A home remodel is one of the most exciting, fun, and value-building activities a homeowner can enjoy, yet it’s not always easy to do without breaking the bank. Many people tend to overspend on their remodel, whether it’s a bathroom, basement, kitchen, or something else. However, by following a few simple tips, you can save tons of cash on the next remodel of your Ocala, Florida, home.
Create a Budget
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make on a remodel is not coming up with a budget. Without a budget, there’s nothing to guide you during the pursuit of the right contractors, materials, and figuring other costs. In most cases, make this the very first thing you do, as it gives you a reasonable idea of what you might spend, accompanied by how much money you’ll allocate to each category of your budget.
Pick the Right Time
Summer and early fall are the two most popular times for remodels. While you may have more time at home during this period, the high demand also means higher costs. Instead of waiting for peak times and letting the contractor dictate the price, start your remodel in the off-season. This can help you save extra cash that you can invest in something else, such as an HVAC upgrade, more impressive fixtures, or new interior decor.
While the time of year is integral to finding a deal, you may also want to keep an eye out for sales at stores. If you’re doing a kitchen remodel, it never hurts to thumb through advertisements to see if there’s a deal on plumbing fixtures or countertops.
Buy the Materials Yourself
Finding a trustworthy contractor is hard enough, but locating one that’s cheap as well isn’t easy either. Fortunately, there are ways to cut costs right off the bat. No matter what type of remodel you’re doing, always buy the fixtures, raw materials, and other items on your own. If you let the contractor purchase them, they always mark them up to cover their costs of finding the items, transportation, etc.
Consider Ductless Air Conditioning
Ductless air conditioning has become one of the most popular new forms for cooling additions or remodels. Not only is it convenient, but it’s also versatile. It requires no new ductwork, which saves you money, while covering larger areas with more efficiency and convenience than a window air conditioner unit. To top it off, it’s also easily worked into the surrounding decor, allowing you to seamlessly install it without it becoming an eyesore.
Don’t Go Wild on Appliances
Unless money is no obstacle or you spend countless hours in the kitchen, avoid the temptation to spend extra cash on appliances such as a stove, oven, or refrigerator. While they may offer some more high-tech or convenient feature, you’ll never recoup the cost, especially if you plan on selling any time in the future.
There are plenty of mid-range and low-cost options that still look great, and you can spend the savings on something that adds value such as hardwood flooring, cabinets, or nicer countertops. Keep in mind that slightly dented or scratched display models can also add up to big savings if you don’t mind a minor cosmetic blemish.
Pick Up Some Paint
Before you spend tons of time and money on a remodel, there’s a chance you have an easier solution. A fresh coat of paint changes the entire feel of a room, and its transformative powers come at a fraction of the cost of any type of remodel. When in doubt, head over to the paint store and get a few gallons. You might be surprised by how much you love the result.
Look for Money Saving Upgrades
When you’re putting together your remodel, search for items that save you money regularly. High-efficiency light fixtures, low-flow toilets, ceiling fans, and other energy-efficient products are easy to find, moderately priced, and pay for themselves after a few years.
Doing a home remodel and saving money aren’t always synonymous. However, these tips should certainly eliminate some stress and headaches. If you need a contractor you can trust for your HVAC needs, make sure to contact Sun Kool Air Conditioning, Inc. today at (352) 330-1067.
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