Six Ways to Save Money on Your 2014 Remodeling Projects
The new year has begun, and it’s time to start thinking about your remodeling projects. Whether they’re half-complete and waiting for the right opportunity, or they’re brand new ideas, the sooner you think about them the better. See if any of these six tips will help you save money this year.
1. Plan Ahead
If you’re putting off planning your project, you’ll have a shorter time frame in which to purchase supplies and hire contractors. When you plan ahead, you can take advantage of opportunities you might otherwise miss.
2. Browse Sales
Hardware stores and appliance outlets run sales throughout the year, but the chances of finding the items you want on sale right when you start your project are slim. Instead, take the time to shop weekly ads and look for items you may need in the future. It helps if you have a shopping list planned out already. When you know in advance what you are looking for, and you are willing to wait for sales, you are in a much better position to save money.
3. Buy in Bulk
Tile, hardwood flooring, carpet, paint; all of these items are useful enough to find places around your house long after your initial remodel is complete. Shop at stores such as Tile Mega Mart and other specialized outlets for bulk quantities. If you have too much surplus when all is said and done, you can always sell second hand. It doesn’t hurt to have a few extra of anything on hand either, since you might just need to replace a tile or flooring piece in 4 years that has been discontinued.
4. Do Demo Right
If you’re tearing out the old fixtures in a kitchen, bathroom or den, examine how you’re doing your demolition. What can you remove to sell or donate intact? Humanitarian charities in your area might even have demolition programs to salvage useful items you no longer want. Also, make sure you don’t tear out something you need in place later on in your project. Even if it means using a contractor for a job you might be capable of yourself, it would be less expensive to have the job done right than to demolish something that you would later need to replace.
5. Time it Right
There are two things you need to consider when timing your project; weather and contractors. If you’re hiring contractors, consider putting off your project until they are a little less busy; after all, the more they are in need of your business, the more leverage you have for price negotiations. For external projects, always keep weather in mind. Don’t tear off your roof right before a week of rain. Good timing could save you a lot of money. Many hardware stores and service companies will offer discounts during slower seasons (winter might be a great time to get that air conditioner fixed), and on special occasions like Black Friday. Avoid repairs and remodels during more expensive seasons, or over holidays, when contractors might charge a premium.
6. Shop Clearance and Remnants
As people purchase large rolls of carpet, long beams and buckets of paint, they often leave something behind. Consider if your project can use any of these remnants. You may be surprised at how large some carpet remnants can be, for example. For paint, you can consider finding several leftover mixes and mixing them further yourself; that way you have several gallons of your paint color.
With these cost-saving measures, you may be able to slash your expected remodeling bills by a surprising amount. Simply plan ahead and you can take advantage of time and opportunities that come your way.
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Category: Home Improvements
