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Home » Home & Garden » 7 Clever Home Remodeling Tips To Save Money

7 Clever Home Remodeling Tips To Save Money

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Planning our big home remodeling project was one of the most exciting parts of owning our home. But we were far less than thrilled when we got the estimate from our contractor.

I asked family and friends for all their cost-cutting remodeling tips, and I’ve collected the best ones here for you… and me.

While it’s never a good idea to cut corners when remodeling, there are lots of ways you can shave hundreds — if not thousands of dollars — off the final price while still getting the results you want.

home remodeling ideas

Here are my top 7 home remodeling tips to save money:

 

#1 – Compare Prices

I found a great set of granite countertops at a local building supply store, but the price was a little more than I wanted to spend.

While I was willing to pay more for the right piece in this kitchen remodel, I wasn’t sure if the counters alone were worth the extra expense.

On a whim, I looked up the model number online and found a place selling them for hundreds less — a major discount even after factoring in the shipping fees.

 

#2 – Look For Recycled Materials

Visit your local recycling center to see if they have any building materials available.

Depending on where you live, you may even have a second-hand store in your area that specializes in building supplies.

recycled home remodeling materials

A great place to check is a ReStore retailer. These stores are operated by Habitat for Humanity — and a large portion of their proceeds go to a good cause.

 

#3 – Shop Where Taxes Are Lower

If sales tax is significantly lower in the next town over (or you’re right across the border from a state with lower tax), then consider making the trip to stock up on expensive appliances, furniture, or building materials.

Sales tax may not add up to much on smaller purchases, but it can net you significant savings on purchases of hundreds of dollars or more.

 

#4 – Do Some Things Yourself

While it’s best to leave major projects like hanging drywall and rewiring electrical circuits to the pros, there are plenty of smaller aspects of a remodel that you can tackle yourself.

home remodeling kitchen

For example, after the contractors were done installing the new cabinets in our kitchen, we did all the painting ourselves. It shaved a full day off time (and money) that we had to spend on the remodel.

 

#5 – Keep the Basics the Same

In general, try to make as few changes to the basic layout of your home as possible.

Knocking down walls and making other huge changes can run up your home remodeling bill rather quickly. Many times, smaller changes can create a whole new look just as easily.

Some things that are particularly tricky to move are plumbing and windows — so try to work around the ones you already have.

 

#6 – Make Only One Big Change

While you should try to keep some things the same during your remodel, that doesn’t mean you have to play it completely safe.

Focus on one big change to modernize and update your home — just make sure it’s exactly what you want.

 

#7 – Increase Energy Efficiency

Making some changes that increase the energy efficiency of your home can easily end up saving you money in the long run.

For example, if you’re redoing your kitchen, consider energy-efficient appliances. Other rooms of your house should be properly insulated to keep the temperature controlled.

You might also want to consider solar panels. While they require a significant investment upfront, you’ll be surprised how much they shave off your utility bill every month.

 

One thing you should always do is make a budget and stick to it. Little extras can add up fast, and nothing in your home is worth going into serious debt over.

 

More Ways To Save Money On Home Remodeling Projects

  • How To Remodel A Small Bathroom With A Small Budget
  • Benefits To Using Salvaged Items In Your Home Remodel
  • Using Reclaimed Wood For Your Home Remodel
  • A Bathroom Budget Remodel Under $500
Mary
Mary

In addition to being a writer, I’m also a professional trainer and speaker. My work experience includes advertising, public relations, and career education. I hold graduate and undergraduate degrees in Communication and I’m a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources.

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Filed Under: Home & Garden, Remodeling, Maintenance & Home Decor Tagged With: Appliances, DIY, Energy Efficient, Kitchens, Money Saving Tips, Recycled Materials, Remodeling, Solar Energy

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About Us

RandyI started as a home-stalker... visiting brand new homes under construction in the neighborhoods near my house. That inspired me to write about home building and home renovation projects -- chronicling homes during different phases of construction from a consumer's point-of-view. Basically, the tips you'll find in my articles are a collection of checklists for what I think should (and should not) go into building or remodeling a quality home.

Randy: View My Blog Posts

LynnetteMy husband and I have been through the home building process... from scratch... more than once! (And we still have a few pieces of property that we might build on in the future.) So we definitely have some helpful tips to share when it comes to designing your dream home and building a house from the ground up. We've also learned that the 'fun' doesn't end once the house is built. Our clever home maintenance hacks will save you time and money each year that you live in the home. And... since everyone's house eventually needs a little remodeling (as has ours), we've got some ridiculously helpful home renovation tips as well! Whenever I’m not DIYing something around the house or adding to my Dream Home Wish List, you can find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).

Lynnette: View My Blog Posts

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