Home renovation can be very complicated and stressful in some peoples’ eyes. Here are some helpful tips that will put you at ease and help the process of saving your home, your money and time during a big renovation.

Get efficient.

There are simpler ways to gain room around the house rather than tearing down walls. Utilize shelf space and organize your items to avoid clutter. Get rid of things you don’t need as well by throwing them out or donating them.

Do your research.

Take the time to talk to friends and family that have a house similar to the one you want yours to look like. Figure out what they liked and didn’t like about the renovation process and try your best to make the best decision for your house using their feedback. The contractor you choose can help you with these ideas as well as they see remodeling projects day in and day out.

Obtain permits.

Many homeowners think that permits are an unnecessary hassle, but permits are a necessary part of the process in most cases, in most towns and with most HOA or POA organizations. Avoiding a permit or not getting one can come back to haunt you if you are not careful, and waste everyone’s time.

Consult the calendar.

If you want your renovations done by a certain time, make sure you look at your end date and work backward from there. Some shoddy contractors have a bad habit of telling you something will be done by a certain time, and then it not actually being done until two months past that date. Home Remedy does its best to give you an accurate timeline, but there are times when complications arise that weren’t seen beforehand as well. Start on your projects as soon as possible to ensure that they will be done in time for your big event, for summer, or the whole family coming in for the holidays.

Tired of your cabinets?

Instead of getting brand new cabinets, paint them or distress them to save some serious bucks. This is another project that Home Remedy is happy to help with!

Have a detailed plan.

Make sure you don’t overbook. Having multiple contractors in the house at once can be very stressful for everyone involved. Check your calendar and make arrangements to make sure everyone is comfortable and has plenty of room to work and successfully get the job done.

Go used.

Don’t be afraid to shop at resale shops to save money. The quality at resale shops is oftentimes just as good as buying something new but for half the price. You may go in there and find something great that you never would’ve found in store!  The installation may be the only cost in finding something really special.

Haul your own materials.

A simple way to save money, if you have the vehicle, is to haul your materials yourself. Instead of paying for a U-Haul or paying a company to take your materials for you, try calling some of your friends with flatbed trucks or pick-ups. Offer to buy them dinner or a case of beer if they let you borrow their truck for a couple hours.

Go for lookalikes.

One of the smartest ways to save money is to look for the less expensive alternative that looks the most like the priciest version that you want.

Do your own painting. 

Of course, this is one of Home Remedy’s fortes. But painting can be a fun, family-filled activity. Put on white t-shirts, order a few pizzas and have a fun painting day with the family or friends. Listen to music and paint to the beat. Not only will you save money, but you’ll make memories that will be sure to last a lifetime, making your house a home.

We hope these tips will put you at ease and save money during your next big renovation. If you have questions, or get halfway and need help, give Home Remedy a call!