So, how can you renovate your home without overspending? Here are some tips:
1. Be picky about the work that you choose to DIY versus hiring a professional like Jeffery handyman.
Some jobs are better left to those with expertise in the area, so don’t try and cut corners by doing it yourself if you really need a pro. If you’re not sure, ask someone who does know what they’re talking about before getting started.
For example, choosing interior paint colors is best left to professional painters since their eye for color will provide the most attractive result—and they’ll charge much less than an interior decorator.
A full makeover (like repainting all of the rooms) won’t be as expensive as you think . Professionals recommend Benjamin Moore’s Natura paint line for easy, no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) touchups at home and which is even good for your health. Keep in mind that the cheapest option isn’t always the best—you may want to spend more initially on materials but save money on labor and time by doing it yourself.
2. Consider other options before deciding to move or renovate. If your house requires extensive renovations that will mean major costs, consider whether moving would be cheaper. After all, moving can be pricey too (even when you hire professional movers); paying someone else to pack up your belongings might cost almost as much as renovating and buying a new house or apartment.
Also, if you plan to stay in the same neighborhood, consider whether there are any houses for sale that need a little work but can be purchased at a price much lower than yours.
Buyers looking to fix up homes often seek foreclosures and short sales—two home types that may require minimal renovations before they’re livable again.
If moving isn’t an option or buying another home with renovation potential isn’t going to meet your budget, think about renovating your existing space instead of moving somewhere else where renovations could cost even more (for example, if you have a deck that needs replacing by adding on).
3. Shop around when estimating costs . There is no standard rate for certain materials and labor, so don’t assume you know how much your renovation will cost until you’ve done your research. Check with several professionals and compare estimates before committing.
If they say the job can be completed in a weekend, ask to see photos of a home that was renovated by contractors from that company within that timeframe.
It’s also important to get three estimates for any major project from different companies or labor crews, preferably ones who have experience in the field and/or are certified and licensed; this will give you an idea of what is considered normal pricing, which can vary greatly depending on where you live as well as the season (which affects available labor). Then decide what’s most important when choosing someone to hire: price, quality, or speed.
4. Hire professionals with a proven track record . In order to prevent overspending, it’s important to hire the right professionals for renovating services —and that means choosing reputable ones who have experience and a good reputation.
Check online reviews as well as personal references—find out what former clients have to say about their work ethic and if they were pleased with the finished product. It’s also best to avoid hiring someone on Craigslist or another online site since you won’t be able to meet them before hiring them (and there are some sketchy characters on Craigslist).
Also, never take someone’s word that they’re licensed and insured; always ask for proof. Finally, make sure that your contractor can provide a written estimate with all costs included
—this will ensure that you won’t be stuck paying for any hidden fees.
5. Just because it’s free doesn’t make it a good deal . Some renovation projects simply aren’t worth the time and expense—like creating an extra bathroom in your basement or converting a porch into another room.
It might sound like a great idea, but putting too much money (or effort) into a property that isn’t going to increase its value can actually cost more than taking out a home equity loan on the remodeled space.
The same goes for adding on to your house; it might look nice, but when selling it you’ll have to subtract those costs from what you can get for the property since they don’t add market value.
