How to Save $50,000 Before You Start Building

Builder Tips That Can Save You Thousands Before the First Nail Is Hammered

Most people think saving money happens during construction.

After more than 50 years in the building industry and helping build over 500 homes, I've found the opposite is often true.

The biggest savings happen before construction even begins.

Every week I see homeowners unknowingly spend thousands of dollars because they rush into building without a proper plan. They accept the first builder's quote, choose the wrong house design, overlook site costs, or make expensive design changes after construction has started.

The good news?

Most of these mistakes are completely avoidable.

Here are the strategies professional builders use to keep projects on budget—and how you can do the same.

1. Compare Multiple Builder Quotes

This is by far the easiest way to save money.

Many homeowners obtain one quote, maybe two, and assume they're getting a fair price.

In reality, I've seen prices vary by tens of thousands of dollars for exactly the same house.

Different builders have:

• Different overheads
• Different supplier pricing
• Different labour rates
• Different profit margins

Builder's Tip: Always obtain at least three detailed quotes before making your decision.

Potential Saving: $10,000–$30,000

2. Choose a Simple House Design

Complex roof lines, multiple corners, curved walls, and unusual layouts all increase labour and material costs.

Simple homes are:

• Faster to build
• Easier to frame
• Easier to roof
• Easier to maintain
• Usually more energy efficient

Good design doesn't have to be complicated.

Potential Saving: $5,000–$20,000

3. Build the Right Size Home

Many people design a home they'll only fully use a few times each year.

Ask yourself:

• Do you really need a second living room?
• Will all five bedrooms be occupied?
• Could one flexible room serve multiple purposes?

Every extra square metre increases construction costs.

Building smarter often beats building bigger.

4. Know Your Site Before Designing

A house that looks perfect on paper may become very expensive if it doesn't suit your land.

Consider:

• Slope
• Soil type
• Drainage
• Bushfire requirements
• Flood overlays
• Easements
• Access

Designing for the site can save thousands in excavation and retaining walls.

Potential Saving: $5,000–$15,000

5. Lock In Your Design Early

Changing plans after engineering or after construction has started is one of the fastest ways to increase costs.

Common changes include:

• Moving walls
• Enlarging rooms
• Changing windows
• Altering roof designs
• Relocating kitchens or bathrooms

Every change usually creates a ripple effect throughout the project.

6. Buy Smarter, Not Cheaper

The cheapest product isn't always the best value.

Instead, compare:

• Warranty
• Quality
• Availability
• Installation costs
• Long-term maintenance

Builders know where it's worth spending extra—and where standard products perform just as well.

7. Get Supplier Prices Before Building

Many homeowners only discover the cost of windows, roofing, kitchens, flooring, and plumbing fixtures after they've signed a building contract.

Knowing these prices early allows you to:

• Adjust your budget
• Compare suppliers
• Select better value products
• Avoid expensive upgrades later

8. Avoid Expensive Variations

Every variation after signing a building contract usually costs more than if it had been included from the beginning.

One moved wall can affect:

• Engineering
• Roofing
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Flooring
• Cabinetry
• Painting

Small changes often create surprisingly large costs.

9. Understand Exactly What's Included

Never assume something is included.

Ask your builder questions such as:

• Is landscaping included?
• Are driveways included?
• Are retaining walls included?
• Is air conditioning included?
• Are floor coverings included?
• Are window furnishings included?
• Are council fees included?

The more questions you ask now, the fewer surprises you'll have later.

10. Plan Your Entire Budget Before You Build

One of the best habits I've seen from successful owner-builders is having a complete budget before work begins.

That budget should include:

• House construction
• Engineering
• Soil testing
• Site preparation
• Council approvals
• Utilities
• Landscaping
• Fencing
• Driveway
• Furniture
• Contingency allowance

A complete budget gives you confidence and reduces financial stress during construction.

The Biggest Secret Builders Know

Professional builders don't make decisions based on guesswork.

They compare prices.

They compare suppliers.

They compare subcontractors.

They compare materials.

The more information you have before construction begins, the better decisions you'll make.

That's why experienced builders spend so much time planning before they start building.

How Our Build Cost Planning Pack Can Help

Our Build Cost Planning Pack is designed to help homeowners, owner-builders, investors, and builders understand the real cost of building before committing to full construction drawings.

The pack includes:

✔ Dimensioned Floor Plans

✔ Front, Rear & Side Elevations

✔ Window & Door Schedule

✔ Room Dimensions

✔ High-Quality 3D Images

✔ Printable PDF Plans

✔ Copyright Permission to Obtain Builder Quotes

✔ Builder Quotation Checklist

✔ Budget Planning Worksheet

✔ Build Cost Planning Guide

✔ Upgrade Credit Towards Full Construction Plans*

It's the ideal starting point for comparing builders, obtaining supplier prices, and planning your project with confidence.

Final Thoughts

Saving money on your home isn't about cutting corners.

It's about making smarter decisions before construction begins.

In my experience, homeowners who take the time to compare quotes, understand their site, and carefully plan their budget often save tens of thousands of dollars—without compromising the quality of their home.

A few extra weeks of planning can save months of stress and a significant amount of money once construction is underway.

About the Author

Chris Morris has more than 50 years of experience in the Australian building industry and has been involved in the construction of over 500 homes. Through Australian Floor Plans, he helps homeowners, owner-builders, and builders choose practical home designs, compare building quotes, and estimate construction costs before they build.

Ready to start planning? Explore our Build Cost Planning Packs and discover how proper planning can save you thousands before construction even begins.