How to cut cost on your home remodel
Unless you are one of a few lucky homeowners who have an unlimited budget cutting costs may be at the top of your priority list when beginning your home remodel. Depending on where you live and what you are remodeling costs for even basic home remodels can be quite prohibitive. You may find yourself discouraged over the cost of your remodel and considering whether it really is worth it. But before you throw your hands in the air and walk away the good news is that there are several ways that you can cut the costs of your home remodel. Here is what you need to know about how to cut cost on your home remodel-
- You need to know where to splurge and where to save. When planning your remodel you need to determine what is really important in the overall picture. Design experts recommend that you put your money into things that will have the greatest use and/or have the greatest visibility. For example: Kitchen cabinets vary widely and the price considerably based on quality, the type of material they are made of, and whether they are stock (ready made in specific sizes) or custom (produced specifically for your kitchen in whatever sizes are needed). While all custom cabinets can be wonderful can some stock cabinets be used to cut down the costs? Are there cheaper materials that would give you the same look as cherry or other expensive surfaces? Cutting a few corners can help you save big in the overall picture. Taking the time to shop around for materials can really save you big in the long run. Other key elements that factor in to the cost equation are talent and workmanship. In the remodeling business, you tend to get what you pay for. An accomplished designer, skilled sub-tradesmen and expert installation crew may cost more but you'll appreciate their ability every time you use what they worked on.
- Shop your bid around. Just like anything else there is a thriving market in the home remodel business. Contractors want your business and will bid competitively to get it. You may find someone who is looking to fill some down time and will do the work at a discount or someone who can be even more competitive because of your type of remodel. Just keep in mind that the lowest bid does not always mean the best contractor. Be sure to check the references and licenses of anyone you hire.
- Do some of the work yourself. How much you can or should attempt to do depend solely on your ability and knowledge of remodeling. You may be able to tear out old cabinets (be careful not to damage walls and beams), take up old vinyl flooring and handle trash removal. You may also want to paint or wallpaper on your own. But most design experts recommend that you are better off letting the pros handle plumbing and appliance hook-ups. Keep in mind that if you try it on your own, you may violate building codes or invalidate manufacturer warranties. Also any installations are also best left to professionals as well. In bathrooms, installation accounts for nearly a quarter of the total cost. This is because the installation work in a bathroom tends to be intricate (for example, tile setting). If you're looking to cut corners, this is probably not the place to do it. In addition do not be shy about asking friends or family to help. Call in the favors and get your pals working with a sledgehammer or paint brush! Just make sure your homeowner's policy covers on-the-job injuries to volunteers, and always consult an architect or another professional before demolition to ensure you aren't removing any load-bearing walls or other key structural elements.
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