Building a custom Huntsville home is an investment, but it is one that will pay off both financially and in an improved lifestyle for yourself and your family. Before your contractors ever lift a hammer, take the time to consider the ways that you can save while still building your dream home.

First Step in Saving on Your Huntsville Property

Saving money on your custom home begins when you select your lot. While your vision may be to build a home on Fairy Lake or in the valleys alongside Mary Lake, you might be able to realize a significant cost savings by choosing a lot closer to downtown or alongside one of the smaller lakes in Huntsville. If you do not need a large backyard, purchasing a hilly lot or narrow lot can also save you thousands of dollars, and leave more room in the budget for other building expenses.

After you have selected your lot, take the time to find the right general contractor. The guidance and expertise of a licensed, reputable general contractor is invaluable. Many have established relationships with local sub-contractors and materials houses, and they can leverage these relationships to save you money on necessary skills, materials and supplies. Additionally, a skilled contractor will make sure things are done right the first time so your Huntsville home passes inspections and remains free from problems for years to come. This can save you time and money while you build and make it easier for your family to enjoy your beautiful home for years to come.

Your Custom Home Essentials

Next, narrow down your list of “must haves”. While every family who builds a house in Huntsville has a wish list a mile long, when budget is a factor, it is important to prioritize. If you have a knack for baking, spend your money on a gourmet kitchen and forgo the three car garage or finished basement. If each child needs a separate bedroom, limit the number of walk-in closets or the size of the mudroom to allow for this expense. When making this list, keep in mind that some upgrades are easier to add later than others. For instance, you can change your flooring, but adding extra square footage often requires a major upgrade that is time consuming and costly. It is also a good idea to present your list to your contractor and narrow it down once you have costs in hand. Sometimes an upgrade that seems very expensive can fit into the budget due to a contractor’s bulk buying power or local or national discounts.

Another way to control homeowner costs is by choosing low maintenance or energy saving options. Metal roofs and vinyl siding require very little maintenance. While they may cost more when you build, the savings you realize over several years is often worth the initial investment. The same holds true for low flow shower heads, tank-less water heaters and energy star certified appliances. Discuss these options with your general contractor, and research their savings before making your final selections.

Be in Control of the Process

While you should entrust your general contractor with day to day operations and supervision during construction, remain in the loop. Keep the lines of communication open with your project manager, and stay involved in selecting materials, reviewing sub-contractor bids, watching the timeline and generally overseeing the building process in your Huntsville custom home. Remember that nobody is as invested in keeping costs down and quality up as you are, and when you stay in control, you can make sure that things are done the way that you want without breaking the bank.

To simplify the process of building your dream home in Huntsville, talk to the experts at Alair Homes. Our transparent way of doing business, proprietary software system and nationwide buying power make it easier to get everything you want in a home for less. Getting started is as easy as scheduling your free, no obligation consultation. Give us a call today.