Do you have big plans for renovating your home but funds are low? Like very limited and tight? If that’s the case, here are a few tips that will help you hire a general contractor on a shoestring budget.
It’s a good idea to hire a contractor in the off-season. Summer is the prime-time working season for contractors, which means that suppliers will be busy, labor will be scarce and deliveries will be slow. Consider doing your job in January especially if it doesn’t require work outside. Contractors will be eager to take your job in the off-season and will likely offer discounts. The off-season discounts could mean thousands of money saved off your total bill.
Contemplate making your contractor an advisor. Some contractors charge by the hour to be consultants or teachers, and many will coach you through jobs that you can do yourself. They can help you strategize and provide you with design ideas. Remember that their expertise and experience bring value to the table, and those are two things that you probably don’t have.
When you begin to make choices about flooring, tile, roofing, etc., it is smart to use the contractor’s sources. Your subcontractor might have odds and ends left over from other jobs and might just be able to put together enough leftover materials to complete the job at your home. It might mean that you have to adjust your thinking regarding tile patterns or floor coverings, but the savings could be quite high.
Changing your mind costs money. It’s important that you know exactly what you want from the start. Changes mid project can cost big bucks in delayed work or extra shipping. The more specific you are regarding your choices, the more precise the bid will be. Don’t leave the contractor guessing because his choices might not be in line with your thoughts.
Don’t be afraid to sweat. Doing some of the labor on your own is referred to as, “sweat equity”. Becoming an after-hours worker can drastically reduce labor costs. You can help with the clean up and even do demolition like tearing down non load-bearing walls. Consider doing your own painting, and in some cases, you can deliver materials to your own job site.
These tips, if followed, will save you lots and lots of money. Contractors want to do a good job for their customers. They want and need your referrals, and that is why they will be willing to work within your budget. For more information on this and other topics, please visit this website.
No comments:
Post a Comment