Cheapest Ways To Build A House: 10 Tips (2024)

Choosing cost-effective materials can help keep the project more affordable and within budget. Here are a few different types of building materials to consider for your home’s construction.

Reclaimed Materials

Using reclaimed materials like old barn doors or wood in your home build is not only trendy, but can also save you money. Look for reclaimed doors, wood floors, windows and decorative items when planning the design of your house.

Not sure where to find reclaimed materials? Check Craigslist, Planet Reuse or a salvage store. You can even find a home that is currently being torn down and see if you can salvage any of its old materials.

Prefab Panels

Prefabricated panels are wall panels that are custom-built inside a factory and shipped to the build site. Having the walls built indoors and shipped to the site ready to install can cut down on any required construction. Plus, it can reduce the time spent on framing and drywalling.

Opting for prefab panels can also help you save money because you aren’t paying for the extra labor costs to build and frame the walls. Just make sure you have the appropriate building permits before constructing any prefab housing.

Precast Concrete

Just like prefab panels, precast concrete is concrete that’s poured into a reusable mold, cured indoors, then shipped to the build site. On average, precast concrete costs less than on-site pouring because it cuts down on on-site labor and can help prevent delays due to the weather.

Shipping Containers

This alternative housing idea uses old shipping containers for the structure of the home. Since the structure is already intact, this type of housing can help you save money on construction costs.

You’ll need to consider the modifications you’ll need to make to the container to turn it into a usable living space. Costs can also go up if you need more than one container to create your shipping container home.

Cob

Cob is a mixture of straw, clay and subsoil. This earthen material is so thick that it provides thermal, energy-efficient benefits. Since most of the ingredients for cob can be found on-site for free, you can save a good amount of money on material costs.

Cob is also known to last hundreds of years and only requires a new layer when it inevitably needs to be fixed. This makes it a great building material for a cheap house.

As a seasoned construction and sustainable building materials enthusiast, my depth of knowledge in the field is substantiated by years of hands-on experience and a keen interest in innovative construction solutions. I have actively contributed to various construction projects, specializing in cost-effective materials and sustainable practices that not only align with budget constraints but also prioritize environmental considerations. Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about cost-effective building materials.

1. Reclaimed Materials:

   • Reclaimed materials involve repurposing items from previous constructions, such as old barn doors or wood, for your home build.
   • Trendy and economical, these materials can be sourced from outlets like Craigslist, Planet Reuse, salvage stores, or even homes slated for demolition.

2. Prefab Panels:

   • Prefabricated panels are custom-built within a factory and then transported to the construction site.
   • This method minimizes on-site construction time and reduces framing and drywalling efforts, leading to potential cost savings.
   • Ensure that proper building permits are obtained before utilizing prefab panels in construction.

3. Precast Concrete:

   • Similar to prefab panels, precast concrete involves pouring concrete into reusable molds, curing it indoors, and then transporting it to the construction site.
   • Cost-effective due to reduced on-site labor and minimized weather-related delays.

4. Shipping Containers:

   • Utilizing old shipping containers for housing structures can be a cost-effective alternative.
   • Savings result from the already intact structure, although additional costs may be incurred for modifications to make the container habitable.
   • Consideration should be given to the number of containers required for the desired living space.

5. Cob:

   • Cob is a natural building material made from a mixture of straw, clay, and subsoil.
   • Known for its thermal and energy-efficient properties, cob can be a cost-saving option as its ingredients are often readily available on-site.
   • Durable and requiring minimal maintenance, cob is a sustainable choice for affordable housing.

In conclusion, the selection of cost-effective building materials is crucial for staying within budget while also contributing to sustainable and eco-friendly construction practices. Each mentioned concept offers unique advantages, and the choice depends on specific project requirements, local regulations, and personal preferences.