Budget Matters When Building Your High-Performance Home

Creating a budget is one of the most important aspects of any high-performance home build. It’s where all custom homebuilding projects start to take shape, informing everything from property costs, to construction timeline, to design and material choices. And the more intentional your budget is, the more financial value and satisfaction you’ll receive as a result.

At the start of the home building process, you may have several questions related to setting your budget. What are the most important considerations? Which project costs should you prioritize to get the most bang for your buck?

Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. For almost 30 years, Clarum Homes has helped Silicon Valley homeowners manage their high-performance home builds for the best possible return on investment. Here are a few places to start when planning the budget for your new home:

Partner with the right contractor

Hiring an experienced contractor to plan and manage your new home build is a smart investment. For starters, they can advise you on costs for permits, materials, and finishes. They also have insight on various construction costs – from site improvements and structural components to internal systems and interior design.

Keep in mind that a seasoned contractor should act in partnership with you throughout your new home build. This means providing a complete project timeline up-front and ensuring consistent communication throughout the construction process. That way you know that you’re getting what you’ve paid for.

Consider design-build services

If you’re new to the world of high-performance homebuilding, choosing an all-in-one solution like design-build services is not only efficient, it’s also economical. You maintain complete control over your home build and gain value from having your entire project team under one umbrella. It also streamlines communication, making it easier to plan your build from concept through to final stages.  

With Clarum’s Design-Build services, you get a more efficient project plan, better quality control, more accurate and budget-driven estimates, and tighter project schedules. We even have an online project site where you can track the progress of your build, review and make changes, and access important documents. This fluid process takes the guesswork out of planning, making for a smoother build while saving you time and making good use of your money.

Opt for sustainable materials

When planning your high-performance home, we recommend selecting materials with an eye toward durability and longevity. In budgeting for materials, consider the long-term value of higher quality materials versus the price alone. Your overall savings will be higher as better materials equals a more energy efficient home. This means lower monthly utility bills and a reduced need for costly maintenance down the road.

In addition to higher quality materials, try shifting your money towards sustainably-sourced materials. These materials include engineered lumber, low VOC paint, recycled decking material, reclaimed wood floors, or formaldehyde-free cabinetry. Not only will these decisions pay off for the planet, but you’ll also be rewarded with a healthy environment for you and your family – something that’s well worth the money.

Prioritize energy-efficient systems

One of the highest costs of homeownership is – you guessed it – the cost of energy. A conventional home isn’t designed for energy efficiency and as a result, requires more energy to maintain comfort. Passive homes employ a set of advanced building technologies in order to achieve extreme energy efficiency. And you don’t have to trade style or comfort for peace of mind or a great return.

How do passive homes differ from conventional homes? Mostly by reducing your carbon footprint and overall energy costs. They incorporate technologies like airtight building envelopes, Heat Recovery ventilators, high performance windows, and tankless water heaters, helping your home use up to 90% less energy, saving you thousands in the long-term.

Allocate your dollars wisely

The cost of a new home extends far beyond the construction phase – it also impacts your ability to live comfortably and sustainably in an environment that works for you. That makes it all the more important to design a budget that allows you to maximize your investment while ensuring your high-performance home has all the features you need. With some intentional planning, you can designate money toward key costs that will result in a home you’ll live in and enjoy forever.

Considering building a high-performance home but not sure where to start? Clarum Homes can help. Give us a call at (650) 322-7069 or send us an email at info@clarum.com.