Fifty Cost Cutting Do’s and Don’ts

Fifty Do and Do Not Cost Cutting Items

1. Specifications and Plans - DO NOT cut corners here! Get the best and most detailed plans.

2. Survey - Better make sure your house is in the right place!

3. Foundation - Possibly the most important structural part of your home. Use extra steel. If it is a slab, use EXTRA steel and pour it 6 inches thick!

4. Foundation Waterproofing - Absolutely spend money here! An asphalt coating is NOT waterproofing!

5. Termite Control - If you are in termite prone areas, pre-treat soil now. It is cheaper than doing it down the road.

6. Structural Steel - You could save money by not priming and painting it, but it would be a mistake, especially any exterior brick lintels. Those must be primed and painted on all sides and edges before they are installed.

7. Sewer Line / Septic - Do you like to rod out sewer lines? Who does? Get the best installed here.

8. Electric Service - You could get an economy panel but you may have a hard time getting breakers in the future. Go with name brand stuff here.

9. Roof Trusses - Get standard trusses if you want to save money. Need extra storage space or a future room? Then get attic trusses!

10. Roofing - You can get by with regular 3 tab shingles. The steeper the roof pitch the longer they last. This is really an aesthetic issue. What will look good on your home?

11. Roof Ventilation - More is better.

12. Air and Water Infiltration Barrier - DO NOT skip this. Water does leak through brick, siding and stucco. You must protect the wood structure.

13. Windows - These are the most important energy items in your home. Buy cheap windows trying to economize and you will regret it.

14. Exterior Doors - This is an important mechanical and energy item. DO NOT waste money here. Think how much it will cost to replace one!

15. Furnace / AC - These two items control and maintain your indoor comfort! Buy the best. BEWARE - This is one area where most builders try to save money.

16. Ductwork - This system moves air around your home. DO NOT save here!

17. Water Heater - You can save here if you want. Buy one with a 5 year warranty. Water heaters - if installed correctly with di-electric unions - can be replaced in several hours.

18. Gas Lines - Put in what you need for now but have the plumber install tees with nipples and caps if you think you want additional lines run in the future to a fireplace or a gas grill.

19. Telephone Wiring - It is important to have a single cable run to each place where a phone will be. DO NOT loop one cable through the house.

20. CAT 5 Wiring - This is the wire standard of the near future. Phones, computers and all sorts of devices can be networked if you install this wire.

21. Central Vacuum - You don't need one, but they are nice to have.

22. Plaster - It is better than drywall, but drywall will work.

23. Soundproofing - Here is one place to spend some extra cash. Once you move in it is too late to remediate.

24. Siding - You can save with vinyl siding. Some are very realistic looking.

25. Brick - In the long run - if installed correctly - brick saves you money. It also adds value.

26. Gutters - You can save here. These are easy to upgrade later.

27. Exterior Paint - Buy the best paint possible. The new urethane acrylic blends are the best! Backprime all wood before it is installed.

28. Exterior Sidewalks - Pour these 5 inches thick.

29. Driveway - If you can find a tar and chip installer it is the least expensive but best driveway.

30. Garage Door - The largest mechanical device in your home. Do not try to save here.

31. Disappearing Stairs - If you cut corners here you could break a leg.

32. Mailbox - These can be replaced in an hour.

33. Fencing - This is a luxury you possibly can put off till another day.

34. Retaining Walls - The new mortarless technology stackable walls are very affordable and they work!

35. Landscaping - Do as little as possible. Be sure to consider how big things get!

36. Interior Doors - You can replace these later. It is not too hard.

37. Interior Door Hardware - These also can be replaced with little effort. Get by for now with cheaper ones.

38. Kitchen Cabinets - These are tough to replace. Buy good ones.

39. Countertops - Plastic Laminate is affordable and better looking than ever before!

40. Kitchen Sink Faucet - A serious DIY'r can replace a sink faucet in about two hours. Upgrade later.

41. Built-in Appliances - Buy good ones.

42. Refrigerator - Get a new one that uses little electricity. They will save you money down the road.

43. Dishwasher - If you like to talk in your kitchen you better get a quiet one!

44. Disposal - These can also be changed out in less than an hour. Buy a cheap one for now.

45. Laundry Room Cabinets - A great place to economize.

46. Interior Light Fixtures - For important ones, I would buy high quality. Hallways and other secondary rooms - economize for now!

47. Tub and Shower Valves - Buy the best! These are hard to change out.

48. Lavatory Faucets - Get cheap ones. You can change these in an hour or less.

49. Toilets - Economize. A toilet can be changed in as little as two hours.

50. Carpeting - Economize!