Home renovations, while essential, can be a pricey affair. From kitchen overhauls to bathroom redos, there are a lot of things to consider during the home renovation process. One thing that can make all this much easier to manage is the right planning. Without a detailed plan, homeowners can make hasty decisions, which can cause costs to add up quickly and affect one’s budget.

Tips for renovating the home economically
It is important to follow some tips to save money on home renovation and avoid falling into any financial traps.

1. Set a budget and renovation plan
Whether it’s a major or a minor home renovation project, it is always important to work with a budget and a proper plan. Start by creating a preliminary design for the space. This can be done on paper or using a design software program.

Next, take this plan to experts to get cost estimates for the home renovation. This should include expenses such as materials, labor charges, and permits.

Try to make the budget as detailed as possible. Even include the hotel or dining costs if the kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom will be closed off for a while. Further, when budgeting, set aside an additional 20% for any extra costs that may arise.

Further, formulate a timeline for the project. Account for a little extra time for any holidays, inclement weather, or unexpected delays. Try to avoid scheduling major projects around family event days. Finally, check the local building codes and get the required permissions.

2. DIY the demolition work
One of the easiest ways to save money on home renovation is to DIY the demolition work. This is not only a great way to remove all of that pent-up frustration but can also help one save hundreds of dollars in labor costs. Whether it’s taking a hammer to the walls or cracking up the tiles, be sure to do so safely by putting on adequate safety equipment and minimizing the risk of injuries.

3. Get permits beforehand
Don’t forget about the permits at the start of the project. If the construction is not up to code, homeowners are required to tear it down and redo it all over again, which can be really expensive.

4. Reuse materials if possible
A lot of pre-existing furniture can be fixed up or given a new coat of paint for a fresh look. Consider reusing some of these materials instead of trying to buy everything as this will help reduce furniture costs significantly.

5. Pick up materials
Instead of having the materials delivered to the doorstep, one can choose to pick them up themselves. This will reduce hauling and labor costs. If one doesn’t have a pick-up truck or an SUV large enough to do this, several home renovation stores offer pick-up trucks on rent to move materials.

6. Try price matching
One can explore fabulous deals on a range of home renovation materials and furniture pieces online. But, it isn’t always feasible to order online, given the cost of freight. The way out? Head over to a local retailer to check if they are willing to match the price. This will help one secure a better deal on the item/material without having to spend a lot on shipping costs.

7. Hire reputable contractors
The quality of the home renovation rests entirely on this choice. When taking on any home renovation project, one needs to verify that the contractor or construction company is qualified to take it on. This includes checking for licenses, insurance, as well as references.

One must also shop around. Talk to multiple companies or contractors and get bids from each one of them. Read all the paperwork carefully. This is also a good time to confirm that the company offers worker’s compensation insurance and property damage coverage so the homeowner is not liable for any accidents or damages.

Before starting the project, one must also discuss payment options and budgets with the contractor. Don’t fall for a contractor that demands all-cash payments, as they may be trying to avoid a paper trail or scam unsuspecting homeowners.

8. Inspect the home after renovation
Once the renovation project is complete, one also needs to conduct a thorough inspection of the space to make sure that everything is in order. Check all faucets and pipes for leaks, and walls, floors, and tiles for cracks. Power on the HVAC system and check its effectiveness. See if all the lights, fans, and other equipment are working properly. Finally, open and close all the cabinets to ensure that they have been installed properly. Reach out to the contractor immediately in case of any issues. It is always advisable to have these problems resolved as quickly as possible.