When I finished college, I never had an interest in home renovations or saw myself becoming a DIYer. Then, I married an electrical contractor and my life forever changed. Over the last 5 years, I have learned many tips and budget-saving tricks that have saved us thousands during home improvement projects. And now, I want to pass this knowledge on to others. Today, we’ll discuss 5 ways you can save on labor and material costs during your next home renovation.
5 Ways to Save on Labor and Material Costs During Home Renovations
1. Do what you can on your own.
Most people are not licensed contractors and don’t have the required technical skills to complete a full remodel. But, there are still things you can do that will save on labor and material costs. If money is an issue, it’s worth putting in the effort to complete the time-consuming tasks on your own. For example, most people can:
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- remove wallpaper, paneling, carpets, etc.
- remove unwanted furniture and decor
- hire a dumpster to remove waste
- clean carpets/refinish wood floors
- paint
- landscape
Considering that most contractors charge $30 – $50 an hour, this will save you a ton of money. It will also make it easier for them to get the work done, meaning less time you have to live with contractors coming in and out of your home.
2. Repurpose and reclaim what you can.
If you watch home renovation shows on TV, you often see them destroy things during the demolition phase. However, this is a huge waste of money and materials. You may not realize how much of your budget you can reclaim by repurposing and reclaiming what you already have.
Consider repainting and repurposing things if they are in good condition. Even if you don’t want to use them yourself, you can sell them to recoup the cost of new materials
3. Plan your projects around holiday sales and discounts.
Material costs account for the largest portion of your home renovation budget. And if you rely on the contractor to buy them, you will pay even more. If they have a corporate discount with suppliers, it might be worth the cost. But, you can save quite a bit if you purchase the materials yourself.
If you go this route, work with our contractors to see what is needed. Then, try to plan large purchases around holiday sales. Using this strategy, we have:
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- saved nearly $800 on a top-of-the-line vanity for the bathroom.
- scored up to 90% discounts on tile from outlet stores.
- found close-out deals that allowed us to get high-quality wallpaper, countertops, and flooring for next to nothing.
- purchased floor models at drastically reduced prices.
4. Take full advantage of rebate deals and free delivery options.
This step may be tedious, but I can assure you that it is well worth the savings. When you are squeezing every drop from your budget, every penny counts.
Therefore, always make sure you send in your rebate forms. When the check comes, we usually turn around and use it to reduce the bill on our next shopping trip. Also, make sure to take advantage of free delivery options whenever possible. Not only does this save you time and gas money, but also the hassle of loading and unloading the materials yourself.
5. Use your social network for referrals.
Last but not least, use your social network to find the right contractor. Most of us use social media every day. So, why not use it to help you save money on labor and material costs of your home renovation?
You probably know people in the business, or at least share mutual friends with contractors who specialize in what you need. Therefore, it’s a good idea to reach out and see who you know that can help. It’s much easier to find someone you trust to be fair with their bids. Depending on how well you know them, they may even be willing to barter services or offer a friends and family discount.
Anytime you take on home improvement projects, you can expect to spend some money. However, if you keep these tips in mind, it can help you save a bundle.
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Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.