We’re all aware that the cost of living is constantly increasing, especially right now! Interest rates climbing, grocery bills sneaking up, and don’t start us on those fuel prices! While everything seems to be going up, there are a few things that you can do to help combat the general cost of living. These include implementing energy-saving tips from the design stage, through to the implementation of some key considerations and additions throughout the home – no matter whether you’re in an existing home, or building new.
Let’s talk about lighting
Switching to LED bulbs is an easy win, and these are always included in your new build. They may cost a bit more upfront but use up to 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs, you get your money’s worth! Another tip is to unplug electronics when they’re not in use, or use a power strip to turn them all off at once. It’s amazing how much energy can be wasted by leaving electronics plugged in when they’re not being used.
Check your appliances
If and when you get to the stage of needing new appliances it really pays to check the energy ratings. This is designed to help you identify energy-efficient models that can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bill each month. Also, using smart home technology can help you save money on your energy bill by automatically adjusting your thermostat, turning off lights when you leave a room, and more.
Start a financial check-in
It’s important to review your home finances to see where you can cut costs. You might be able to save money on your mortgage or refinance to get a lower interest rate. The more regular your payments, the more you save too, so go for weekly or fortnightly repayments over monthly. You could also look into shopping around to reduce your insurance premiums or cutting back on unnecessary expenses. Creating a budget can help you identify where you’re overspending and where you can cut back.
Tips for building new
Building a new home can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. However, it can also be expensive. From the cost of materials to labour costs, building a home can quickly add up, but these costs can be offset with lower maintenance in the medium term when compared to an older existing home. With some careful planning and smart decision-making, you can save money while still building the home of your dreams. Here are some tips on saving money while building your new home:
Create a budget and stick to it
Before you start building your new home, it’s important to create a budget. Do you really need the latest gadgets or on-trend cladding to keep up with the Joneses? Determine how much money you can afford to spend on the project, and then stick to it. One way to save money is to create a detailed list of all the costs associated with building the home, including the cost of materials, labour, permits, and inspections. This will help you identify areas where you can cut costs and stay within your budget.
You don’t want any budget blowouts with your build project so please ensure your purchase price is secured and final and agreed upon by both parties so there are no unwanted surprises along the way!
You can also chat to your friendly Green Homes Design & Build team who have a house-full of experience in this area. Consider energy-efficient options.
Energy-efficient options can save you money in the long run. Consider investing in high spec windows (fortunately the new H1 building code regulations demand improved glazing standards), insulation, and HVAC systems. While these options may cost more upfront, they can significantly lower your energy bills over time, saving you money in the long run.
Plan for future additions
When building a new home, it’s important to plan for future utility and living requirements. This means leaving room in the budget and the design, for imminent expansions to future proof your new abode. By planning for future additions now, you can save money down the road by avoiding the need for costly renovations in case you want to grow your family, or move the mother-in-law in at some stage!
When it comes to building your new Green Home, we work with you throughout the entire process. We want to make sure that you receive only the best experience while building your Green Home, and want to handover to you a higher performing home so you are warm, cosy and comfortable on move-in day and beyond! We promise an energy-efficient, cost-saving and comfortable home that works for your family’s needs now, and in the future.