What’s a ‘cost effective home’? When we think of cost effective building, most Australians consider the build itself and nothing more. That’s only natural, seeing as everybody wants to get maximum value for their building dollar. Yet a more far-sighted point of view could lead to savings now and savings in the future, too. Working with an experienced, flexible builder like Format Homes can help you to get better value for money during the build itself, and wind up with an efficient home that will continue to save you money in the future. Let’s take a look at some of the areas in which you can partner with Format to enjoy savings now and later as well.
‘Feature Creep’ is the term used for situations where we buy any standard design, start adding options…and find that the price quickly starts to run away. It is always wise to begin with a clear understanding of what features and fittings are included standard in the home plan that you are considering. Remember that everything from ceiling heights to appliance brands and even the letterbox can be included standard, or may in fact exist only on an expensive list of options. Cost effective building means choosing a design where virtually everything you want is included standard, with minimal need to pay for extra options. Format Homes have a reputation for including premium quality finishes, fittings and appliances in their standard designs. Beware other builders who sometimes provide only the most basic items in their standard inclusions.
Cost effective building demands that you build for both how you live now, and how you plan to live in the future. The home that’s just a little too big right now might be perfect in a few years when you start a family – and much smarter than moving, or having to build all over again. Lots of choice, flexible plans and an experienced, accommodating builder can make all the difference when you set about creating your forever home. Format Homes take the time to get to know your needs, show you designs to suit your lifestyle and fine-tune every design aspect. The end result is a home you’ll love living in now and long into the future, too.
A good builder will be able to explain why they source their materials from their chosen suppliers. A good sign is a builder that prioritises local suppliers. Going local can mean less shipping costs, fewer delays and a lower cost overall – that’s cost effective building. Likewise, consider whether materials are being chosen out of habit, or because they deliver better performance. For instance, all designs by Format Homes are built around a Truecore steel frame. Steel delivers a strength advantage as well as a guarantee that remotes will never be a problem. Sometimes cost effective is as simple as side-stepping potential future expenses such as those that can be imposed by termite damage.
Experienced builders will put a lot of thought into energy efficiency, starting with basics such as the orientation of your new home in relation to the direction of the sun and prevailing breeze. This is an example of cost-effective home builders that is focused on the ongoing savings that can be made by taking advantage of natural light and ventilation. Beyond this of course, there are discussions to be had with your builder regarding the standard of insulation and glazing in your chosen design, as well as any included heating and cooling. Far-sighted decisions regarding energy efficiency, heating and cooling can result in significant benefits concerning comfort and cost savings in day-to-day living throughout the life of your home.
We’ve mentioned taking advantage of natural light and breeze for comfort. It also makes sense to speak with your builder about opportunities to make your new home more efficient through use of solar energy and rainwater harvesting. A discussion at planning stage can help ensure that your roof and electrics are ready for solar, and that future placement of rainwater tanks and plumbing is a simple matter rather than an expensive hassle.
This is yet another example of investing today to save later. Choosing the cheapest materials is not what cost effective building is all about. Rather, robust and durable materials and finishes pay off in the long run through lower maintenance costs and reduced need for repairs. Experience counts, and builders with thousands of homes to their name are the ones with a good idea of which materials stand up best to life in South Australia. From the Truecore steel frames to the masonry, cladding and floor materials they use in their designs, Format Homes build to a high standard, ensuring excellent durability and low ongoing maintenance costs.
Cost effective building calls for an understanding that the cheapest options up front are seldom those that deliver savings in the long term. Careful planning, wise choices and advice from an experienced builder go a long way towards creating a home that represents a solid investment from the start and continues to deliver savings in the long term. A quality South Australian custom house builder with decades of experience, Format Homes welcome discussions with families that are planning to build with an eye to cost effectiveness now and in the future. To make an enquiry, simply click here.
