Category: renovating tips

Being a homeowner comes with a lot of responsibility. If something happens or there’s a disaster, it falls squarely on the homeowner to take care of it. On the other hand, being a homeowner means you get to decide if you want to do renovations, which can be a really exciting experience.

Obviously, some renovations are strictly aesthetic but others (such as roof repair, security system installations, etc.) can improve your residence and low the cost of your homeowners insurance. Whether this is the first of your renovations or you’ve done this a hundred times before, here are some helpful tips for buying renovation materials and getting your home project done within budget.

Avoid trendy styles to get cheaper materials. If there’s a style that seems to be everywhere when you’re making plans for renovations, you might start thinking it looks amazing. Until you see some of the price tags. Of course, the hottest options are going to be a bit pricier, not to mention you might end up with a new kitchen or bathroom that looks dated in five years. Staying away from styles seen as trendy is not only a good way to save money, it can keep your renovation project looking classic.

Shop small, buy big. Smaller stores can offer discounts that larger corporate stores can’t. It pays to shop around and see what’s out there instead of just going to the closest ‘big box’ store. If you’re going to buy a lot of material at an independently owned store, you may be able to build a relationship with the owner and receive a discount. Buying in bulk also keeps your costs low and is an easy way to get a few dollars shaved off an order.

Look for materials at various suppliers. This doesn’t mean just looking through Lowes then going to Home Depot. There are a lot of different places to find discounted or gently used materials for your home renovation projects. Sites like PlanetReuse or The Habitat for Humanity Restore are great resources for wood, fixtures, even furniture. Make sure you’re still buying from a reputable source and know what to look for in regards to damage or use.

Ask any question you can. Doing your own renovations can be really exciting but you want to make sure you know you’re doing it correctly. A mistake during renovations can lead to a bigger problem down the line and before you know it, you’re troubleshooting a problem that didn’t need to happen. If you’re unsure about something, ask a pro. If you’re still unsure after that, hire a pro. Using a contractor for jobs that might be riskier or have the potential to be a disaster if gone wrong can save you money in the long run. You might need a contractor for every little thing but if you don’t feel absolutely positive about what you’re doing, ask questions and hire help.

Get packaged deals. Buying a lot or most of what you need from one vendor can help cut costs too. Getting most of your materials in a large order often results in discounts being offered, especially at independent retailers. Independent retailers like to retain customers with exceptional service and if you’re a customer who is spending a lot of money and doing a big project, a store owner can offer you a discount to help you out and keep you happy.

Projects of any size can be a challenging and rewarding experience. Saving money on supplies or by doing your own labor keeps some cash in your pocket for the next project because you know there’s always going to be a next project. Just remember to ask questions, look for deals, and to buy quality material that will last. Make your home yours and do it right!