Looking for tips to help you avoid exceeding your remodeling budget? Here they are!
A remodel is probably one of the most expensive projects you’ll ever undertake, with a lot of people exceeding their original budget. There are several tips, however, that you can use to try and avoid unnecessary overspending, of course with careful planning and know-how.
Determine the advantages and disadvantages of your remodel
Before you start on the remodel, determine if there is a possibility of the project adding value to your home. This would make more sense if you are hoping on earning some profit from selling your home sometimes later;
You can consult with a few real estate agents from your area to determine what most homeowners are looking for, and if you can achieve some of it through your remodel. Where possible, consult directly with an architect to determine if the spatial layout of your remodeling plans can be changed without having to increase the square footage. By relocating some doors or walls, you might be able to redesign the flow of your plans.
Carefully plan the remodel
Proper planning and carefully working out the cost of your remodel is essential, just as deciding how you will split your budget; for example, decide if most of the money will be spent on the structural remodeling works, or on the internal fittings.
It would be much cheaper to create more room out of the available space instead of trying to extend the room. Getting rid of structural costs from your project (for example, getting new walls and cabinets) can save you over half of the total remodeling cost, so that you can focus your attention on other issues such as plumbing, fittings, and electrics.
If you feel that your remodel project is big and you are not able to properly plan a budget, it is advisable to seek the advice of a remodeling expert for advice on how to avoid exceeding your remodeling budget. Most of the time, you’ll meet people who have extremely underestimated the cost of a remodel project, or have been caught unawares by unexpected complications during the remodel.
Write down your budget even before you request for estimates
It is very easy to get carried away in excitement by the idea of a remodel, but even the most insignificant extras can drown an otherwise good budget. To restrict yourself from overspending, write down a strict budget even before you decide to meet with your contractor for the estimates.
If you decide to work on the project yourself and you need to know exactly how much is available to be spent, remember to factor in a small percentage that can cater for the unexpected details, such as removing the dried up rot or patching holes, rewiring the old electrical systems and tearing walls. In most cases, the safest bet would be to set apart an additional 20 percent for unexpected costs.
Conduct a thorough research on the cost of remodeling materials
Remodeling materials is one of the areas where contractors pad remodeling costs, so conduct a research on the cost of materials to know if you are getting a fair quote. In fact, it would be advisable to separate the cost of materials from the cost of labor.
You can request to accompany your remodeling consultant to shop for your Granite Countertops in New Orleans, so that you can pay for them using your credit card. You can also request them to give you the list of materials needed so that you can shop for them at a home improvement store.
The bottom line is, doing your math correctly to determine what is reasonable to spend and minimize overspending can greatly help you to avoid exceeding your remodeling budget in New Orleans. If you have good records with local veteran contractors, talk to them and let them try to get you better deals on New Orleans marble and granite countertops in the market.
For all service delivery of New Orleans Countertops, consult with Stone Interiors, we will help you plan for every aspect of the project, and help you avoid unnecessary spending.