5 Ways to Stay Within Budget On a Renovation


The ability to suddenly go over budget on a home remodel or renovation takes no special skill. All you need is to run into one large snag, and you can be hundreds, if not thousands over what you expected to pay. Below are five ways you can stay on track and within budget on your next home improvement project.

Forget the DIY Route

Trying to tackle a home renovation job on your own can end up costing you money if the project does not go right. Anyone can make remodeling look easy, but it can take years of experience to get professional results. This is one time you need to bite the bullet and pay the money needed for an expert result. It will take less time, get done right the first time, and last for years.

Hire an Experienced Contractor

Take the time to interview prospective contractors. Find out if their taste in design is similar to your own. Look at available images of finished projects. Talk with the local references provided. You ultimately want a contractor that is close by in case there are problems and with the experience of successfully handling similar jobs. You need to feel comfortable that they are skilled enough to provide the results you desire. Hiring the lowest bidder might signal the results will be of low quality.

Plan for Every Little Detail

It is impossible to look in a crystal ball and foretell any and all problems that can arise during a renovation, but the more you plan, the easier things will go. Document everything you want from start to finish. Include the materials of choice and demonstrate with online pictures, if any are available. The more details you can give the contractor the better.

Decide Where to Spend and Save Money

Make some solid decisions on acceptable areas of compromise when it comes to spending money on the renovation. The type of wood might be non-negotiable, but the type of seal coating, or stain you can afford to be somewhat flexible. Build in ways to save money as you go.

Add Extra Funds for an Older Home

Older homes hold the most promise of busting your budget wide open. The potential is real to have to fix unexpected problems, causing delays and more money. Add 25 to 30 percent extra to the amount of your renovation budget for such emergency situations.

Contact an experienced local remodeling contractor through services like Renovation Experts and plan that next renovation today!