It can be tough to stay on budget during a home remodel in Scottsdale, AZ, but there are ways to be successful if you stick with a set plan. You’ll have to be creative and listen to your design team to ensure you have the house of your dreams at the end of the remodeling project.
Don’t Skimp on the Planning Stages
It can take months to come up with the right plan for your home based on your budget restrictions. When you plan with an architect and contractor, you’re using their skills and expertise to your advantage. They can help by providing advice and contacts that will help you save money.
Talk to Your Design Team Honestly
Make sure everyone understands the limits of your budget. You don’t want to lie to a designer or contractor during the estimate phase because you’re shopping around for the cheapest design and rate. Instead, tell them your budget and let them help you work creatively within that budget.
Check for Deals Online
You want to have most of your supplies and materials ordered by the contractor who will have access to better deals. You still want to be on the lookout for good deals on used items online though. If you’re looking for a specific item like a copper farmhouse sink, you could find it used on a site like OfferUp or eBay. Craigslist and Facebook deal groups are good places to find items too.
Schedule During Slow Times
In a place that gets cold winter months, that can be a good time to schedule your work with the contractor. It’ll be the slowest time of the year for him, so he might want to work out a deal with you. If you live in an area that doesn’t get snow, there are likely other slow times of the year. Ask the contractor when work is slow and inquire about a discount.
Stay Focused on Absolute Needs
While you might love to spend top dollar for the best in high-end fixtures and finishes, you’ll be spending money unnecessarily. There are great deals that won’t break your budget, but you have to be willing to make compromises on things you don’t absolutely need.
Don’t be Afraid to Barter
If you have a skill or a job that others might have need of, you could barter in exchange for services. For example, you might be an artist or a golf enthusiast who can trade for golf lessons or a piece of pottery for work on your home. You might be a lawyer who could give a few hours of your services in exchange for new drywall. It can’t hurt to ask a contractor how they feel about bartering.
Be a Good Client
One of the best ways to get a good deal is to be a good client. When you are a good client who makes milestone payments on time, your contractor will work harder on your behalf. That could mean finishing sooner or finding good deals for you in the future. At the very least, he won’t drag his feet on the job.
It takes some planning and thought to get good deals on your remodeling project, but when you have a beautiful home at the end, the hassle will have been worth it.