Hi folks,

I am a solar sub-contractor and architectural draftsman and have helped many
people build their own efficient and inexpensive homes. Over the years I have
learned many tips for saving on building a home that any do-it-yourselfer can
use.

TIP #1: If you buy building materials in small quantity you will pay full retail
price. Instead figure out exactly what materials you will need. Include
everything from screws to appliances. Make your material list look professional
and take it to any large construction supplier like home depot or lowes. Do not
talk to a clerk but go straight to the contractor desk or speak to a manager and
tell them you are building your own home and would like the contractor discount
for buying all the materials from them.

Most building supply stores will give you anywhere from 5% to 15% discount if
you buy all material at one time. They may even throw in free delivery if you
live within a certain mileage.

If you have to buy in small quantities go to the mom and pop building suppliers
with your list and ask the manager for a discount if you buy all your materials
from them over time. You will still usually get a discount and be supporting
your local dealers.

TIP #2: If you are using solar (I hope) try to buy your panels in bulk for a big
discount. Most panel suppliers will give 30% or more for bulk sales of ten
panels or more and a smaller discount if you buy more than one. Talk to the
owner if possible as salesman rarely have power to discount. Get your power
controller and necessary wiring and even batteries from the dealer and get an
even bigger discount!

TIP #3: Recycle whenever possible. Good used Doors and windows can be had for
free or cheap from most window installers. Get double pane and insulated doors
for exterior. They may need painting and might be different sizes but the
savings is worth a little extra work.

Good used appliances can be had for free or cheap. Check out your local
freecycle website, garage sale, city dump, or look for homes being remodled and
make an offer. Sinks, toilets, cabinets, tubs, showers are always being thrown
away so do some scrounging and don't waste money on new ones.

New propane appliances can be expensive but if you have or can buy an old rv
cheap salvage all your propane appliances to outfit your home.

TIP #4: Design your home for efficiency. Consider how big of a home you really
need. Smaller homes are cheaper to build, cheaper to heat and cool, easier to
clean and lower in property taxes. Because people are looking for smaller
efficient homes they also raise in property value faster than big inefficient
homes.

TIP #5: Use the sun and passive energy. Situate you house to take advantage of
the sun for winter heating and solar panels. Plant trees for natural summer
cooling. Use overhangs to block summer sun and porches for cool resting spots.
Passive air turbines instead of expensive air conditioning.

TIP #6: Go solar! There is a fed rebate of 30% for any size solar electric
system installed by a professional installer. You can get this rebate even if
you do the work yourself if you will contact an installer and ask them to design
your system and oversee your work. get them to sign off on the work as being
installed professionally and you can get the rebate. Many installers will do
this and I do it all the time for clients. If you buy your equipment from them
they can get you a bigger discount and they will give you valuable advice for
designing the right size system for your needs. It may be worth a few hundred
dollars to have their professional experience and you will save a lot in the
rebate and having a correctly designed system.

TIP #7: Do the work yourself! Even if you have no building experience you can
save a lot by having a knowledgeable builder use you for labor on your own home.
Take a construction class or volunteer with a habitats for humanity project or
your neighbors construction to learn the skill you need. Home construction is
not difficult and most people that have basic construction knowledge can do it
themselves or with a little guidance from a knowledgeable builder.


If you have any other tips for home builders please add them!

LaMar
www.simplesolarhomesteading.com