Of course there are several ways to save money before you start construction, like shopping aggressively for pricing, and planning really well so you don't do anything twice, and there are great ways to save during construction, like painting yourself, and using common sense in your big purchases and labor, but there doesn't seem to be much you can do AFTER construction to save money.

Although you may think there is not much you can do, there are a few little tips and tricks that can make those after construction hours much less expensive. Like what? Well, the following list will explain what and why.

• Clean up yourself, rather than pay someone else to do it: When you build a home, things get messy, there is lots of litter, nails that got bent, packaging that came off lumber, etc., and of course dust, dirt, and cobwebs. However, when you move into a new home, things are generally sparkling clean, the carpet is clean, the walls have all been washed down, and you have that new house smell, so you can't imagine the place was a mess the night before. The truth of the matter is however, that it was a mess, and someone got paid to clean it up.

  Obviously when you move into a new home you want it to be spic and span, you want the whole thing looks lovely and is beautiful. How do you think it got that way? Messes don't mysteriously disappear, usually you pay a cleaning crew to spend the hours hauling out trash, and washing walls, and all the other things needed to get the place clean. One of the best ways to save money after construction is to do this yourself. While few people enjoy cleaning, this is one aspect of construction you are qualified to do yourself, so why would you waste money paying someone else to do it? Also, it is your house, and cleaning it up and getting it ready to be moved into can give you a real sense of pride and accomplishment, especially as you are there during those final hours of preparation before the house is deemed move in ready.



• Move yourself in: You are worn out from being your own general contractor, from cleaning up the site, and from painting etc. But you just worked so hard to save money throughout the whole construction process, why waste the hard work now by paying someone to move your stuff into your house? Move it in yourself. Round up some family and friends and make a day of it. The money you don't use paying a moving company can be put to better use with an after move in party to thank those that helped you move, and to celebrate getting your house finished.


• Plan ahead: Last but not least, a great way to save money after construction is to plan ahead during construction and build an energy efficient home. Even if you saved $100,000 building your home, if you did not insulate well you are going to waste money every month on utility bills. So, avoid this problem and plan your home wisely, insulate floors, ceilings, and walls, use double paned windows, etc.