Ten Tips to Help You Save on Your Remodeling Project

Remodeling costs continue to skyrocket. Material costs and labor costs are at an all time high. By following these ten tips you can get a great remodeling job and put more money in your pocket at the same time.

1. Buy the materials yourself. Contractors generally mark up prices for materials. The quickest way to save money is to purchase them yourself. Get a materials list from a contractor in your area and visit your local home improvement center. You should be able to negotiate with the contractor sales manager for a better price on the material if you agree to purchase all of it from them.

2. Buy materials from a salvage yard. Many cities have salvage yards for useable building materials. This material usually comes from demolished houses, excessive stock, and out of production materials. You can get some very good prices on these items. You'll find doors, hardware, windows, tubs, toilets, cabinets, etc. You may even be able to get lumber in bulk at a special rate.

3. Shop around for a contractor. We all know that you get what you pay for from a licensed local contractor but when it comes to professional services, the most expensive is not always the best. Before you sign a contract be sure to make some calls to previous customers and see their work if you can. You may not always have to take the highest bid to get the best job. The best way to get a good price is to find a contractor who is just finishing one job and has some lag time between the next. However, be wary of the contractor that can start tomorrow! Also, ask the contractor about referral incentives. You may get a discount if you can talk your neighbor into getting his kitchen remodeled. See our local state and city companies with reviews, maps and ratings at localconstructiondir.com.

4. Shop for materials. Be sure to take your list to as many home repair centers as possible. They will gladly take your list and price out materials. Once you have it in hand you have a negotiating tool. Ask for a discount and don't be afraid to threaten to use the competition. There are also times when returned items are discounted.

5. Do the cleanup work yourself. A lot of time is spent at the end of the day cleaning up. This translates into a lot of money. If you can physically do it yourself, you may be able to negotiate a price cut with your contractor. Do this after you get your quote and negotiate a specific dollar amount. Choose from construction services as well as detailed information about local featured construction businesses with driving directions at this website.

6. Nothing kills more time and money than searching for the decision maker. You should be close by to answer any questions that may come up. If you must leave, be sure to leave a number where you may be reached. This is the perfect time to take some vacation. Don't get in the way though.

7. Get a contract. Get it in writing! Get everything in writing! This may not save you a lot of money up front but it will definitely save you money if things go south between you and your contractor. You may also be able to find some money saving items by taking time to read the contract if it is detailed enough.

8. Make up your mind. Know what you want from the beginning and live with it. Do not change the location of a window after the framing is up. The old adage measure twice and cut once also applies to your planning. Be sure to make notes and try to plan for unforeseen situations. Moving a window on paper is a lot easier than one in a wall, better ask a contractor in your area to fix it.

9. Get your insurance up to par. Here is another item that may not save money up front but will definitely benefit you if something goes wrong. Your homeowners insurance may cover your project. Just be sure. Ask the manager.

10. Be prepared to say no. Get used to saying it. You'll have to. When the contractor tries to up-sell you on the latest technology, just say no. When the home improvement center gives you their final, absolutely lowest, can't go any lower price, just say no.

By following these simple tips you can save big money on your next remodeling project.