Ways to Save on the Average Cost of Adding Onto Your Home
During the last few years, people spent more time at home, increasing the demand for home remodeling projects. Whether the remodels are to create more space, renovate a home to sell, or make room for a home office, it’s a significant investment of time and money. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to look for ways to save money on a remodeling project — by considering DIY approaches or having friends help out. However, cutting corners can backfire if the job isn’t done well the first time. There are some innovative ways to save on the average cost of a home addition that can also potentially add value to your home when it’s for sale.
Plan ahead
With any long-term big home improvement project, having a plan and a budget is one of the first steps to success. A budget should have some room to shift, knowing that the prices of materials and labor are in flux with the current state of the economy. Your plan can include renderings of how you’d like the space to look by working with an architect. While the extra planning could add to your upfront costs, it can save you time and money overall.
Keep it standard
When budgeting, know that customers will always cost more and advanced research to understand the standard sizes for sinks, cabinets, and countertops can help you save. Planning a home addition that uses standard sizes for cabinets, shelves, doors, and sinks can save you money without paying extra for customizations. This is another place where working with an architect can help you understand what’s possible and how to make your project fit within standard sizes.
Refinish instead of replacing
When it comes to kitchen and bathroom additions, homeowners may immediately think they need to replace everything for a fresh look in the new space. However, there are also ways to save. Cabinets can be repainted, refinished, repurposed, and given new hardware for a fraction of the cost of installing everything new. Flooring can be refinished to save on removing and installing it. Repainting, adding a backsplash, and replacing appliances are other ways to remodel without a complete demolition.
Use recycled materials
With the cost of raw materials on the rise, it can be worth the effort to use recycled materials. Reclaimed wood, cork, and vintage hardware can all be incorporated into a home remodel to save on the cost of buying new. Another advantage of using recycled materials is that this can be a selling point for a home in the future, which could increase your home sale price.
Consider cost-effective material alternatives
The budget for a home remodel will largely depend on the materials used, with top-of-the-line and designer materials costing more. One smart way to save money is to plan to use materials that look similar to high-end ones at a fraction of the price. Laminate and marble could be an alternative to granite countertops. Cork, bamboo, or tile can be an alternative to hardwood floors. Working with an expert can help you find ways to save on materials that can lead to a big payoff on the total price of your remodel or home addition.Article by Liz ShemariaPhoto by Anete Lusina