Cheapest House Styles: Save Money on Your New Home

Looking to build a house without breaking the bank? You don’t have to settle for a cramped box or a rough‑looking shed. The right style can trim material waste, speed up construction, and keep utility bills low. Below are the most cost‑effective designs and the practical steps that make them work.

Top Low‑Cost Designs

1. Simple Rectangular Box – A plain rectangle with a gable roof is the classic budget champion. Fewer corners mean fewer cuts, less framing, and quicker assembly. You can add a porch or loft later if you need extra space.

2. Two‑Story Stacked Home – Building up instead of out slashes the footprint, which reduces foundation work and roofing material. A compact footprint also means you spend less on site preparation.

3. Bungalow with Open‑Plan Layout – Removing interior walls cuts lumber and drywall costs. Open‑plan rooms feel larger, and you can create separate zones with furniture instead of permanent walls.

4. Prefab or Modular Units – These homes arrive partially built, so on‑site labor drops dramatically. Factories can buy material in bulk, passing the savings onto you.

5. Tiny House on Wheels – If you’re okay with limited square footage, a tiny house can be built for a fraction of a regular home’s price. The chassis is often cheaper than a full foundation, and you can move it if you need to change locations.

Practical Tips to Cut Construction Costs

Choosing a cheap style is just the start. Here are the moves that keep the budget in check.

Plan for Standard Sizes – Stick to common lumber dimensions (2x4, 2x6) and sheet sizes (4 × 8 ft). Custom cuts add labor and waste.

Use Local, Readily Available Materials – Bricks, timber, or stone that’s sourced nearby saves transport fees. In many regions, reclaimed wood is cheap and adds character.

Keep the Roof Simple – A single‑slope or simple gable roof is cheaper than complex hips or multiple valleys. Fewer flashings mean fewer leak points, too.

DIY Where Possible – If you have basic carpentry skills, tackling the interior finish (painting, flooring) can shave a few thousand pounds off the quote.

Phase the Build – Finish the shell first—walls, roof, windows—and add interior finishes later. This lets you spread costs over time and even live in the space while you finish.

Don’t forget energy efficiency. Adding proper insulation and sealing gaps may cost a bit more upfront, but it reduces heating bills and can qualify you for grants.

Finally, get several quotes and compare them line by line. Look for hidden fees like site cleanup, permit costs, or extra transport. A transparent contractor will break down each expense, helping you stay on track.

Building a home on a shoestring isn’t about cutting corners that matter. It’s about smart design choices, sensible materials, and sensible planning. Pick one of the cheap house styles above, follow the cost‑saving tips, and you’ll have a solid, comfortable home without the dreaded price tag.