As we’ve noted in our past several blog posts, kitchen and bathroom remodels add tremendous value to your home. If you’re in the market to sell, it will shorten the time your home is on the market by making it more attractive to potential buyers. If you’re looking to stay in your home, it will help you enjoy your home for years to come.
As the saying goes, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. It will cost some money to get that increased value. If you’ve not been in the remodel market recently you may experience some sticker shock. So are there ways you can reduce the cost of your remodel?
Yes, there are. Here are some money saving ideas as you start the process:
If you can do it (and do it right) you won’t have to pay the contractor to do it. Some of the tasks are simple. Clearing the rooms and work areas, for example. When contractors and technicians are on the job, they are on the clock. Make sure you are paying them to do the tasks that you can’t do. Unless in your situation money isn’t an issue, it pays to do as much as you are able.
If you have the knowledge and physical ability, clear the rooms of all objects and fixtures. Take towel racks and hangers off the walls. Remove curtain rods and take mirrors off the walls. Take out shower curtains and remove shower doors.
If the project involves new flooring, you can save money by taking out the old flooring. Consult with your contractor first to be sure you don’t do too much or too little. If you get the ok, you’ll save a lot of money by removing the old linoleum or the old tile yourself.
Doing the manual labor tasks is one way to reduce the cost of your remodel. Doing the mental preparation is even more important. Remodels are a “measure twice, cut once” project. Extra time spent shopping the best prices on materials is crucial. On a recent random cost comparison, I found price differences of $85 on an identical sink. When you think of all the fixtures that go into a bathroom and kitchen, differences in prices of even half that much add up to significant money.
When purchasing your materials, do remember to plan ahead. Saving $85 on a sink can actually cost you money if it’s not here when the contractors are ready to install it. Down time is expensive time. Make sure all your materials are on hand and ready to go. Your contractor can provide you with a time line for the project so you’ll know what to have ready when.
The pros at Sinclair are experts in kitchen and bathroom remodels. They will be pleased to serve you and offer their expertise so your remodel will be a great experience. Give us a call today and we’ll help you plan the project that will add great value to your home. 806-749-2665.