Custom building approaches face a huge financial challenge. Small design changes can drastically affect your budget. NTEX Construction has developed custom home building approaches that focus on smart planning and strategic design choices. Our custom commercial building solutions utilize multi-purpose spaces and standard measurements to get the most value without compromising quality.
Smart Planning Before You Build
The first nail comes long after successful construction projects begin. Our team at NTEX Construction has witnessed how good planning reduces cost overruns and timeline extensions. The pre-construction phase stands as the most important part of the entire building process for professional builders.
Define your budget and strategies
A detailed budget is an important part of any successful custom building project. The National Association of Home Builders reports that a typical new home’s costs has 20-25% for the finished lot, 25-30% for building materials, and 20-25% for onsite labor. Your construction costs should allocate 4-8% specifically for design and pre-construction planning to prevent changes that get pricey later. These strategies will help you succeed.
- Create a clear vision with layout priorities
- Build a detailed budget
- Team up with builders like NTEX Construction
- Order materials early
Choose the right lot for your needs
Your chosen land affects both construction costs and future lifestyle. Even-surfaced lots reduce land modification expenses. The lot’s orientation can affect both energy efficiency and natural lighting. Review these factors when selecting sites for your custom residential or commercial project!
Location FactorsYour property value and daily life depend on amenity proximity, potential environmental risks, and commute times |
Lot CharacteristicsSize, shape, and terrain shape what you can build. Rectangular lots facing the street remain most popular and command higher prices in suburban areas. |
Utility AccessMake sure your lot connects to electricity, water, sewer, gas, and telecommunications or budget extra if these services need extension. |
Understand zoning and permit requirements
Local regulations govern every construction project. Officials review your application to make sure it meets building codes, zoning bylaws, and other applicable laws. Building permits give you formal permission to start construction and ensure your project meets safety and community standards. Take these steps before buying land or finalizing designs.
1. Research local zoning regulations that control what you can build
2. Learn setback requirements from property lines
3. Check height restrictions and building coverage percentages
4. Verify if the property has special designations
2. Learn setback requirements from property lines
3. Check height restrictions and building coverage percentages
4. Verify if the property has special designations
NTEX Construction’s custom building approach guides clients through this regulatory maze. We perform thorough site inspections to spot property characteristics and identify potential challenges early. Pre-planning might look like an extra expense at first, but this phase carries the highest risk in your project.
Design Choices That Cut Costs
Smart design choices form the foundation of affordable custom building. NTEX Construction’s experience shows that smart design decisions can cut construction costs without losing quality or functionality.
Reduce square footage without losing function
Homeowners now know that right-sized homes cut both construction and maintenance costs. Building upward makes more sense than spreading out. A two-story design costs less per square foot than a ranch-style home with matching square footage. Multi-purpose spaces help lower square footage while getting the most use from your space. Here are some examples.
- Home offices that double as guest rooms
- Kitchen islands that work as dining areas and workspaces
- Living areas that blend into dining spaces without walls
These spaces help cut construction costs and make your home more useful as your family’s needs change over time.
Use open floor plans for flexibility
Open floor plans keep gaining popularity because they make spaces feel larger while cutting construction costs. Taking out unnecessary walls lets kitchen, dining, and living areas blend naturally. These spaces share light and energy with each other. Open concepts bring practical benefits beyond looks. They let in more natural light, make movement easier, and give you more options for furniture placement as your needs shift. You’ll also spend less on materials since you won’t need framing, drywall, and finishing for extra interior walls.
Simplify your roof and layout
Complex rooflines with multiple peaks and angles drive up material and labor costs. Each extra exterior wall plane or corner adds to your expenses. A simpler exterior wall layout cuts down on construction complexity and wastes less material. This approach makes framing easier.
NTEX Construction’s custom residential and commercial building approach focuses on creating efficient designs. We cut unnecessary costs while keeping the features our clients value most.
Working with the Right Builder
Your choice of builder can make all the difference between a smooth project and a bad experience. A partnership with experienced pros builds the foundation for quality results and budget-friendly outcomes.
Benefits of design-build firms like NTEX Construction
Design-build firms like NTEX Construction give you a real edge. We take care of both design and construction under one roof. Our integrated approach gives you a single contact point throughout your project. This setup removes any chance of mixed signals between separate design and construction teams. On top of that, these firms can roll with changes more easily during the building process, which gives you more flexibility. Projects usually wrap up faster since design and construction can happen at the same time.
Everything in clear communication and expectations
Good communication helps turn your vision into reality. Quality builders will walk you through their process, schedule, and how they handle changes right from the start. Setting up communication ground rules early helps avoid confusion down the road. Projects with solid communication are more likely to stay within budget and on schedule.
Tap into the full potential of vendor relationships
Long-time builders have strong ties with suppliers, which helps them get better prices on quality materials. Buying in bulk lets suppliers drop their per-unit costs, and these savings go straight to you. Better yet, these relationships help secure quality materials even during shortages. Builders can work out better deals on good materials through their industry connections.
Do You Need Construction?
Our team at NTEX Construction brings many advantages as your building partner. As a design-build firm, we give you a single point of contact, great communication, and valuable vendor relationships that save both time and money. Our integrated approach speeds up completion times and gives you more flexibility throughout your project. Reach out to us to start your project!
Custom Building FAQs
How can I reduce costs when building a custom home?
You can reduce costs by simplifying your home’s design, using open floor plans, choosing stock plans over custom designs, and simplifying the roof and layout.
What are the benefits of working with a design-build firm?
Design-build firms offer a single point of contact for both design and construction, which can lead to better communication, faster completion times, and more flexibility during the building process.
How important is pre-construction planning in custom building?
Pre-construction planning is crucial for a successful and cost-effective custom building project. It involves defining your budget, choosing the right lot, understanding zoning and permit requirements, and conducting thorough site inspections.
What should I consider when evaluating contractor bids?
When evaluating bids, look beyond the bottom line price. Compare materials and specifications across bids, examine the level of detail provided, be cautious of excessive allowances, and ask about payment schedules.
How can smart design choices impact the overall cost of a custom build?
Smart design choices can significantly reduce construction costs without sacrificing quality or functionality. These include using multi-functional spaces, opting for open floor plans, simplifying the roof and layout, and choosing stock plans that can be modified to meet your specific needs.
Contact Us
Contact With Us
Whether you have questions, would like a quote, or are ready to start your project, submit the form or call us at (361) 645-4000 to get in contact with us.