By News Desk 
New Delhi: With rising property prices and growing inflation, many people living in rental homes dream of owning their own house. However, building a house or buying an apartment has become increasingly expensive, making it difficult for many to turn their dream into reality. But what if we told you that it’s possible to construct your own home for just ₹5 lakh? Here’s how you can make it happen.
The Rising Costs of Home Construction
Owning a home has always been a dream for many, but the cost of construction can quickly add up, especially in urban areas. The cost of land, materials, and labor can push the total expenditure into the lakhs, making it unaffordable for most people. However, with proper planning and strategic choices, you can significantly reduce the cost of building a house.
While some people prefer to buy ready-to-move-in apartments, others opt for building their own home, which offers more flexibility and personal satisfaction. Both options have their pros and cons, but building your own home allows for more customization and a sense of ownership.
Choosing the Right Design and Location
Building a house isn’t an easy task, and it requires thoughtful planning. The cost of construction in rural areas can also be substantial, with expenses easily running into several lakhs. Additionally, choosing the right design and location is crucial for the project’s success. Your house design should align with your personal preferences and needs, so that it’s not just a place to live, but a home that reflects your lifestyle.
How to Save Money While Building a Home
If you’re determined to build your dream home, here are some tips to help you save significant amounts of money during construction:
- Building Without Pillars and Beams:
It’s possible to construct a home without using pillars and beams, which can lead to substantial savings on cement, steel, and sand. This can be especially useful if you’re building a single-floor house, where structural stability won’t be compromised. - Efficient Use of Space and Materials:
Using efficient design choices can lead to reduced material costs. For example, building combined bathroom and toilet units reduces the need for extra materials and labor. Similarly, using ceramic tiles instead of marble for flooring can cut costs dramatically. - Opting for Fly Ash:
Instead of traditional materials like cement and bricks, you can use fly ash blocks, which are cheaper and more eco-friendly. Fly ash blocks also reduce the need for plastering, as they are smooth enough to directly apply putty and paint, saving both time and labor costs.
Cost Breakdown: How to Save ₹2 Lakh
When constructing a house, many people spend large amounts on basic elements such as stones, tiles, plumbing, and windows. For instance:
- Stone work can cost around ₹40,000.
- Plastering and painting costs approximately ₹25,000.
- Plumbing, doors, and windows might cost up to ₹1.15 lakh.
However, by implementing the tips mentioned above, you can save significantly. For example, using ceramic tiles instead of marble will save you a considerable amount. Similarly, combining bathroom and toilet construction can lower both material and labor costs. These small adjustments can help you save up to ₹2 lakh on your home construction.
Structure Design: A Game-Changer for Saving Money
One of the best ways to save on construction costs is by opting for a load-bearing structure. In this type of design, you don’t need columns and beams, which reduces the need for steel and cement. Additionally, you can cut costs on labor by using lighter materials and fewer structural elements.
Using fly ash bricks instead of regular bricks can save you ₹4 to ₹5 per unit. This means your overall construction costs can be halved, especially when it comes to the amount of cement and steel required. Fly ash blocks also eliminate the need for plastering, saving you even more money on labor and materials.
Saving on Bricks and Sand
When constructing walls, you typically need around 5,000 bricks for a small house. Buying traditional bricks can cost up to ₹50,000, but using ply ash bricks can reduce this cost to ₹25,000. By applying these techniques, you can save up to ₹25,000 on bricks alone.
Additionally, using sand efficiently and reducing the amount needed can result in significant savings. Typically, building a house might require up to ₹75,000 worth of sand. But by following these smart techniques, you can reduce that cost to around ₹50,000, saving ₹25,000 in the process.
Conclusion: Building a Home Within Budget
By implementing these cost-saving tips, you can easily build a home for under ₹5 lakh, which is a substantial reduction from the traditional cost of construction. From using alternative materials like fly ash bricks to optimizing space and layout, there are plenty of ways to make your dream home affordable. With the right planning and design, building a home that fits both your budget and your aspirations is entirely possible.