Renovations aren’t cheap, especially if you want quality materials and quality craftsmanship. But there are quite a few things homeowners can do to lower the cost.
According to Forbes, there are at least 20 things you can do—from DIY tasks to adequate research and planning—that could save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars during a remodel project.
Let’s take a look at five things you can do to save yourself some money.
#1: Plan, Plan, Plan—and Plan Some More
Famous speaker and successful businessman Dale Carnegie once said, “An hour of planning can save you 10 hours of doing.” He wasn’t wrong. To be efficient at anything, including successful remodels, you need a plan before you start the work. And we can help with that.
A well-defined plan will make the project run faster in general, and it will also reduce the number of tasks you have to do over again because they weren’t done right the first time.
Everyone knows that mistakes cost money, but mistakes also cost time—and time costs money. The best way to avoid making mistakes is with adequate planning. We can help you plan a budget to avoid overspending; plan a finance option to avoid going into debt; and plan a detailed scope of work so the project comes in at cost, and the end result is something you love.
#2: If You Can Do It Yourself, Do It Yourself
It’s common knowledge that labor costs contribute to the expense of a project. So if there’s work you can do yourself, do it. Invite friends over and make a fun day of it! Just be sure to do it safely, wearing proper protection at all times.
One of the most common DIY tasks is demolition. With time and tools, you can tear down the old before the construction team comes in to build the new. Be sure to plan this part too, though, or you might destroy parts of the house that you need to save. It’s never a good idea to knock down walls without first talking to your construction team. They can tell you what’s load-bearing and needs to stay.
Other common DIY tasks are hauling materials to your house and hauling away debris. And you don’t have to be an experienced DIYer to paint walls in your home. There’s probably a YouTube video that shows you how to tape off the room and pick the right kind of paint for the job. A fresh coat of paint does wonders—and if you do it yourself, you can save a lot of money.
#3: Do Your Research to Hire a Qualified Contractor
Make sure you hire a professional. Someone who is licensed, experienced (at the job you’re wanting done), and, preferably, comes highly recommended. This is a good rule of thumb no matter the scope of the project. There are too many safety issues, compliance codes, and state regulations to risk subpar work. You’ll want the immediate peace of mind that a professional offers, and the long term guarantee that they stand behind their product.
#4: When it Comes to Appliances, Bargain Hunting Can Pay Off
Local stores are always running different appliance specials; ask a manager when the items you need might be on sale. Especially check around the holidays for store-wide deals. Many retailers offer floor models at steep discounts even when there’s nothing wrong with them. You can also save by choosing last year’s model or “scratch & dent” appliances where the knick is surface level and not even noticeable. Don’t be afraid to shop close-outs to get that awesome deal. Just don’t settle for something that’s damaged or outdated because in the end you will be disappointed with either the way it looks or the way it works—or both.
#5: It’s Okay to Remodel in Stages
Not everyone has the budget to remodel their entire house all at once. Plus roof? Plus windows? Plus stucco? Please. If that’s you, fantastic. But it’s okay to plan and execute your remodel in stages. Prioritize the most important jobs. To do this, think of where you (or the family) spend the majority of your time. Are those spaces functional? Are they aesthetically pleasing? Start there. Next, ask yourself, “What are the smallest changes that would make the biggest impact?”
Some people prefer to move out and stay in a rental while the whole house is in process at the same time. But then lodging costs have to factor into the budget too. Doing one or two rooms at a time often allows you to stay put, simply living on one side of the house until the work is done. Ultimately, do what’s best for you—for your needs and for your finances.
If you need advice you can trust, the folks at Straight Line can help you plan and prioritize. From sourcing quality materials to helping you design and complete your remodel, Straight Line Construction does it all. Our team of experts is always ready to help you. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.