If you're ready to begin renovating, don't just hire an inexpensive, fly-by-night contractor and hope for the best. Instead, here are our tips on how to get quality work while keeping your budget in check!
Research and Outsource: While you can certainly save money doing much of the grunt work yourself, it is recommended that you outsource to a professional tradesman or contractor for larger and more ambitious projects. Outsourcing your renovations to a reliable contractor guarantees you excellent quality for the finished product and may potentially prevent any costly DIY mishaps from occurring down the line. But how do you choose the right contractor? Well, you should have a solid renovation plan that outlines all your expectations and vision, in order to get the most accurate expense quote. Here's where you'll have to do some research in order to make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck! Be sure to get estimates from at least three contractors. Often, prices can vary widely, even among contractors with similar reputations and experience, so always ask questions if you have them. Secondly, reputation is key. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true, as this won't always equate to the best person for the job. Before finalizing any contracts, be sure to ensure you are working with a regarded and reputable contractor by checking for reviews, asking friends and family for recommendations, and using your best judgment. You will be working closely with your contractor to bring your dream to life, so make sure that they are reliable, affordable and will have your best interest in mind.
Negotiate for Better Deals: Remember that there's no harm in inquiring with a builder about what your options are, and where there is potential to save. If your quote is higher than you anticipated, ask your contractor if there are ways the job can be done more cost effectively. Sometimes a contractor is willing to lower the price for concessions, such as quick payments, slight design adjustments or more time to complete the job. Specify your expectations and hopefully, together you can come to a reasonable agreement that pleases both parties.
Utilize your Contractor's Resources and Shop Around for Materials: In some cases, your contractor may have leftover stock from other jobs that could suit your reno needs. Ask them if this is the case, and how these materials and resources could be put towards your current job to lower cost. You'd be surprised at what you can save on tiling and flooring with just recycled resources from a previous job. Contractors often have access to wholesale prices, so take advantage where you can. Keep in mind, you might be able to find a bathtub and vanity at a lower cost or at least avoid any markup the contractor may charge by shopping around yourself. DIY folks can save a ton of costs on lightly used and recycled fixtures and building materials. You'll likely have to install these on your own, as most contractors don't work with used materials due to liability and legal matters. However, if you're capable and willing to do the work yourself, you can definitely save tremendously and might even snag some great finds at auction, online, used hardware stores or recycling centers.
Narrow the Project Focus: This simply means evaluating where you can perform the labor yourself safely and efficiently, and leaving the bigger jobs to your contractor. For example, you wouldn't tackle the plumbing or electricity with no experience. That's just a disaster waiting to happen! However, you could cut costs by painting your home yourself rather than paying the contractor to do this uncomplicated task. Smaller, trivial jobs can add up to your contractor's bill, so if you can DIY most of these tasks, you'll narrow down your costs greatly!
Don't Rearrange Plumbing: Moving the position of any plumbing fixtures, whether it be sinks, toilets or tubs, can significantly increase the price of plumbing work for your reno. Avoid doing this if possible and simply try to design your perfect space around the already established layout of the room.
Stick to Simple Renos and Use Lookalikes: Sometimes a renovation doesn't require you to tear apart the entire space and outfit your home with brand-new fixtures in every room. If you plan on maintaining the layout of a room, keep the body of your fixtures the same and simply replace the visible aesthetic components, such as doors and handles, sink, taps, knobs, and surrounding counter-tops rather than starting from scratch. This will freshen up the look, without completely breaking the bank. Also, consider using imitation options for flooring, tiling and counter tops that will ultimately have the same look as the real stuff. With some research, you can find some great affordable imitation options, when compared against their pricey counterparts, without having to sacrifice quality either.
Schedule the Renovation During a Low-Demand Season: This one's pretty straight forward when you consider supply and demand. For example, deck contractors charge more in the spring than in the fall. If more people want their decks done in the spring, then costs of materials and labor will be inflated. An easy way to shave off your costs is simply renovating in the off season, when contractors are more likely to work for cheaper cost due to the lack of demand for their services. Contractors are actively seeking business around this time and you'll definitely SAVE! SAVE! SAVE!
There you have it, some easy tips on how you can save a ton of money during your home renovations! Keep in mind that spending a little more on a skilled and reputable contractor can save you money in the long run. The renovation will have fewer, if any, issues (that may require an expensive fix) and will last longer, so don't skimp where it counts.
