Today, everyone is looking for ways to make their home more affordable. The housing market has been soaring upward for years now, and it’s only getting pricier from here. If you want to build your dream home without breaking the bank, then you’ll need to keep your design costs under control. It’s easier than you might think! Here are 10 construction tips that can help you build a house for $10,000 or less
1. Duct seal your ducts
Have you ever noticed how loud your air conditioner is when it’s turned on? It’s not just annoying; it’s actually damaging your electrical system. Duct sealing is a must if you have old, dirty duct work that’s pulling warm air from your walls into your system. Dirty ducts are also more likely to experience condensation and mold growth, which are even more dangerous.
Sealed ducts will keep your AC from turning on and off, saving you money and energy. They’ll also allow your furnace to run longer, saving you even more money. If you’d like to seal your ducts, you can hire a professional to install duct sealing kits. However, you can also do it yourself with the right sealant. Use duct tape as a glue to seal larger gaps, and then seal your ducts with a duct sealant like DampRid.
2. Laundry room for storage and laundry
When was the last time you cleaned your laundry room? If you’re like most people, the answer is never. Why? Because your laundry room is probably filled with junk and clutter. A clean and organized laundry room makes it easy to find your laundry detergent and other cleaning supplies, and it makes it easy to store your clothes.
Plus, it looks so much nicer when it’s clean. If you don’t have a laundry room in your home yet, you can easily turn your garage or basement into one. With a door installed, you can even make it into a second living space.
3. Make the most of standard construction materials
Walls, floors, and roofing materials are all standard products that are available at any home improvement store. So, why pay a premium for specialty, eco-friendly materials like bamboo or OSB when standard products work just as well? Think about how you plan to decorate your home.
If you plan to paint your walls, then you’ll need drywall. You can use standard gypsum board for drywall, or you can go for something more durable and eco-friendly like fiber cement board. When it comes to wood selection, you may be tempted to choose a special-looking species like bamboo. Don’t do it! Standard woods like cedar and redwood are just as attractive and reasonably priced.
4. Install a water-saving shower head and faucet
A cheap way to cut down on your water bill is by installing a water-saving shower head. These shower heads use a lot less water than traditional shower heads, and they also have fewer parts, making them easier to clean and keep looking great.
A water-efficient faucet is another way to reduce your water bill. Look for low-flow models that have fewer holes and less flow than standard faucets. The LPG L-125E is a great example and it’s $50.
There are also plenty of faucet aerators on the market that reduce the amount of water that comes out of the faucet by 30 percent or more. This is a great way to save money without sacrificing too much water.
5. Add a mudroom
Behind every house is a garage, but most people don’t realize that it can also serve as a mudroom. A mudroom provides a great place to put your shoes, store your keys, and even hang your coat when you come in from the garage.
A mudroom costs between $300 and $500, depending on the size and finish of the door you choose. You can also add a mudroom to your home for less than $300 by installing a mudroom door in your unfinished basement or garage.
6. Add an internal staircase to save on stairs
If you have a smaller home, you can save a lot of money by installing an internal staircase. This type of staircase is installed inside the home and runs from the basement to the main level. While they cost a bit more up front, they cost less to maintain than an internal staircase that runs the full height of the house.
Plus, they’re a great way to create more space in your home without breaking the bank.
7. Install a hidden storm shelter entry door
If you live in an area that gets a lot of severe weather, it’s a good idea to protect your home from potential damage. This can be done by installing a hidden storm entry door. A hidden storm door is installed inside your home and leads from a hallway, closet, or other protected area. It provides access to your home in the event of a power outage or other natural disaster.
The hidden storm door is relatively inexpensive, costing between $300 and $500 depending on the model and manufacturer. You can also protect your home for less by installing a storm door in your basement or garage.
8. Add a deck to your yard
A deck isn’t just for summer anymore. Not only can you have a party on your deck all year round, you can use it to save on your home’s energy bill. A properly designed deck with a high roof allows water to run off the roof and drip-line down into the ground. This keeps the water from pooling up and helps reduce your home’s energy bill.
You can save money by building a deck yourself. You can get the typical deck for about $3,000. With that kind of cash, you can build a new deck and put it to good use in the city.
9. Include solar panels to be self-sufficient and save money in the long run
An ideal way to build your dream home for $10,000 or less is by including solar panels in your design. Not only will this allow you to provide your own electricity, it will also help your home last longer. Inside your home, you can use the power generated from the panels to run your refrigerator, fans, lights, and more.
Outside, you can use the power to charge your batteries and run other electronics. If you have the cash and space, you can also install a large solar panel system that will power your home for years to come. The average cost of a 10-kilowatt solar system is $15,000, so it depends on your budget and needs.
Wrap up
Home construction is no simple walk in the park. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to make it happen. However, if you have the right home building tips and strategies, you can build a house for $10,000 or less.
This is especially true if you build your home with standard materials and duct seal your ducts. These are just a few of the construction tips you can implement to build a house for $10,000 or less.
