Get the Most for Your Renovation Dollars
By Ashley Palmer
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Most homeowners find that renovating entails balancing what you want and the financial resources you have available. Professional renovators suggest a number of approaches that can help to stretch your budget.
- Set priorities. Cost-effective renovations begin with clearly defining what you want to accomplish to be sure that you are covering all the important areas. The whole household should be involved in the planning process - what is really needed and what would be "nice to have"? How will your needs change over the years? Discuss your ideas in detail with your contractor, who can offer sound advice on costs and approaches.
- Look closely at what you already have. Professional renovators can help you discover the hidden assets of your home. For instance, homeowners sometimes assume that they need extra floor space when maybe all that is needed is more effectively designed space. By rearranging interior walls, eliminating separations and installing larger windows, the renovator can often create the sense of roominess and light you want.
- Look under existing carpeting and sheet flooring - old hardwood is often high quality and can be refinished. If your old trim and doors are in good shape, they can be refinished as well. Likewise, you may be able to reface your kitchen cupboards instead of installing new ones, or perhaps you can "recycle" hardware such as knobs and handles.
- Do the work in stages to suit your budget. Phasing the work allows you to achieve the results that you really want without excessive financial pressure. Your professional renovator can help develop a master plan with proper sequencing of tasks, timelines and expected costs.
- Product substitution can extend your budget without compromising the overall quality of your renovation. For example, areas where performance is not affected, you can consider using less expensive options - 32 oz. carpets rather than 43 oz.; ceramic tiles instead of slate or marble; 4 inch baseboards rather than 7 inch; to mention a few possibilities. Your professional renovator can advise you on how to get the best value for your money.
- Consider capital versus operating costs. Water-conserving fixtures will save a considerable amount of money over time in areas with water metering. Likewise, energy-efficient lighting, high-efficiency heating systems and electronic thermostats mean long-term savings. Professional renovators are up-to-date on the latest technologies and can provide you with the information you need to make wise decisions for the long term.
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Get the Most for Your Renovation Dollars
By Ashley Palmer
|
|
|
Most homeowners find that renovating entails balancing what you want and the financial resources you have available. Professional renovators suggest a number of approaches that can help to stretch your budget.
- Set priorities. Cost-effective renovations begin with clearly defining what you want to accomplish to be sure that you are covering all the important areas. The whole household should be involved in the planning process - what is really needed and what would be "nice to have"? How will your needs change over the years? Discuss your ideas in detail with your contractor, who can offer sound advice on costs and approaches.
- Look closely at what you already have. Professional renovators can help you discover the hidden assets of your home. For instance, homeowners sometimes assume that they need extra floor space when maybe all that is needed is more effectively designed space. By rearranging interior walls, eliminating separations and installing larger windows, the renovator can often create the sense of roominess and light you want.
- Look under existing carpeting and sheet flooring - old hardwood is often high quality and can be refinished. If your old trim and doors are in good shape, they can be refinished as well. Likewise, you may be able to reface your kitchen cupboards instead of installing new ones, or perhaps you can "recycle" hardware such as knobs and handles.
- Do the work in stages to suit your budget. Phasing the work allows you to achieve the results that you really want without excessive financial pressure. Your professional renovator can help develop a master plan with proper sequencing of tasks, timelines and expected costs.
- Product substitution can extend your budget without compromising the overall quality of your renovation. For example, areas where performance is not affected, you can consider using less expensive options - 32 oz. carpets rather than 43 oz.; ceramic tiles instead of slate or marble; 4 inch baseboards rather than 7 inch; to mention a few possibilities. Your professional renovator can advise you on how to get the best value for your money.
- Consider capital versus operating costs. Water-conserving fixtures will save a considerable amount of money over time in areas with water metering. Likewise, energy-efficient lighting, high-efficiency heating systems and electronic thermostats mean long-term savings. Professional renovators are up-to-date on the latest technologies and can provide you with the information you need to make wise decisions for the long term.
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