Home improvement projects and renovations are notorious for going way over budget. As the cost of materials and labor rises, it’s increasingly difficult to keep your next project under budget. For 6 tried-and-true tips concerning how you can save money on your home improvement bills, keep reading.
1. Go for the small jobs.
Small jobs like a quick coat of paint or refinishing a floor can actually have a major positive impact on your home and often offer a much higher return on your investment than, say, refinishing a wall or installing a brand new floor.
2. Always work with what you have first.
Instead of breaking the bank with new materials, always try to work with what you already have. Remember, power washing, sanding and re-staining a porch can make it look great again and for a lot less than it would cost to build a completely new one.
3. Get three quotes.
When hiring a contractor or any laborer, shop around for at least three quotes. Give each contractor the exact same job requirements and request a detailed, outlined quote in writing that gives you a thorough breakdown of every job or item.
From there, you can compare your options and get a much more realistic and accurate viewpoint of the marketplace and your pricing possibilities.
4. Measure twice, cut once.
The “measure twice” mantra is a carpenter’s classic, but it applies to almost every home improvement job. From fitting new pipes to installing a marble countertop, make sure you know your material requirements inside and out before you even buy it, let alone cut it.
5. When hiring a professional, get references.
Before you sink your money into a contractor who may not deliver, do your homework and hire smart. Ask prospective contractors for examples of their past work or portfolio and the contact information for satisfied customers who would be willing to give them a reference.
A smart consumer will also check with their state’s licensing board and Better Business Bureau to make sure their contractor doesn’t have any outstanding warranted complaints or lawsuits against them.
