Optimizing Material Costs for My Custom Build

TL;DR

• Focusing on using salvage materials, specifically two by fours, to optimize costs.
• Calculating perimeter to guide material estimates based on different building techniques.
• Exploring various construction methods to develop material assemblies per foot.
• Prioritizing cost-effective floor plans by comparing perimeter-based material needs.

As I delve deeper into my custom build project, I’ve been really focused on comparing various construction techniques. My primary aim is to optimize the use of salvage materials, particularly two by fours, which are readily available at minimal or no cost.

I’ve started by calculating the perimeter for a potential 1,500 square foot home, which initially involved some recalculations to get right. My approach involves walking through floor plans, considering factors like existing site conditions and desirable features, such as preserving certain trees or avoiding bedrock.

From there, I compare these floor plans against various construction techniques like two by four and two by six wall assemblies, SIP panels, and block walls. I evaluate the pros and cons of each method, determining a cost per foot for materials based on standard sizes.

Key to this is creating assemblies for each technique that cover the essential building components up to the sheathing point, excluding common elements like drywall, to determine per-foot costs.

My goal is to find an efficient building strategy with these assemblies that helps minimize costs while still achieving a structurally sound and environmentally considerate build. This exercise gives me a reality check on the budgetary implications of different techniques, even without factoring in wastage. Overall, this meticulous planning is crucial for deciding on the most cost-effective building approach.