Home remodeling can be expensive, especially if you’re opening up walls and changing your floor plan. Creating a detailed budget, finding the best contractor for home renovation solutions, and planning your projects is a good idea. Aim for a finish date that allows you to wiggle room in case of unexpected expenses. Making a budget for each area in your house that you intend to remodel is also a smart idea.
In this manner, you may determine possible savings before beginning the job and know the maximum amount you can spend. Keep in mind, however, that your actual costs will likely come in higher than you anticipated, as there are a lot of unknowns when it comes to remodeling a house.
You should add 20% to your overall cost for these surprise expenses. It will provide a safety net, so you won’t need to put the project on hold or borrow money.
Opt for More Affordable Materials
One of the best ways to cut costs on a house remodel is by opting for more affordable materials. These materials are still sturdy and can give your home the same aesthetic without exceeding the budget. Compare prices at different brick-and-mortar and online retailers to find the best deals.
Additionally, you can save money by choosing recycled or refurbished materials. If you’re on a tight budget, finding substitutes for expensive materials is important to help you achieve the desired aesthetic. For example, if you want mahogany cabinets but can’t afford them, try using Lyptus cabinetry or even laminate instead. You can save the more expensive material for accent pieces or areas that make a statement.
Many online resources can help you get the most bang for your buck and look for professionals to do the work. It’s easy to compare pricing on everything from roofing to paint to plumbing fixtures. You can also look up remodeling projects at other houses to see the average cost for that type of work. If you have a truck or can rent one for a day, you can save on delivery fees by picking up your materials from the store.
Timing Your Project
Be flexible with the timing of your remodel. By planning your makeover for the off-season, you might save money if you have the patience. That’s when remodeling contractors are less busy, and building materials are cheaper. You can also save money by timing your remodel in the off-season. Construction contractors are more active during the spring and summer, so their rates may be higher. Choose a remodeling contractor that offers affordable service even during this time of the year.
Do Your Research
Whether doing the work yourself or hiring contractors, you can save money by researching before starting. Compare prices and reviews on different materials, and look for any discounts or sales that may be available. You can also reduce costs by finding items in your home that you can reuse during the remodel, such as old furniture or paintings. Finally, to pad contractor estimates by about 10 percent for unforeseen hiccups.
