Anyone who has completed a major home remodeling project can likely tell you how quickly the expenses add up. A lot of times, homeowners get sticker shock when they take into account all the costs involved in a renovation. Luckily, there are ways to keep the price down. Follow the below tips to save money on your home remodeling project.
#1 Stick to your budget
Your budget should be set before you ever start a project. However, as you start your remodeling journey, you may be tempted to go for pricier materials and fixtures, change your mind about the design, or expand your project. Try to resist those notions, as seemingly small changes combined can really hike up the overall cost.
#2 Pay cash instead of financing
If you have the funds, pay cash instead of taking out a loan. You will save in the long run if you don’t have to pay interest. If possible, you can also postpone the project to save up.
#3 Plan well
Work with your contractor to schedule projects in a logical order. Start with one room, and don’t commit to more until you’re ready. The more organized and efficient the process is for your renovation, the less likely you’ll spend unnecessarily.
#4 Do small projects yourself
Some tasks are simple enough for homeowners to do themselves. Demo’ing, painting, and tearing up carpets are some examples that don’t require much training, skill, or experience. Make sure you save the riskier and more complicated projects for the professionals – things like plumbing, electrical, and flooring.
#5 Use what you have
If you reuse pre-existing pieces but just give them a facelift, you can still change the feel of a room without adding up costs. For instance, one popular way to update a kitchen or bathroom is to paint the cabinets and update the hardware (knobs, pulls, and handles).
#6 Prioritize where you want to spend more
It’s typically not in everyone’s budget to buy the most premium product in every category. Decide which areas are most important to you. If you want high-end flooring throughout your home, you may opt for more economical touches in other places. Balance out your pricier features with less costly ones.
#7 Schedule work in the “off-season”
Less demand for contractors means prices could be lower. Typically, contractors are busier in the spring and summer, so ask your contractor if scheduling your kitchen renovation during the fall or winter months will get you a discount.
#8 Avoid trendy aesthetics
for items that are hard to change out. Replacing flooring, countertops, and cabinetry is very expensive. For more permanent items like those, it’s best to opt for a classic look that is more likely to appeal to you for a longer time. This could save you money from remodeling again in the future if you stay in your home long-term, or could help your home appeal to more buyers if you are preparing to sell it. You don’t have to avoid trends entirely. Instead, you could incorporate them into items that are easier to change out, like furniture and wall paint.
#9 Sell old fixtures
Suppose you replace items like ceiling fans, light fixtures, appliances, and cabinetry that are still in good working condition. In that case, you could salvage them and sell them on Facebook Marketplace or neighborhood buy/sell websites. This could give you a few extra bucks to put into your remodeling budget.
#10 Hire a reputable contractor
The most critical part of your remodeling journey is hiring a contractor. Your contractor will ultimately be in control of the project’s schedule, daily operations, and cost. You want a contractor who is professional, experienced, and trustworthy. Otherwise, you could end up spending money on wasted time, unnecessary items, or even problematic repairs or rework. If you’re looking to be able to age in place, hire an experienced home contractor for seniors.
Ziebart Construction has a team of experienced professionals in Portland, Oregon who can make recommendations on how to save money on your home remodeling project. We will communicate effectively to ensure that your renovation stays within your set budget. Contact us to schedule a consultation with the Ziebart team.
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