In Part 1 of this article we covered the initial financial considerations such as estimating the cost and evaluating your financing options. Click here to read the previous post.
Shop around get a number of quotes from different contractors; you may want to consider throwing out the bid from the contractor who gives you the lowest quote. Deciding to go with the lowest bid in order to save you money could be asking for trouble, due to the fact that low-price contractors are notorious for cutting corners – at your expenditure.
Once you’ve got comparative quotes from several contractors and you’ve chosen the one to go with, the next step is a contract. Be very specific about what work you want accomplished, and get it spelled out in the contract, including the materials that you would like them to use. This should save you money in the end, since you and your contractor will both be clear from the beginning about what is being done and the materials to be used.
Tips For Managing Your Home Improvement Costs During Remodeling
Stick to Your Plan: As you are in the middle of your renovation, you may be tempted to add another small detail or incorporate the newest trend. Keep in mind that every time you change your mind, this takes more money out of your wallet. Strive to stick to your original plan; this will keep the cost of your renovation at bay. That being said, there are always unexpected things that come up that may add to the final cost. That leads us to the next step.
Plan for Unforeseen Costs: On the outside your home may look perfect, but as with any home, there may be unforeseen issues underneath the surface. In fact, it is these unforeseen issues that nobody plans on that ends up having renovations cost more than anticipated. For example, replacing an old, leaky window may reveal water damage in the walls that has caused rotten wood and moldy insulation. That will require additional work before that new window can be put in.
Giving yourself a cushion upfront rather than trying to scramble and come up with the extra money after the fact will give you peace of mind. Factor in at least 10% to 20% of your planned budget for these unforeseen expenditures, as they can – and most likely will – happen. In fact, it is highly unusual that any renovation will get finished without some type of issue arising.
Yes, home repairs and remodeling cost money, but if you’ve followed these steps you should be able to control the costs and make the most of your home improvement dollars.
At Window Outfitters, Inc., our aim is to provide quality exterior home improvement products, exceptional workmanship, and top-notch customer care. We’ll work closely with you to keep your project on budget and provide the most in value for you.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
