Lane Boland, A Remodel Commander’s Top Tips to Make Remodeling Projects Affordable
Lane Boland, a remodel commander, shares his top tips for keeping your remodeling project within budget.
Here’s how you can make your remodeling project cost-effective:
1. Create a Budget
The first step in any cost-effective remodeling project is to establish a budget. Determine how much you can afford to spend and commit to that amount.
Boland advises breaking down the budget into categories: materials, labor, permits, and contingency for unexpected expenses. By having a clear budget, you can make informed decisions and avoid overspending.
Steps to Create a Budget
1. Assess Your Finances: Understand your financial limits and how much you can comfortably invest in the remodel.
2. Research Costs: Look up your area's average materials and labor costs for realistic estimates.
3. Allocate Funds: Divide your budget into categories and allocate funds accordingly.
4. Add a Buffer: Set aside 10-15% of your budget for unexpected costs.
2. Buy Materials Yourself
Another way to save money is to purchase materials yourself. Contractors often mark up the price of materials to make a profit. By buying materials directly, you can take advantage of sales, discounts, and bulk purchasing. Boland suggests researching and comparing prices from different suppliers to get the best deals.
Tips for Buying Materials
1. Compare Prices: Explore different suppliers and compare their prices.
2. Look for Sales: Take advantage of seasonal sales and discounts.
3. Buy in Bulk: Purchasing items in large quantities can often save you money.
3. Reuse Materials
Reusing materials is an excellent way to cut costs and be environmentally friendly. Look for items in your home that can be repurposed or refurbished.
Lane Boland, a remodel commander, recommends checking local salvage yards, online marketplaces, and thrift stores for reclaimed materials that add unique character to your project.
Ways to Reuse Materials
1. Repurpose Old Furniture: Use old cabinets, doors, or furniture in new ways.
2. Salvage Yards: Visit salvage yards for reclaimed wood, fixtures, and more.
3. Online Marketplaces: Look for gently used materials on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace platforms.
4. Avoid Debt
Taking on debt to finance a remodel can lead to financial stress and higher overall costs due to interest payments.
Lane Boland advises saving up for your remodel and paying in cash whenever possible. If you must borrow, explore low-interest options and have a clear repayment plan.
Strategies to Avoid Debt
1. Save Before You Start: Delay your project until you have enough savings to cover the costs.
2. Set Up a Payment Plan: If borrowing is necessary, choose low-interest financing options and have a clear repayment plan.
3. Pay as You Go: Complete the project in stages, paying for each phase as you go.
Additional Tips for Cost-Effective Remodeling
- Plan Thoroughly
A well-thought-out plan can prevent costly changes and delays. Boland emphasizes the importance of detailed planning before starting any work.
Consider every remodel aspect to avoid surprises, from design to materials to labor.
- Choose Timeless Designs
Investing in timeless, classic designs can save money in the long run. Trendy designs might look outdated in a few years, prompting another costly remodel.
Lane Boland recommends choosing designs and materials to maintain their appeal for many years.
- Prioritize Projects
With a limited budget, focus on projects that will make the most substantial impact. Boland recommends focusing on areas that add the most value to your home, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Prioritizing projects helps you allocate your budget more effectively and ensures that the most critical areas of your home are improved first.
Conclusion
Following these tips from Lane Boland, the expert remodel commander, can make your remodeling project more cost-effective and enjoyable.
You can revamp your home without overspending with careful planning, smart purchasing, and creativity. Happy remodeling!