You’re about to build your dream home. But how do you keep costs under control during the process?
At Como Projects, one of the most common questions we get asked is: "How do I keep costs down during my build?" With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of practical tips to help reduce your build costs and stay on budget.
Understanding costs and being prepared is key to staying on track. With thoughtful planning and the right team in your corner, building your dream home doesn’t have to be an overwhelming or costly experience. As an experienced Canberra builder, Como Projects is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring your build runs on time and on budget.
Engage a Builder Early On
Getting a builder involved early is one of the best ways to manage your build costs. A local custom home specialist like Como Projects can quickly determine whether your home design is achievable within your budget. Builders are best placed to advise on project costs, materials, and potential budget pitfalls.
Engaging a builder during the design phase—working alongside your architect—can also be highly beneficial. While there may be a consultation fee, this early collaboration can save you money down the line by helping you make informed decisions about materials and construction methods from the outset.
Choose a Specialist
When selecting a builder for your new home or knockdown rebuild, choose a specialist with proven experience in custom homes. Specialists bring with them trusted contacts, streamlined processes, and deep knowledge of the entire build journey.
For example, Como Projects manages everything from demolition to landscaping. By keeping the entire process under one roof, you avoid the extra costs of outsourcing each stage—saving time and money.
Prepare Detailed Structural Drawings
Clear and comprehensive structural drawings are essential for receiving accurate quotes. They reduce ambiguity and guide your builder on structural components, helping to avoid costly errors or delays due to RFIs (Requests for Information).
Vague or incomplete drawings can lead to misunderstandings and mistakes—both of which can quickly blow out your budget. Investing in quality documentation upfront will save you time and money during construction.
Conduct Soil Tests Early
Wondering how soil tests help reduce your build costs? A soil test determines your site’s foundation classification and can highlight any expensive site requirements before construction begins.
The type of soil—especially if it’s reactive clay—can significantly influence your slab design and foundation costs. Conducting a soil test before purchasing a plot can prevent unexpected site costs and help you make an informed buying decision.
Keep Landscaping Simple but Effective
Earthworks are one of the most unpredictable (and expensive) parts of a new build. Rock removal, for example, is rarely included in standard quotes and can significantly increase your costs once digging begins.
To help reduce earthwork costs, keep your landscaping simple. On a sloped block, for instance, consider leaving the gradient as is instead of levelling it. You can always revisit and upgrade your landscaping in the future, once the major work is done.
Use an Open Floor Plan Where Possible
The golden rule of building costs is simple: the more complex your design, the more expensive your build.
That’s where open-plan living can be a game-changer. Fewer internal walls mean fewer materials, less labour, and lower costs. Open floor plans are also popular for their flexibility and flow, and they create bright, spacious areas perfect for modern family life.
Make Early Decisions
Deciding on your fixtures, fittings, and finishes early helps keep your build on budget. Delayed decisions often lead to last-minute changes, which increase material costs and labour time.
If some decisions can’t be made up front, make sure your contract includes realistic prime cost and provisional sum allowances. These cover items not yet selected and give your builder a reasonable estimate to work with.
Avoiding unnecessary variations (changes made after the contract is signed) is key. These can quickly add up and derail your budget. The best strategy is to make clear decisions early and stick to your plan.
Ready to Build?
Being prepared and understanding your build costs from the outset can save you significant time, money, and stress. If you’re ready to design your new home or explore a knockdown rebuild, book a consultation with Como Projects.
Our expert team is here to help you maximise your budget and keep your building costs down—right from the start.
