Whether you’ve lived in your home for ten weeks or ten years, it may feel like it’s time for a refresh. With the cost of living currently soaring, we asked a handful of local contractors for ways to save on home upgrades:

BUDGET

Make a budget and stick with it. Beyond the cost of time and materials, homeowners often forget to plan for temporary housing costs if they need to move out during construction. Whether it’s several months or a couple of nights in a hotel, be sure to factor in this cost. Add an additional 10-15% to the budget as a contingency to cover potential overruns.

PERMITS

Research any planning restraints or required permission needed for major home improvements. It will save time and money in the long run rather than failing to meet building codes or violating restrictions.

DEMOLITION

If you have the time and tools, consider doing the demolition work yourself. Avoid wasting resources on debris removal by maximizing space in a dumpster or donating reusable materials.

REPURPOSE MATERIALS

Make a list of what you could reuse within the home, whether it’s cabinets that can be painted, or wood flooring hidden beneath an unsightly carpet. Speak to local contractors, or even interior designers, who may have excess materials they have no purpose for. It can be a bonus for them to avoid waste or dumping fees.

BE THE LABORER

Leave specialist tasks such as plumbing and electrical work to professionals but consider doing less skilled tasks yourself. Online classes cover topics including tiling, painting, paving and basic woodworking.

ADD VALUE

Additional storage, usable outdoor spac, and energy-efficient improvements rank highly among ways to add value to a home. Maximize opportunities to create more natural daylight and multi-use spaces. Externally, a new roof always adds value. Consider curb appeal beyond the home’s interior.

STANDARD VERSUS CUSTOM

Standard size doors and windows cost a lot less than custom options. Expensive, commercial sized appliances will not necessarily be appreciated by potential buyers if you choose to sell. Spend money on custom countertops, good quality cabinetry and fixtures instead.

LONG-TERM COSTS VERSUS SHORT-TERM GAINS

Maintenance (and the desire to reduce it) was a key recommendation from our local builders. A Trex® deck might cost more than wood but it will not need to be sanded and stained year after year. The same goes for siding and anything that needs to withstand the elements.