Haven’t remodeled your bathrooms since… well ever? With the warmer weather approaching, many homeowners are thinking of making minor and major household improvements. And for most, the cost will be high: The average kitchen remodel can usually cost up to $60,000 and a bathroom overhaul can easily run over $15,000.
But don’t worry! With some careful planning and smart choices, you can shave thousands off the cost of renovations. Here are 7 terrific ways to save when remodeling.
It’s tempting to want to go all out once you’re remodeling, but unless structural damage demands that a room or area be completely gutted, there’s rarely a reason to start from scratch. Instead of knocking down walls and hallways, try to envision the outdated area with a fresh coat of paint, new light fixtures and some minor décor changes. Is your kitchen a total blast from the past? Instead of giving it an overhaul, consider replacing the drawer handles and knobs, staining the cabinets and refacing the moldings. Perfecting old cabinets can be a full 50% less expensive than putting in brand new ones. That alone can save some people up to $30,000!
Choosing a contractor is not an easy decision. You’ll want to find someone honest, professional and reliable – and willing to give you a decent price. So shop around! Don’t hire anyone on the spot; check out at least three different contractors before making your decision. Ask for references and meet with each contractor in person to get a feel for their character and professional conduct. Take note of whether they show up on time and their willingness to answer questions.
Just doing these simple tasks will provide you with important clues about their reliability. Be sure to ask your prospective contractor if they generally stick to their schedules or tend to fall behind. In this business, time is money, and a delay in a project’s completion can cost you a pretty penny. Finally, be sure to sign a detailed contract before making any final decisions. The contract should stipulate the final cost and estimated timeframe for the project. This is another bit of advice that can add up to thousands in savings.