Budgets can be tight, but there are some things homeowners can do to reduce the cost of their home remodeling project. If you're hiring a contractor for some work, read on to see if any of these would work for your family.
1. Create a budget - Have an idea of what you want to spend and communicate that with the contractor before the job begins. Stick to it, and ask yourself if upgrades are necessary, or if they can be added on at a later date.
2. Reuse old materials - As long as the materials are still in good shape, some of them can be reused to save money. Do you like your kitchen cabinets but just want them white? Your contractor might be able to paint them and save you money instead of buying new. Trim, cabinet hardware, light fixtures, etc. are all examples of things that might be reusable in a new space. The less you buy the more you save (typically).
3. DIY - Are you or your spouse at least a little handy? You can cut down on remodeling budgets by doing some of the work yourself. For example, a homeowner can remove furniture, cabinets, and flooring so the contractor doesn't have to. Are you good at painting? Consider painting the space yourself when the job is finished. Be upfront with your contractor about things you're willing to do to cut the budget back a bit.
4. Keep your layout the same - moving plumbing, electrical, and removing walls are expensive parts of any home remodel. If you keep the layout of your space the same but just upgrade the materials, you could save a decent amount of money.
5. Weigh the value of high end furnishings and fixtures - During the remodel, homeowners will need to decide what level and quality of design elements they want. For example, hardwood floor is beautiful, but can be up to four times as expensive as LVT (luxury vinyl tile). Is that difference in price justified? Are commercial grade appliances worth the large price tag in lieu of mid-range appliances? Is having a statement chandelier worth the price, even if it's five times as expensive as a lower-end one? The answer to these questions is something to give serious consideration to.
6. Consider floor-model or scratch and dent appliances - Homeowners can receive huge discounts on appliances if they consider purchasing ones off the floor or if they've been scratched/dinged. If the blemish is in an area that will never be seen (like the side of a refrigerator), there's no reason to pay full retail price for one without that scratch.