Home Remodeling
Plan a Budget and Stick to It
The first and possibly most important thing to consider after deciding to do a home remodel is the budget. This will impact every part of the remodel, from the timeline to the purchasing of materials. Planning and sticking to a budget can help alleviate stress and overspending in the long run, which will make the entire remodeling experience much more enjoyable.
Sticking to a budget is much easier said than done but there are ways to make it a bit more doable. For example, you might find it helpful to prioritize your to-do list. Deciding where your money is most needed and what can be done at a lower cost is a great way to disperse your budget in a responsible way. It is also helpful to have a clear understanding of what exactly you hope to accomplish so that you do not risk going over budget. Lastly, when planning your budget always make sure that you have a little more than you plan to spend factored in so that if an unexpected expense comes up, you are prepared to handle it!
Home Remodeling Tools
Purchase Building Supplies at the Best Prices Available
Before buying for your remodel, be sure to do some research. Chances are the first price you see might not be the lowest, no matter what you are buying. However, there are so many different ways to buy these days that it can get a little overwhelming. There are many things to take into consideration when purchasing supplies for your remodel but one thing is for sure: the more you look, the more likely you are to find a great deal!
Buying online is a great way to find a good price. In this age of social media and apps, there are many people trying to sell online for much less than store price. Take advantage of Facebook and see if your friends have any of the materials you might need. This is also a great way to get suggestions for contractors or other services you might need thanks to the website’s recommendation feature. Ebay is another website that promises low prices. It sells many building materials and you might be surprised to find exactly what you are looking for at a fraction of what you thought you would be paying. There are several online building supply distributors to check out when shopping for the best prices.
If online shopping isn’t your thing, never fear! There are great deals to be had locally as well. Yard and estate sales are a great place to start, and can be pretty fun too. Also, be sure to research auction houses near you which can bring about some amazing deals. Both chain and local hardware stores often have many instore discounts to offer as well, so be sure to ask about their latest ones.
Hire a Professional Contractor to Save Time and Money
While there are surely some things that you can do yourself throughout the remodeling process, sometimes it is best to leave the larger, more intricate jobs to a professional. This can end up saving you a lot of time and money.
There are many incentives to hire a contractor to help you with your home remodel. Mistakes made in the process of DIY home remodeling could turn out to be more costly than you might imagine. Not only will this throw off your budget but potentially the whole project as well. Doing a less than perfect job could also cause your home’s value to decrease, which is the opposite of what should happen as a result of a home remodel.
You might be wary about hiring a contractor but many horror stories you many have heard probably stem from a lack of communication. By clearly stating goals and boundaries, you and your contractor both know what the other is expecting. This prevents future problems from popping up and keeps the line of communication open for future discussion. Another way to avoid a negative experience is by asking your family and friends for suggestions or recommendations. This will give you a sense of confidence in the job ahead and an established trust from the beginning. If possible, get quotes from a couple of different contractors to ensure you get the best price possible for the job!
Professional Contractor
Restore or Repair Old Fixtures to Save on Costs
When it comes to smaller jobs, DIY can be the best option. Restoring and repairing is often overlooked when compared with the easier option of buying new parts or pieces. However, this can quickly turn costly and even impact your budget. The best way to avoid this slippery slope of spending is to hone in on the items you already have that you can restore.
When you restore or repair something that you already have there is often very little risk with the option of a big reward. This can be extremely beneficial when it comes to the final touches of home repair, such as decorating. Old furniture that isn’t being used or light fixtures that could use a touch up can bring character to a project while also filling the space of something you would have needed to buy. Do yourself a favor and take inventory of the items already in your home that you might have overlooked. It’ll be worth it!
Restore Old Fixtures
Separate Your Project into “Mini” Projects
Much like budgeting, establishing a timeline can make all the difference in the world when it comes to a home remodeling project. By giving yourself goals to set, it helps to keep you on a track and allows you to cross off things from your list along the way. This gives you a way to keep up with your progress and also acts as a motivator, making the process of a remodel less daunting.
Within the timeline you set up, it can be helpful to divide your remodel into “mini” projects. This can be a great way to make a bigger remodel move quickly. By taking things one “mini” project at a time, you will decrease any feelings of being overwhelmed. For example, you can easily plan to paint one night after work or sand furniture over the course of a weekend. Splitting up your project is a great way to get a feeling of satisfaction from what you are doing while also preventing any burnout that might occur over time. In addition to making you feel great, this way of working will also help you focus on the task at hand so that no mistakes get made, guaranteeing you don’t end up spending more than you should.
Whether you are tackling just one room or the entire house, remodeling your home should be as affordable as possible. Hopefully, these tips will help you save money on your next project while also staying true to the vision that you wanted to create. Don’t let prices overwhelm you. There is always a way to save money in remodeling!
