Building your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel like a financial juggling act. Between land prices, design choices and those unknown costs that pop up when you least expect them, the budget can be put to the test. 

The good news? With some thoughtful planning and the right support, you can keep your build affordable without cutting corners. 

In this article, we’ll show you how to cut costs when building a house, with practical tips on budgeting, design and more. So, let’s get started and save you some cash.

 

Budgeting from the start: how to build a home on a budget

Before you fall in love with a floor plan or pick out tapware, it’s essential to know how much you can afford. Setting a realistic budget is the first step in learning how to build a house on a budget.

Understand your borrowing power: How much you can borrow depends on your income, debts, savings and living expenses. Getting pre-approval will clarify what you can afford before you start house hunting.

Factor in ALL costs: That includes stamp duty (if applicable), site works, landscaping, fencing, driveways and any upgrades. Many first-home buyers forget about these extras and end up stretching their finances to pay for them later on.

Work with a finance expert early: Westgate Finance, our in-house finance team specialise in helping first-home buyers understand their options. They can tailor a plan to help you get the most from your money and tell you about any government grants you may be eligible for. 

Top tip: Always include a buffer of around 5% to 10% of your total costs in your budget. It gives you peace of mind if anything unexpected pops up.

Want to understand the full picture? Check out our guide on how much it costs to build a house in Perth for a breakdown of the key expenses.

 

 

Design choices that save you money: best ways to save money building a house

Your home design plays a huge role in your total build cost. Some small design decisions can lead to big savings, especially when you know the best ways to save money building a house.

Choose a compact, efficient layout: Designs with less wasted space (like long hallways) are more affordable to build. Open-plan living is popular for a reason – it maximises usable space and keeps things cost-effective.

Select cost-effective materials: You can still get a stylish look without blowing the budget. For example, you can use wallpaper instead of cladding or wood-effect flooring in lieu of real timber flooring. Choosing standard inclusions helps, too as – you can always upgrade later.

Be smart with finishes: Spend where it counts (like energy-efficient insulation or high-traffic flooring), and save on cosmetic features you can update over time.

These strategies are great if you’re considering how to save money on building materials and reduce your build price overall.

 

 

Choosing the right builder: how to save on building costs

Your builder plays a massive role in how smoothly (and affordably) your home-building experience goes. Choosing the right builder is one of the most important steps in how to save on building costs.

Not all builders are created equal. Some offer low upfront prices but charge extra for basic inclusions later. That’s why it’s important to compare what’s included and what’s not.

Look for fixed-price contracts: Easystart offers fixed-price builds and guarantees on build timelines, helping you avoid surprise costs and delays.

Check for transparency: A builder that provides detailed quotes and takes time to explain what’s included is worth their weight in gold. Avoid ‘too good to be true’ deals that could cost more in the long run.

Easystart also gives you exclusive access to land and home designs with included features, which is ideal when you’re focused on ways to save when building a house.

 

How to avoid unexpected costs

Even with careful planning, some costs can sneak up on you. Here’s what to watch for and how to stay ahead.

Site works: These are the earthworks and preparations needed to prep your block for building. Costs can vary depending on the soil type, slope and access. A good builder (like Easystart) will do proper site investigations upfront to give you accurate pricing.

Approvals and delays: Time is money, especially if you’re paying rent while you wait for your build. Choose a builder with a strong track record for hitting timelines and managing council approvals.

Other hidden costs of building a house: Things like fencing, landscaping and driveways aren’t always included in the build quote. Make sure you know what’s covered and what’s not before signing your contract.

Wondering what kind of timeline to expect? Check out our 12 month build time guarantee so you can plan ahead with confidence

 

 

Building smart = building affordably

Knowing how to cut costs when building a house comes down to four key things: planning your budget carefully, making wise design choices, choosing a builder you can trust and staying alert to hidden extras. It is possible to build your dream home on a budget, and Easystart is here to help make it easy.

With in-house finance experts, exclusive access to affordable land, and fixed-price builds with included features, we take care of the hard stuff so you can focus on the fun parts. Ready to start? Let’s do this!