10 Ways To Cut Costs On Your Remodel
Taking on a home renovation project is exciting, but expenses can add up quickly. And with the inevitable unexpected complication or two during the construction process, you may be worried that your dream home remodel will leave your bank account hurting. But there are ways to tackle that perfect renovation without racking up the bill, and we’ve got some tips to help you do just that.
1. Establish A Budget
This may seem obvious, but lay out the amount you’re willing to spend on your remodel ahead of time, and stick to it! When you consider your budget, factor in expenses for an unexpected issue or two that might arise along the way (which they often do). Once you’ve established your budget, use it as your North Star to guide the decisions you make on the appliances and materials you purchase, your project’s timeline, and the amount of help you employ for the renovation process. More on this below!
2. Reuse Materials
Some of your existing materials might be in great shape. A remodel doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace every appliance or piece of furniture. Decide which of your existing materials can either be reused as-is or improved upon slightly to fit your new design, and save that spending money for the items you’d really like to replace.
3. Balance Low End And High End Materials
Now that you’ve established which of your materials you’re keeping and which one’s you’re replacing, consider which new products you want to “splurge” on and which you can pinch some pennies on. For example, you may opt to save on kitchen cabinetry (there are plenty of well-made yet affordable cabinetry options out there) in order to splurge on your countertop material, which you not only want to make a statement in your new space, but to remain durable for many years to come. Interweave those statements pieces with practical, timeless, and budget-friendly items.
4. Search For The Best Deals
Patience is a virtue when it comes to finding the materials and appliances you want at a price that won’t break the bank. Shop around, and wait for deals. Another tip? Consider models from the previous year, which tend to go on sale as soon as the newest models are revealed.
5. Sell What You No Longer Need
Perhaps your existing oven doesn’t match the esthetic of your new kitchen but is in great working order. Resell it! Whether it be on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp.com, or Craiglist, you’re sure to find a new home for your gently used (or even well used) items that no longer suit your home. Then put that extra money right back into your remodel budget.
6. Open Up A Space Without Changing Its Footprint
There are a number of ways you can make a space feel more open without going the expensive route of changing your home’s footprint. Consider installing additional windows or glass doors to inject more natural light into a space, opening up the ceiling if that’s an option (ceiling height goes a long way in making a room feel larger than it is), or removing interior walls or barriers to create an open concept and flowing space.
7. Increase Efficiency Instead Of Space
Going hand-in-hand with the above tip, consider how you can increase the efficiency of the space you have instead of jumping to the expansion option and changing your home’s footprint. Bigger doesn’t always mean better or more functionable. Create a design that increases storage space (in creative ways if necessary) and adds multifunctioning appliances or surfaces.
8. Don’t Underestimate The Power Of Paint
If installing windows and doors are out of your budget as a means of brightening your space, consider what a paint job can do. Many people don’t realize that, while rich paint colors can give a regal and refined look, they immediately condense and darken a space. You might be surprised what a coat of paint in a light and airy color might do for your space, not to mention the amount of “face-lifting” a fresh coat of paint alone can do.
9. Keep Plumbing The Same If Possible
Relocating plumbing can be an expensive endeavor. When planning out your renovation, try to keep the existing piping in place as much as possible. Can the bathroom stay where it is? Can that kitchen sink stay put? Anytime you can avoid moving internal piping around, that’s money saved.
10. Take On The Labor Yourself When Possible
When you’re having the electrical rewired or foam insulation installed, you may want to leave those skill-based tasks to the professionals. But consider other ways you might be able save on labor throughout your renovation process. Can the demo work be done by you and a group of friends? Do you know how to hang dry wall? Can you paint the room yourself when the intense labor is done? Not only can this save you some money, it will also make the finished product all that more rewarding knowing that you put your own elbow grease into it.
Good luck and congratulations on your home renovation. For all of your remodeling materials needs, we hope you’ll turn to CBM Mart‘s wide catalogue of quality supplies.
