Five ways to save money on your self-build

We all like to find a good deal and save some cash, especially when building a new home. A self-build is a big investment, so if you can work out ways to reduce the costs during the journey, then you’ll have more to spend on the special stuff. So to provide some inspiration and ideas, we have created a brief list of 5 ways to save money on your self-build.

Nothing goes to waste

Focusing on reducing wastage is not only good for the environment but also allows you to build sustainably. If you are planning to demolish a building to create a plot for your self-build then you should aim to use as many of the remaining materials. You can make the demolition team aware that you would like to do so just to make sure. Other ways to reduce waste could involve keeping all the off-cuts from timber frames or asking your builder to keep all of the spare materials they come into contact with.

Upcycle

Also known as creative reuse, upcycling is a fantastic way to save money on a variety of interior design objects. The process involves searching for by-products, waste materials, or spare materials and transforming them into something of better quality. For instance, old pieces of furniture can be easily revived, or maybe you can design a wooden staircase from wastage wood. Keep your eyes open and visit the dump or second-hand shops for spare materials. Look online too; Facebook Groups, Freecycle, Gumtree, because someone will want to get rid of something you can use. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure!

Temporary Accommodation

While you’re building your new home, you may need to think about finding some alternative accommodation. And in a society of high rental prices, why not think about investing in a stationary campervan? It might seem counter-productive, but even a family can live in them, and you can link it up to the electricity for real comforts. 

Depending on how minimalist you want to be, purchasing a transit van as a living space could also be an alternatively cheap option for accommodation. You’ll be able to travel around, pick up materials, and visit the people that matter while you are building your dream home.

Do-It-Yourself

If you’re up for a challenge and good with your hands, build the house yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. A helping hand over a weekend can make a big difference. All the information you need is at your fingers so make the most of this digital age with things like YouTube tutorials, How-To’s, Google, Facebook Groups - anything is possible if you learn, adapt, and commit. And even if you find it all a bit too much, there’s always a professional builder or architect one phone call away.

Research

To be confident with your decisions and capable to follow them up, make sure you do your research. The process of research is important in every stage of your build including applying for planning permission, choosing materials, designing, installing renewable technology, contacting local builders etc. And it is even more relevant if you are planning to do-it-yourself. As well as the endless amount of online content, social media is a great place for inspiration and community. Connect with relevant Facebook Groups and get involved with the fellow self-builders who are going through the exact same ordeals as you will be.

Hopefully, now you can start brainstorming your own ideas on how to save money on your self-build. There are many inventive methods to do so, and some of them take time, while others involve a bit of trial and error. But if you take your time and commit to reducing costs, the ideas and concepts will start to occur naturally. So get out there and think smart!