How to Save Money On Your Next Home Improvement Project

Can we let you in on a secret many homeowners do not know? Home improvement projects do not have to cost you a fortune. Contrary to what many homeowners believe, you do not have to spend your entire life-savings to achieve the dream home you desire. Furthermore, it is possible to save money on your next home improvement project. Whether you need a simple window replacement, a brand new roof, or are undertaking a bigger project like an entire kitchen renovation, you do not have to break the budget. In this article, we will be offering you some simple tips on how to save money on your next home improvement project – whatever that may be.

Create and Stick to a Budget

Our first tip would be to create a budget and stick to it. While this might seem like an obvious suggestion, many homeowners head into a home improvement project without a budget in mind, which makes it much more likely they will overspend. Furthermore, when we say create a ‘budget’, we do not mean do it ‘cheaply’. It is possible to undertake a professional home improvement project, while using quality materials and not spend more money than necessary. Before you plan on doing any work to your home, it is a good idea to have a dollar figure in mind that you are willing (and able) to spend on your project. From there, you will be able to price fixtures and materials and get a better understanding of what you can and cannot do within your budget. It is also wise to account for any unexpected or additional expenses, which despite your home improvement contractor’s best efforts, can and do pop up from time to time. 

Take the time to get a few quotes

If you’re time poor, which most of us are, it can be tempting to go with the first quote. However, we recommend you take the time to speak with at least 3 different home improvement contractors. Chances are, you will get a range of prices, one may be seemingly too good to be true, and another that is completely out of your price range. At this point it is important to go back to each contractor and confirm what is included in each quote you want to be comparing apples with apples. You may find one quote is all inclusive, and another may be using inferior products. Do not assume that price is a direct reflection of a contractor’s quality of work. A home improvement contractor who provides you with a pricey quote is not necessarily going to be the best just because they charge the most. Also, be wary of bids that are too low. The best way to determine a home improvement contractor’s quality of work and reliability is by asking for referrals from previous clients, as well as looking at online reviews. 

Use Both High and Low End Materials

When it comes to saving money on home improvement projects, it is always a balancing act. For example, when renovating your kitchen, you may want to splurge on a statement stove or marble countertop, but then choose lower-end materials for your kitchen doors or cabinets. Balancing the use of high end and low end materials really comes down to personal preference and what you are hoping to achieve from your home improvement project.

Stick to the Basics

Undertaking a home improvement project can be fun and exciting, and you may be tempted to splash out and get creative with your improvements. However, going big and bold can be more expensive for two reasons. Firstly, materials that are unusual or not the norm usually cost a lot more. Secondly, while you love the idea of patterned tiles in your kitchen today, in a few years you might feel differently, at which point you will be spending additional money to replace those tiles with something a little less bold. When it comes to saving money on your next home improvement project, sticking with the classics is generally advisable. If you do want to make a statement, try adding a new piece of artwork or something that can easily be replaced if down the line you find your tastes have changed.