How to Save Money On A Home Remodel: 7 Secret Tips

August 19, 2022 | Andray Shcherban

When it comes to renovating your home, learn the best strategies and tips to stretch your budget in the long run.

Whether you have an older home that is in need of updates or want to build the house of your dreams, starting a remodeling project will substantially increase the value of your home. 

In this blog, we share 7 tips to help you prepare, organize, and save money on your home remodel!

1. Set a Budget 

It’s always a good idea to develop a realistic timeline and budget to make sure everyone is on the same page regarding timelines and expectations.

Manage expectations from the start and do your research.

To start, take a look at the median value of homes in your area to get a base level and consider adding a little more for quality materials since the cost of labor is more or less fixed.

Take these tips into consideration:

2. Create a Plan 

Planning a remodel can be overwhelming when you start to think about all the required permits, overall stress, and time investment. With so many moving parts, expert communication from all involved parties is necessary to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Getting the job tailored to your specifications and done right the first time is always the goal.

Keep in mind that remodels that appeal to the largest number of people on average tend to yield higher returns. Prioritize the value of each room by size and amenities that are important to you. However, if you’re remodeling to sell, focus on kitchens and bathrooms first. 

While each room has its own unique charm, choosing to remodel the primary bedroom over the kitchen won’t be nearly as expensive as a typical kitchen because there won’t be electrical wiring, appliances or plumbing to consider.

Should you choose to stay in the house during the remodel, it’s a good idea to space things out over time so your house isn’t a 24/7 construction zone. Also, if you’re not pressed for time, you might be able to negotiate a better price with your contractor.  

3. Interview Multiple Contractors

In general, you want to ask contractors for references, check out their portfolios, ask about their process and what it’s like from start to finish. 

Next, you’ll need to:

Be sure to inquire about their working relationships with vendors and providers. At Kamanski, teamwork and collaboration are important to us because we value relationships with our clients. Working with long-time, trusted contractors who do quality work is one way of building trust and loyalty.

4. Over Communicate With Your Home Builder 

Overcommunication helps prevent misunderstandings, and keeps key information top of mind, while making sure everyone is on the same page.

Be sure to reinforce important information by keeping an open flow of communication with your project manager–this will allow for less hiccups in the long run.

Here are some ways to make sure you’re in agreement about the project schedule with your contractor to avoid any confusion:

5. Minimize Breaking Down Walls

Where possible, it’s best to avoid knocking down interior walls in your home. If it’s a key element of your dream remodel just be sure to hire a pro to knock down load-bearing walls.

Need to replace bathroom fixtures, cabinetry, and flooring during the remodel?  No problem, but if at all possible avoid changing the room’s layout. If you need to tear up the flooring and reroute pipes, it can end up tripling your plumbing costs.

Wall removal cost estimates tend to vary by the size and design of your home, the amount of labor involved, and whatever replacement materials are needed. Multi-story homes tend to cost more than single-story homes, particularly if you’re removing a wall from a lower level.

A good rule of thumb is to always hire a professional inspector because in many cases there is a lot going on behind the wall, including pipes, wires, and structural support beams that may not seem obvious at first.  

6. Track your Spending

Costs for small and large items including nails, screws, hardware, rugs, and window treatments can quickly add up in the blink of an eye. Even though using newer and higher-quality materials can increase the value and equity of your home, make sure to keep track so you don’t get sticker shock.

Planning a home remodel requires a lot of paperwork and reciepts. Luckily, there are several ways to help you keep track of where your money is going and to whom. 

It’s possible to reduce renovation costs by creating a detailed budget and doing plenty of research.

Here are a few tools to help keep you on track: 

7. Save on Material Costs

A great way to save money on remodel materials is to shop locally. Buying from nearby vendors will not only eliminate shipping costs but will also support small businesses in your community.

Here are a few ways to save:

Ready to Save on Your Next Remodel? Let’s Get Started! 

At Kamanski Construction, we have over 30 years of experience.

We believe in quality work done right and making sure the process goes as smoothly as possible— let our highly skilled team of designers and contractors help you customize your newly remodeled home today, it’s just one click away.

Check out our portfolio. Questions?  Give us a call at 864.800.9912 or drop us a line. Start your project today!