How to Keep Remodeling Costs Down

A home remodeling project is a major investment, one that most people don’t undertake without considerable thought and planning (and perhaps some financial juggling). One of the most important issues to consider is the cost. Budget limitations will likely affect the scope and timing of the remodeling project, and may even determine whether it is a possibility at all.

Once you have made the decision to embark on a remodeling project, you should weigh each individual part of the project carefully, analyzing every expense or cost that goes along with it. Paying attention to the details and approaching this as a savvy shopper can often help you spot areas for potential savings.

There are certain costs related to a home remodeling project that may be unavoidable, and will have to be included in the plans. Then there are other areas where it is usually not wise to cut corners. This would include things like electricity and plumbing, where trying to get by with low-quality materials or subpar workmanship could create serious safety hazards.

However, there are plenty of ways that you can keep the costs of your project in line without affecting safety or sacrificing anything essential.

Identify tasks that can wait. Obviously, if you are doing a serious remodel or one that involve gutting a space, essential tasks such as wiring or plumbing need to be done at that time, as opposed to trying to tear down walls later. But there may be aspects of the projects, such as design-related tasks, that can be put on the backburner for now and taken care of later once you have more room on your budget. (These may even be items you can do yourself without the help of a contractor.)

Choose your materials carefully. Materials usually account for a large chunk of the cost of a remodeling project. Rather than just picking materials on a whim, weigh each choice and think about which details are most important to you. For items you don’t consider critical, you can often find an assortment of options at various price points that can all achieve a similar effect.

Stick to the plan. Changing details once the project starts is one of the most common reasons why costs escalate. Indecision and last-minute changes will lead to wasted materials, delays and unnecessary costs. Take all the time you need to come up with a firm plan—but after that, avoid making any changes unless absolutely necessary.

Stick with what’s there already whenever possible. The more your change the existing structure or layout, the bigger the cost will usually be. If you can follow the current layout or design, that will eliminate work and expense. For example, with a bathroom or kitchen remodel, keeping the sinks and appliances in the same general locations will help you avoid the considerable cost associated with installing new plumbing connections or re-routing pipes and wiring.

Identify any DIY tasks. You will need to discuss this with your contractor, but there may be tasks you can do on your own to save money. This might include preparing the jobsite or even doing some demolition before the crew arrives. This can help cut down on the labor charges.

Have a well-coordinated plan. If you are considering several different remodeling projects, it is often wise to come up with one comprehensive plan that incorporates all of them. This can often come out to be cheaper and more efficient than trying to approach them as separate jobs. Your contractor can help coordinate the individual trades and sub-contractors, to ensure a seamless flow and come up with the most efficient timeline.

Think about long-term costs and savings. There may be some moves you can make now that can save you money (perhaps a lot of it) later on. For example, choosing insulation, roofing products and other materials carefully based on energy efficiency may help drastically reduce your utility bills, resulting in nice ongoing savings. This can provide an attractive return on your investment for the initial cost of the project. Likewise, anything that can help protect your property from storm-related damage or other issues can allow you to avoid losses and costs down the line. There may also be some ways to implement items into your remodeling project that would make you eligible for insurance discounts.

At RW Remodeling, we know you work hard for your money and want to spend it as carefully as possible. We provide you with a detailed estimate in writing before your project begins, and make it a priority to stick to that budget. We are happy to help identify areas where you might be able to save on home remodeling costs.