Building your first home is an exciting time and, for many, it is also a big expense. Avoid getting caught out by hidden costs that can come up after your build is complete by thinking about things like landscaping and joinery ahead of time. With some planning and careful budgeting, you can achieve your perfect dream home and you can even save some money by sourcing things yourself.
JoineryProfessional cabinet makers can be pricey, especially if you have specific requirements or any usual shapes in your new home. Although some builders will include joinery in their housing cost, others will leave it to you to source this extra fit-out.
Before you commit to any built-in shelving, a butler’s pantry, or walk-in-robes, it can be a good idea to move into your new home and get a better sense of the space and functionality. It could be that you don’t require the kind of storage you were thinking of, or you might decide you need more.
Ask a few different cabinet makers for a quote to find the best deal, and if this is out of your budget, you can find DIY alternatives at places like IKEA. These may not fit your space perfectly, but they can be a cost-effective solution.
Many new homeowners are so focused on their new house, they forget about the land surrounding it! But landscaping is an important element that can really add to the look and feel of the home.
It’s a good idea to get a landscaping plan done ahead of time, especially if you have a large backyard or a feature to work around such as a swimming pool. You can also save money on landscaping by sourcing plants yourself and doing some of your own labour.
Some people might not realise that the finish of the driveway and any tiling you require on other outdoor areas won’t be included in most home building quotes. However, you can negotiate with your builder to have this work included in the price, so that you’re not left with the hassle later. A completed driveway and tiled alfresco areas will allow you to start living comfortably in your new home sooner.
If you don’t get these included in your builder price, you can shop around for quotes from tradespeople and even source tiles yourself to save some money.
A beautiful new home only works for homeowners if you have furniture to fill it! But quality furniture pieces can be expensive, and when you are furnishing an entire new home, the costs will quickly add up.
Don’t rush to buy all of your significant pieces – like a couch and dining table – right at the beginning. Take your time to source the best furniture for your home and wait for sales when you can. You may be able to source cheaper, second-hand furniture to use in the interim while you save up for the perfect pieces.