Home remodeling can be an exciting and rewarding way to transform your living space and even increase your property value. However, it can also be a daunting and costly endeavor that requires careful planning, research, and creativity.
Whether you want to update your kitchen, bathroom, basement, or any other area of your home, you need to know some tips and tricks to make your renovation project a success. By following these remodeling tips, you can achieve your dream home without breaking the bank or losing your sanity.
Don’t break the bank during your remodel
When it comes to remodeling tips, you want to start by strategizing ways to ensure your project stays within budget. Consider these ideas to help make sure everything goes as planned.
1. Create a budget
The first and most important step to avoid overspending and wasting money is to plan ahead. Before you start remodeling your home, you should determine how much you can afford and your priorities. A contingency fund should also be included to cover any unexpected costs.
2. Plan backward from your set end date
From demolition to finishing touches, you should factor in how long each phase of the project will take as well as potential obstacles or challenges. Plan your schedule around any holidays, vacations, weather conditions, or other events that may affect your schedule. Set an end date for your project and work backward from there to ensure you stay on track and within your budget.
3. Connect with friends for advice
Learning from other homeowners who have gone through the process before is a great way to save money on a home remodel. Plan, budget, design, and execute your home remodel with the help of your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. You can also ask them for references for reputable contractors, suppliers, designers, or other professionals who can help you with your project.
4. Set DIY limits
If you have the skills, tools, time, and confidence to tackle DIY projects, you can save money on a home remodel. Know your limits, however, and avoid taking on tasks that are beyond your abilities or require professional expertise. With the right knowledge, you can save money without compromising on quality or safety while improving your home.
5. Pack up your belongings before you start
You should pack up and declutter your belongings from the area affected by the remodel before beginning the project. It will save you money by preventing your items from being damaged or lost during the construction process, help you create more space, and reduce clutter in your home.
6. Consider water outages
Having temporary water outages during plumbing work or repairs can be one of the inconveniences of a home remodel. You may have to eat out or stay at a hotel during the outage, which can add to your daily expenses. When remodeling your home, be prepared for any possible water outages to keep you from having to deal with this hassle and expense. Ask your contractor when the water supply will be shut off and for how long.
7. Kids and construction don’t mix
Keeping curious kids away from the work area will save you money by preventing accidents, injuries, or damages. Set up barriers, lock doors, cover outlets, remove hazards, and supervise your children at all times to keep them safe. Set up a play area in another room or take them to a friend's or relative's house during the day to keep them entertained.
8. Secure proper permits
It is very important to obtain the necessary permits before beginning a home remodel. Permits are required by most local authorities and municipalities, and homeowners associations may impose fines, penalties, delays, or even legal action without permits. In order to get permits, you must submit your plans and specifications to the relevant agencies and pay the fees. Before proceeding with each phase of your project, you must schedule inspections and obtain approvals.
9. Hire a competent contractor
Contractors manage, coordinate, and execute home remodels according to your specifications and budget. A contractor can help you save money by ensuring that the work is done correctly, efficiently, and safely. You can also turn to a contractor for design ideas, material selection, permit applications, subcontractor hiring, and quality control.
Smart renovation tips to stay within your budget
To stay within budget and avoid overspending, you need some smart remodeling tips. The list below will help you achieve your dream home without breaking the bank or compromising style.
10. Forget extra windows
Adding more windows to your home can increase the amount of natural light and make your space feel more open and airy. However, it can also be a costly and complicated project. Instead, increase natural light by using skylights, solar tubes, mirrors, reflective surfaces, or light colors. You can brighten up your home without breaking the bank with these options.
11. Shop second-hand for fixtures and building materials
Buying recycled fixtures and building materials instead of new ones is a good way to save money on a home remodel. Salvage yards, thrift shops, online marketplaces, and even your contractor or neighbor will likely have recycled fixtures and building materials available.
12. Snag a tax credit for your trash
Rather than throwing your trash away, why not donate it instead? The Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity ReStore are just a couple of charitable organizations that accept trash donations. Tax deductions are available for trash donations, and you help others in need by donating your trash.
13. Demolition DIY
It is possible to save money on a home remodel if you are confident and willing to roll up your sleeves. Demolition tasks you can handle yourself include tearing out carpets, taking down cabinets, and removing appliances.
14. Ask your contractor for discounted materials
You can sometimes use leftover materials from previous projects that a contractor didn’t use. Materials left over after construction can include paint, tiles, wood, or hardware. Often, your contractor will have leftover materials you can use at a discounted price or even for free if you ask!
15. Consult with architects
It may be better to hire an architect for a consultation rather than a full architectural commission if you need some professional guidance on how to plan and design your home remodel. Consultations consist of one-time meetings where the architect offers advice, ideas, sketches, or referrals based on your budget and needs. This is much less expensive than a long-term contract where the architect designs, draws, and oversees your entire project from start to finish
16. Don't be afraid to DIY with sweat equity
Sweat equity is the value you add to your home by doing some labor yourself instead of hiring someone else. If you aren’t afraid of getting your hands a little dirty and like to learn new things, you can save yourself a good amount of money in exchange for your time.
Ready, Set, Remodel!
Remodeling your home can be a rewarding and exciting way to improve your living space and increase the value of your home. However, it can also be a stressful and expensive endeavor requiring careful planning, research, and creativity.
By following these smart remodeling tips we offered to stay on budget, you can save money on your home remodel project without compromising on quality or style. Don’t forget to always consult with professionals and get the necessary permits before starting any major work.
If you are looking to invest in a new property, remodel, or sell, reach out to experienced real estate agent Amy Crane, who can offer tips, guidance, and any other assistance you need!
