How to Stay on Budget When Remodeling Your Home

Going through a home remodel is an exciting time. Whether you are giving your home a facelift or working on something that needs to be repaired, you know that it will be like a whole new space when it’s done. There can be a temptation to spend whatever it takes to get your dream space, but that’s not the best approach. You never want to burst your budget for a home remodel. If you do, then you will not only affect your bank account or your debt level. You will also lose out on the additional value you add to your home.

Once you’ve made a responsible budget, you need to stay within it. However, there’s no reason why you can’t do things to get the most bang out of the bucks you will spend. Here’s how to stay on budget when remodeling your home and squeeze in as much as possible within it.

Focus on Efficiency Instead of Size

Many home remodels are focused on adding space. For example, you might want to expand the kitchen to make sure that you have room for storage. However, you can save money by focusing on making your kitchen more efficient with space with your remodel. It’s much more affordable to install cabinets that have more shelving, dividers, and accessories like lazy Susans to save space. If you can build up instead of out, then you don’t have to add extra yardage to the room. You will not just save money, but you might also love the new functionality of your kitchen.

Mix Up Your Materials

Everyone who’s ever gone through a home remodel knows that some materials are more expensive than others. To save money, you can use less expensive options along with the higher priced ones. For example, if you have an open concept space, you can have hardwood for the living room and the kitchen. However, in the dining area, you can use laminate or tile. This will not only save you money, but if you choose the right colors and shades, it can provide a nice visual pop with contrast. On top of that, the different flooring materials will also help delineate the spaces.

Do the Demo Yourself

Before any remodeling project can begin, demolition work must be done. In many cases, the homeowner can do this work themselves. However, you need to make sure that you do it safely. Demo work is simple, but it’s also dangerous if you don’t take the proper care. It is generally safer to do outside demos, such as with decks and other exterior implements. Inside can be tougher since you need to be thorough, and you need to be careful of pipes and wiring. On top of that, you may knock out a load-bearing wall which will threaten the structural integrity of your house. Having a professional do the work will cost you money that you could instead put into the actual remodeling work.

Let the Bidding Process Play Out

You may want to get to the good part as soon as possible in your excitement. However, if that means going with the first contractor you meet with, then you are making a mistake. Always be patient with the bidding process to make sure that you get the best deal possible. It doesn’t matter if you meet with a plumber, a general contractor, or a metal roofing contractor in Miami County, IN. You need to take competitive bids that will help you stay on budget. You don’t have to take the cheapest one, but you should try to balance affordability with what they can deliver.

Buy Used

There’s no reason that you have to buy everything new. There are always lots of salvaged and repurposed items for sale that you can use in your remodel. This includes building materials, door knobs, cabinets, appliances, and more. For some, you may need to resurface or clean them thoroughly to use them. Unfortunately, some contractors won’t work with recycled or salvaged items as they are concerned about liability. However, if you are working on the project yourself, you can absolutely find great savings by shopping for used items.

Use Natural Light

Instead of installing new light fixtures or creating large, expensive holes in your exterior walls for windows, you can add light in more affordable ways. For example, even if your project isn’t on the top floor, you can install light tubes from the roof to add natural light. These sunlights provide illumination during the day at a low cost. They can also save you on your electricity bills after the project is finished.

Communicate

There’s no doubt that you are paying a lot of money for your project. Therefore, you should not be shy about asking questions and giving information to your contractor. Make sure they know about your budget constraints and never let them try to do something to your home without your permission. You have the right to be kept up to date at all times, and it is also your responsibility to make your needs clear.

The last thing you want is to spend money on a remodel, and it ends up not being absolutely perfect. Part of that perfection is staying on budget and getting the most bang for your buck posible. With these tips, you can make sure that your remodeling project is exactly what you want without breaking the bank.

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