Owning a house is a life goal for many. However, rising construction costs and a constantly changing market make it important to carefully consider how much it really costs to build a dream home today. An expert reveals which construction trends are impractical and explains whether it’s possible to save money without sacrificing quality.

“I often get asked whether it’s better to build a house yourself or buy a ready-made one. If you’re knowledgeable about construction, want to control decisions, or create something unique, then building your own home is the better option. But if you know little about construction and can’t afford to hire experts to make decisions and supervise the work – then it’s safer to buy an already built house,” says Dr. Darius Kalibatas, Associate Professor at VILNIUS TECH Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Construction Management and Real Estate.

The Key – Quality Workmanship

According to a survey conducted in September 2024, nearly one-fifth of Lithuania’s population has a mortgage, with the average loan amount reaching €116,000.

Dr. Kalibatas says it’s hard to define a precise cost for a house because each project is unique and requires different investments. However, on average, a 100 sq.m house, without a complex layout or land, may cost around €150,000 to build today. Accurate budgeting can be assisted by professionals or interactive budget calculators.

Using poor-quality materials could mean the house won’t last even the warranty period, potentially doubling future costs. But just as important is the quality of the work and reliability of the builders.

“Good workmanship is one of the most crucial aspects of homebuilding. All materials must be used according to manufacturer guidelines and regulatory standards. Construction should be continuously monitored by a technical supervisor representing the client,” says Kalibatas.

He emphasizes the importance of investing in the building’s foundation and main structure: “These are the hardest and most expensive elements to fix after construction is finished. Walls can be repainted anytime, but correcting structural flaws is complex and costly.”

Impractical Trends in Homebuilding

Another key consideration is sustainable and high-quality thermal insulation. All insulation layers must be tightly sealed to prevent heat loss, which not only saves on heating costs but also ensures indoor comfort in winter.

“I’ve noticed that large windows are becoming increasingly popular. While they do look great, they’re not very practical – they lead to greater heat loss, so be prepared to pay extra for this aesthetic choice. Another less practical trend is sliding windows, which also tend to leak heat. Keep in mind that in our climate, cold days outnumber warm ones,” explains the professor.

To find effective and sustainable solutions, a more holistic approach is gaining popularity – combining insulation and aesthetics. Building material manufacturers now offer innovative systems that both insulate and beautify a home’s façade. One such example is a multifunctional system developed by the Lithuanian company Koderus, which has already made a name for itself across Europe.

“With our team, we spent a long time studying issues related to façade materials, looking into what affects quality and durability. The system we developed combines high-quality concrete with a layer of polystyrene or mineral wool without glue or screws – ensuring strong bonding. The panels resist weather, temperature fluctuations, and require minimal maintenance even after many years,” says Edvard Račevskij, founder of the company.

This system allows the façade to be completed nearly twice as fast – simultaneously performing both insulation and decorative functions, helping homeowners save time and money.

A Home Without an Expiry Date

Dr. Kalibatas highlights three essential rules when building a dream home:

“Check the quality of the work constantly – not just once or twice a week, but every single day. Also, make sure the workers are using appropriate, long-lasting materials. If you don’t have the knowledge, assign a competent person to oversee it,” he advises.

Choosing reliable contractors is also critical. Even the best materials will not deliver lasting results if they’re installed incorrectly.