring in these high-traffic areas as well – it will be harder to replace down the line, so needs to be durable and long-lasting.

Save with… smart design  

A few choice design decisions can make a huge impact to the cost of building your home and of running it for years to come. Opt for sliding or folding doors between indoor and outdoor areas to encourage airflow, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Quality insulation and double-glazed windows and doors will also make a huge impact in the long run, lowering the chance of leaks and helping to maintain a comfortable temperature inside.

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If you’re looking for an experienced builder to guide you through the custom building process, get in touch with Achieve Homes today.