As you might expect, one of the renovation questions we are asked most frequently is, “What is this going to cost?” That’s understandable because nobody wants to pay too much to renovate a home. And while there are some broad guidelines (here's a post that provides an overview of a variety of home renovation projects including kitchens, bathrooms, basements, additions, and whole home renovations), each project will be unique and the specific cost will depend on a number of factors.
With that in mind, here are some suggestions for things you can do to save on home renovation costs for your Edmonton home.
Plan Ahead and Stick to Your Plan
Nothing blows a hole in your renovation budget faster than making changes to your original plan. And the farther down the road you are in the process the more expensive it can be. That’s particularly true if your contractor has to tear out something that’s already been constructed. That’s why we encourage clients to take their time during the planning stage to make sure they have the design they want. It’s also an advantage to working with a design-build renovator. The same team that creates the design is responsible for the physical work being done. Things are less likely to get “lost in translation.” With a design-build contractor, you won’t have plans that the builder can’t build. You’re less likely to ask for expensive changes if you know your design is right from the beginning.
Pay Attention to Your Materials
There’s no question that the materials you use in your home renovation will impact the costs. You may love the look of marble, but that doesn’t mean you have to use it for the flooring in your entryway. Solid cherry cabinets may be beautiful, but they may not be the best choice for your kitchen. Talk to your renovation professional about how you live (how you entertain and how much traffic you have in your home). Ask for suggestions about materials that will meet your needs without compromising quality.
Avoid Unusual Shapes
Customized shapes can really increase your costs. Standard construction angles are much more economical than customized shapes. I’ll use a bit of an extreme example. You might find an octagonal dining room fascinating. But that shape will end up costing more. There are a lot more angles to work with. There will be a lot more cutting involved (labor) and there will also be a lot more waste (materials). That’s going to drive the cost up.
Take Timing Into Consideration
Renovation companies tend to be very busy during warmer weather. That seems to be when people want to have their homes worked on. If you have the option of scheduling work in the slower (winter) months, you may be able to save as much as 20 to 30 percent.
Begin with a Realistic Budget
Set your budget before you begin. You don't have to have things calculated to the last dollar, but you should have a budget that's realistic. That doesn't necessarily mean setting a budget that's too low. If you do that, there's a good chance you won't end up with what you want. Not having a budget, however, can open you up to spend more than you really should.
One thing that’s really important in the whole process is making sure that you don’t confuse cost with value. Just because something costs more doesn’t necessarily mean it delivers more value. Once again, that’s when your professional renovator can advise you about designs and materials that will deliver the most value for the money you spend.
