Redesigning On a Budget: How and When to Cut Costs
Ray Dobson Most professionals will tell you that trying to cut cost on a bathroom redesign can lead to problems. But if your budget is small, there are several things you can do to save money without disastrous consequences. It takes some experience to know just how and when to cut costs. Here's a breakdown of what you can and can't cut corners on when it comes to your bathroom redesign. Saving money: where you can cut. Conventional wisdom states that when it comes to a redesign project, you get what you pay for. While this is generally true, it doesn't mean it's impossible to save money on your bathroom redesign project. Here are a few ways you can save money with minimal compromise. DIY paint and wallpaper. While you will need a professional to handle some of the tasks involved in a redesign project, you don't have to leave it all to the pros. The more you do yourself, the more money you'll save. Anyone can paint or wallpaper a bathroom without professional help. You can also take out old cabinets and shelves. If you've got some handyman skills, you may be able to do the flooring yourself as well. Floor plan changes. This is an ideal place to cut corners without causing damage. Avoid big changes to your bathroom's floor plan. Don't add new windows, knock down or construct new walls, or change the location of the door. This will save you a considerable amount of money in the long run. Budget sinks, showers, and fixtures. Showers and baths can cost a great deal of money, but you can also find some great deals. Check with redesign and bathroom fixture shops for on-sale items--just after the holiday period is the perfect time for this. Look for attractive, matching showers, sinks, and baths that fit within your budget. If you have your heart set on a luxury item, try to save money elsewhere to afford it. For example, if you want an expensive steam shower, you can save by choosing not to install a bath. Buy your own materials. Typically, contractors prefer to buy the materials for a redesign project for you. You may be able to get better prices by buying the materials yourself. It's a good idea to look around for bargains before hiring a contractor. Your contractor may suggest that you let him buy the materials because of the discount he can get. While it's true that contractors get deep discounts from suppliers, many will mark the price up significantly for the homeowner. Know the going rates for the materials you're looking for, and you'll have a better sense of whether your contractor is offering you a better deal than you can get by yourself. Choose your time carefully. Like the housing market, the redesign market is seasonal. If you redesign during a time when other people aren't, you'll find deeper discounts on materials, fixtures, baths and showers. Most people don't remodel during warm summer months or around major holidays. Where you shouldn't cut corners. There are some instances where cutting corners could lead to expensive problems down the road. No matter your budget, you should expect to spend money on the following aspects of your redesign project. Professional help on the big tasks. Electrical wiring and plumbing should always be handled by a professional. So should tiling jobs. If your tiling is set wrong, it may not be watertight--and this can cost a great deal to repair. Paying for a professional in these areas will definitely save you money in the long run. Failing to plan for unexpected costs. Most bath redesign projects cost 10% to 20% more than the original budget allowed. Make sure you are prepared for extra costs, because it's likely you'll encounter them. If your budget is already overstrained with the original cost, you may be in for trouble later. Avoid the lowest bidder. Some contractors cost more than others, and it's usually not wise to go with the least expensive. If one contractor's price is significantly lower than usual, it may be because they're leaving out important services. In addition, avoid hiring someone close--a friend or family member with redesign skills--just because they'll give you a deal. Friends and family take more liberties than professionals on average, and if you have a conflict, it could damage a valuable relationship. You can save money on your bathroom redesign project without compromising on quality. Plan what you want beforehand, do some bargain shopping, and don't be afraid to pitch in on the easier work, and you should be able to get the redesign you want for a price you can afford. About the Author
R.Dobson is director at http://www.wdbathrooms.co.uk. For more information on bathroom suites and fittings visit http://www.wdbathrooms.co.uk/acatalog/Bathroom_Suites.html Ray Dobson may be contacted at http://www.wdbathrooms.co.uk. Click here to view more articles by Ray Dobson. Reprinted with Permission from IdeaMarketers.com
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