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How can we reduce the cost? See plans!

Posted by michellelisa (My Page) on
Tue, Aug 1, 06 at 0:12

My husband and I worked with our builder and designer he recommended to custom design a home that would supposedly work within our budget. We received the numbers on Saturday, and they are 20% over what we had planned/requested.

We are hoping for your advice on how to cut costs on structural things like roofing/roof lines, framing/carpentry, foundation, etc. Please take a look at these plans and send your advice our way.

Our builder has provided all the bids and allowances as well as his markup (which is apparently 7.9%), and told us to look into ways we feel we can reduce the price. We are working to reduce the 'obvious' things like flooring, windows, exterior materials, appliances, fixtures, etc.

A few numbers for reference:
Lumber is 18.7% of the building cost.
Foundation & flatwork is 7.7%.
Rough carpentry is 5.4%.
Roofing 2.5%.


Image link: How can we reduce the cost? See plans! (22 k)

Here is a link that might be useful: Flickr site has the rest of the pictures


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: How can we reduce the cost? See plans!

Cost vary by region. Where are you building?
The image is difficult to read. How big is the house you are trying to build? What is your budget?


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