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Cutting Costs on Home Improvement Projects
Tips from an Expert
By Dianne Hadaway
In addition, your budget should cover each category of work to be done, says Don Prather of Prather Construction in Valley, Ala. "Go to a bank that handles construction loans and ask for a copy of a standard construction cost-breakdown form to learn about the categories you will need to consider, such as electrical, plumbing, heating, rough carpentry, masonry, appliances, hardware, flooring, etc.," he says. Manage your budget throughout your project by keeping a running total of remaining funds so that you can stay on track.
Matching Your Project to Your BudgetNext, list your project needs and wants and then prioritize them. For example: You need more efficient use of existing space; to replace outdated fixtures, appliances or plumbing; and improved traffic flow. You want a more aesthetically-pleasing room and to add more functionality and organization.
Set your goals and then decide what you must do and what compromises you can make. Re-organizing a room may be more important than having new appliances if your budget restricts your desires. Eliminating unnecessary tasks will bring your project into focus and help you stay within budget.
"I am in the process of remodeling our house...," says Mike Adcock of Tamarac, Fla. "We considered replacing our kitchen cabinets, then conidered replacing just the doors. The cost was out of this world. I found a way to get what we wanted within our budget by learning how to refinish our kitchen cabinets."
