6 ideas for Saving Money on Home Improvement Projects
Tuesday, December 31, 2013, 1:00 AM | Leave Comment
Home improvement projects increase the value of a home and give you the opportunity to develop skills. Improving your home is also a very expensive process. These six tips will give you a big boost on saving your dollars while tackling home improvement jobs, no matter how big or small.
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Plan Ahead
To save the maximum amount of money, you need to thoroughly plan a job from start to finish. This includes calculating time, needed materials and cost. If you are not using a professional, be sure to get plenty of advice on possible delays and problems from someone who has completed a similar project.
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Shop Around
Comparison-shopping is a surefire way to save huge amounts of money. Modern shoppers are lucky enough to have the entire world at their disposal through the magic of the Internet. If you need items such as lag bolts, browse sites like http://www.wholesalebolts.com/ that offer deeply discounted items for home repair and improvement.
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Go Used
Big box stores have a wide selection, but you pay a substantial markup. Most areas have a local charity shop that takes donations from contractors and home improvement warehouses. These stores make it possible to buy new or gently used materials for a fraction of the retail price. Only shop at big box retail stores once you have exhausted all online and second-hand possibilities.
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Call a Professional
Many projects are very forgiving for newcomers and can take a few trial and error test runs. Some projects should never be attempted without help from a professional. An endeavor to improve your own plumbing, load bearing walls or electricity can leave you in a deep financial hole or even seriously injured. Your wallet and insurance company will thank you for paying a professional to undertake intense jobs from the start of the project.
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Educate Yourself
Before you dive in to a home improvement project, it is best to thoroughly learn the ropes. Many professionals have made online videos covering a wide array of projects. Watch these videos to get a good idea of the best way to tackle a project and to learn new ideas for saving time and money.
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Smart Spending
Any improvements you make to your home will increase the value of your property. This does not mean that you should borrow or spend money you do not have to finance the improvement. Only undertake a project after you have accumulated the funds. This will save you from high interest rates or refinancing fees.
