When you need to remodel your home, one of the biggest fears is that it will end up going way over your budget. The usual advice for anyone looking to renovate is that you need to factor in an additional 20 percent to cover unexpected costs. However, even with this buffer, there can still be unforeseen issues that could bump up the cost even more. One way that you can save some money is to use a few of these ideas. They will help you to cut the cost where you can, so you can use that money on more important areas.
Increase Your Efficiency Not Size
You might want to expand your home as part of the remodeling, you might want a larger kitchen or a bigger bathroom, for example. However, the cost of this type of expansion can be considerable, so instead, think about reusing your existing space more efficiently. Think about the space you are using for cupboards and replace them with space saving drawers that can hold more volume. You might be able to cut out the area for your dining and have a folding table and chairs because doing so will save you space in your kitchen as well as make the room look tidier. With your bathroom, perhaps you can swap your bath for a shower or wet room if you are happy to give up the bath.
Bring in Natural Light Without Adding Windows
Knocking holes in walls can get costly, especially if you want a particular type of window. However, there are ways that you can add lighting without having to do such major work. You can add a light tube which slips between the roof rafters and funnels sunshine down into the living space. You can also try adding bulbs that act as natural light, so you get the feeling of sunshine without having to do the extra work.
Use the Recycling Center
Many people who undertake the renovation themselves also use recycling centers to cut the cost of their materials. Many centers around the country can offer salvaged items such as windows doors and even bundles of insulation. Finding these gems can cut your material cost by a huge amount, even if you decide to get builders in to fit them. The only thing to remember is that you need to make sure the materials are compatible with what you want to achieve. On the other side of the coin, you can also ask these recycling centers if they want any of your materials you have left over.
Think About Long-Term Gains Rather Than Short-Term Cost
When you are trying to cut the cost of your home, one area that can be a negative is trying to save on materials because of the cost. If you are looking to replace some wood on the outside of your home, it can be better to go for a longer lasting, treated wood as opposed to a cheaper untreated version. Although you will be saving money in the long term, it will cost you more money in the future, and it will need replacing sooner. Another area is lighting, choosing the right type of lighting is going to save you money for what would be a small aesthetic difference. For example, having recessed lighting installed can cost you a lot more than having the same wattage lights on the surface. You might not have exactly the look you want, but you will be saving a huge amount of money. Although you are spending more money, and you might need to think about how to finance it, you will be saving money long term.
Demolish Your House and Start Again
You might not think that knocking down your whole house is the most cost-effective way of remodeling, but there are good reasons you should consider it. If you have a house that you want to expand, then this can cost a lot of money when doing this to an existing house. However, if you were to demolish your house and rebuild it from the beginning, then you can effectively create as big a house as you need. For example, the cost to remodel your house could be as much as $570,000, but, the cost to replicate would be $588,000. Although you are spending an additional $18,000, you are gaining over $60,000 in additional living space plus improved safety and efficiency.
Keep the Plan in Stock Sizes
When you are thinking about replacing windows or other fittings, you need to think about stock sizes instead of trying to build something that needs specialized fittings. These special fittings or odd sized windows can cost a lot of money, so you might want to rethink this area of your house.
Buy Your Supplies at Auction
You might not realize that many auctions around the country offer building supplies. It means that you might be able to pick up a pallet of bricks at a much lower cost. There are many other materials also go to auctions from doors to plasterboard, so you might be able to shave a little money off your budget. Even if you cannot get all the supplies at auction, you might be able to get a fair amount; perhaps you can also find another auction nearby to find additional materials.
Do Some of the Work Yourself
Although you might be a strong DIY enthusiast, you might not think that you can do all of the work yourself. However, there are many areas that you might be able to accomplish if you take your time and refer to reference material. Although you shouldn’t try to attempt anything that is structural or any work on the electrical system without the correct safety equipment, there are many things you can do. If you are a capable DIY expert and you can do some of the work yourself, this will help you to cut the cost dramatically.
When you are thinking about remodeling your home, consider trying to save some money before you start work.