When constructing a home there are several ways that one can cut back on costs. The lists below provide some insight on a number of ideas that may or may not work for your situation. Some of the items are directly related to the type of house plan you choose.

Savings in Construction Costs

1. Enable proper bidding. Work the quirks out on paper rather than in the field.

2. Keep walls simple and lined up.

3. Organize spaces. A good design can organize the floor plans of a house in a way that the maximum use can come from the minimum space.

4. Stay compatible with conventional construction techniques.

5. Use cost-effective and environmentally friendly materials. Use local materials and labor.

5. Keep floor heights consistent through choice of materials, tile thicknesses, and underlayments.

6. Take into consideration standard material dimensions. Plywood, sheetrock, framing, trims and components come in two foot increments.

7. Eliminate change orders and additional work. Provide detailed specs to reduce the unknowns, and assure quality control and craftsman-like workmanship.

8. Assure site position is best for lot, reduces excavation and fill.

9. Use trusses where possible to save labor over stick-built roof framing.

10. Take carpet widths into consideration so you don't have a lot of seaming.

11. Orient rooms and spaces to minimize hallways and maximize the borrowed spaces from room to room, as in an open plan. This could reduce the necessary size of your home.

12. Place stairways in two story homes to limit hallways and reduce wasted space.

13. Reduce insulation cost by wrapping the inside of the walls with plastic sheeting, instead of using insulation faced with a vapor barrier.

14. Uses cantilevering (suspended support for parts of floor area) versus having the foundation follow every jog to save on foundations and excavation.

15. Keep roof pitch below 7/12, (seven inches of drop for every running foot) to make for lower cost and faster roof work. The Essentail Guide to Roofing, can be a helpful tool in determining roof pitch.

Savings in Operating Costs

Choosing the correct home plan, materials, and lot location can save you money in the operating costs of the house. These decisions will influence the durability and the cost to operate your dream home. The list below gives examples of ways to lower your operating costs.

Selecting the Right Supplier

Your level of concern will be determined by how much you're spending: Are you buying a bag of nails or $12,000 worth of appliances?

When selecting a supplier consider:

If you're not sure what terms fit your situation, discuss the issues with your supplier, then take your time to weigh and consider the possibilities. You must state your terms clearly (and most times in writing) then assert your position at time of purchase in the store as well as delivery at your site.

Visit the Better Business Bureau web site. The Better Business Bureau provides instant access to business and consumer alerts as well as helpful resources. Plus, you can file a complaint online.

As you negotiate with contractors and suppliers, the terms of your agreements directly impact your project work schedule and the flow of materials and products to your job site. Quality Control of installation and worker's safety will often be based on the pace of activities, the care and concern shown by all participants, and how much time you're able to give to the details while still holding everyone accountable for their work.

Using some of these tip and techniques will help in the construction of a cost-effective home. Some may not be pertinent to your particular situation, but one or a combination of ideas should help reduce some cost.