When you’re building a house, there are going to be plenty of mistakes you make along the way, and thankfully, there are ways to fix them. At the end of the day, your goal should be to save money by building your own home or renovating your existing one. Here are the top 8 house construction tips that will save you time and money!
House Construction Tips
Some of the best tips on house construction shared by top industry experts are:
1) Make a floor plan
A floor plan is a must for any new construction project. It helps you figure out the dimensions of each room, what furniture will fit where, and how to utilize the space best. Plus, it can help you spot potential problems before they happen. Here are a few tips for creating a floor plan that will save you time and money.
Make sure you have all your measurements right: these include height, width, length, and depth. Be sure to account for closets, stairways, windows, etc. Draw it on graph paper first so you know if anything will be in the way of entrance or other obstacles. Write down exactly what needs to go in each room, including doors and windows. Measure every piece of furniture (i.e., kitchen cabinets), so you know where to put them when designing your floor plan- this step should take place Before buying your appliances!
Next, sketch a 3D drawing on graph paper so that you can see everything laid out at once- make sure nothing overlaps with an opening such as a doorway or window!
2) Use the right tools
Having the right tools can make a big difference when you’re building a house. Not only will it make the job easier, but it can also help you avoid costly mistakes.
3) Measure twice, cut once
One of the most important things to remember when constructing a house is to measure twice and cut once. This simple adage can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. By taking the time to double-check your measurements, you can avoid having to redo work or purchase new materials.
4) Pre-drill holes before attaching wood pieces
Pre-drill holes before attaching wood pieces:
- This may seem like an extra step, but it will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.
- Use a power drill/driver to speed up the process.
- If possible, use a cordless drill/driver to avoid constantly stopping and starting again.
- Drill through the thickest part of the wood first, then work your way down to the thinner parts.
- Start with a small pilot hole, then increase the size of the hole as needed.
- Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, which can strip the wood or break the drill bit.
5) Create an access point for electrical wires
- Hire a professional electrician to help with the wiring process.
- Plan where you want your outlets to be before starting any construction.
- Place outlets every four feet along the walls of your home.
- Use heavier gauge wires for larger rooms or spaces.
- Install your outlets at least six inches above the floor.
- Put all of your outlets on a circuit breaker to prevent overloading on any one area of your home.
- Test your outlets before using them by plugging in a lamp or other small appliance.
6) Paint at least twice with three coats
If you want your paint job to last, make sure to apply at least three coats of paint. It may seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth it in the long run. Plus, it will save you time and money in the long run.
- Start with a primer coat. It will help the paint adhere to the surface and provide a base for the top coats.
- Apply at least two top coats of paint. It will give you a durable finish that will last for years.
- Use a high-quality paint brush or roller. It will ensure a smooth finish and help prevent streaks.
- Be sure to allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next one.
7) Don’t be afraid to use nails instead of screws
A lot of people are afraid to use nails because they think it will make the project look messy. But using nails can actually save you a lot of your cash. They’re easier to work with, and they don’t strip as easily as screws. Plus, you can use them over and over again without having to replace them.
8) Keep all your receipts (and tax receipts)
The most important thing to remember about your receipts is to keep them organized. It means having a system in place for categorizing, storing, and accessing them. There are many ways to do this, but the key is to find what works best for you.
While it may seem like a lot of work upfront, organizing your receipts can save you a lot of time and money in the long run, plus, if you ever need to file taxes or other financial documents, having your receipts in order will make the process much easier.
