Saving money is always a necessity when it comes to planning a remodel and improving parts of the home. The financial commitment is often more than the original budget so it always helps to find ways to save money whenever possible.

Check out our budgeting tips for reducing expenses and ensuring that you can complete your projects without disruption.

• Prioritize Needs over Wants

Divide your list of renovation goals into changes that you want and improvements that you cannot live without. If your entire goal is to make certain household features more functional or to replace kitchen appliances that do not work, put the necessities at the top of the list. It might be possible to hold off on parts of the project that are not needed to achieve your basic renovation goals.

• Handle the Demolition Yourself

Knocking down walls and removing old materials is a part of the cost that a professional will charge in a home improvement project. As long as you feel confident and understand how to properly tear out areas that will be replaced, why not handle it yourself? Take note to avoid any live wires, plumbing, and load-bearing walls that could put you in danger or cause the repairs to become an additional expense.

• Leave the Kitchen Sink

It’s expensive to relocate plumbing so it might be smarter for your budget to simple plan the project around existing hookups. This is also true of electrical wiring that would have to be installed or removed by a licensed electrician. Only do what is necessary to keep from sacrificing a considerable part of the budget to move one sink.

• Start with the Small Projects First

Before you jump into an entire home renovation, begin with something easy and inexpensive. Once you complete a front porch addition or replacing an entryway door, it will be easier to understand the process of buying new materials, paying for labor, and going through construction. Prior experience will help tremendously when it’s time to negotiate larger projects with contractors.

• Budget for the Unexpected

No matter how prepared you are to take on a project of any size, there is a good chance that you will hit a snag at some point. Set aside a separate budget specifically to cushion these unforeseen expenses so that you never become stressed with the unexpected.

• Get an Estimate from a Professional

The average homeowner is not able to complete a renovation without going over their set budget. It’s always smart to have a professional contractor provide a more realistic estimate based on the labor, materials, and details of the project. In the long run this is going to help save up an adequate amount before you ever decide to get started.

We are happy to come out to your home and provide an estimate on your project so that you can plan ahead. Call us to set up an appointment that is suitable with your schedule.