There are many reasons why people choose not to engage professionals for their home improvement projects. Some people like the sense of control and satisfaction that comes with completing a project on their own. Others want to save money by doing as much as they can by themselves. Fortunately, there are many ways to save money while completing your do-it-yourself projects. Here are a few tips to help make your projects more affordable.
1. Plan Ahead
Make a list of everything you need for the project and itemize each cost so you will not be caught off guard by unexpected expenditures. When you have a list of detailed costs, you can mark out areas where you can save money. Planning will also keep you from getting overwhelmed later. If you are not in a hurry, try to start planning a few months ahead and schedule your project during the offseason when prices are generally lower.
2. Use Recycled Materials
If you do not have a lot of money to spend on your project, try shopping at thrift stores and salvage yards for used materials that you can use. You can often find quality used materials that are just as good as new ones for a fraction of the cost. It is more environmentally friendly too. For example, you can reuse old furniture or find tiles that still have stickers on them for cheaper prices than new ones. Broken ceramics can be used to create paving mosaics and glass bottles can be made into light fittings.
3. Buy Second-Hand Tools
If you want to save some money on tools, consider buying second-hand ones from websites like Craigslist or eBay. You can find a wide range of tools in excellent condition at low prices. Of course, you will need to inspect them to make sure they are in good condition before making a purchase. Hence, take time to do your research so you know what to look for when choosing second-hand tools. Before you buy any tool, ensure that you know how to use it properly and safely as well.
4. Rent Equipment
If your project involves multiple large pieces of equipment such as pile drivers or power floats, renting them can be much cheaper than buying them—especially if you will not use the equipment again soon. Some equipment companies offer special rental packages where you can rent everything that you need to complete your project for an affordable price. Before renting a piece of equipment, make sure you know how it works so you do not inadvertently break it and have to pay a ton in penalties.
5. Buy in Bulk
Buying materials in bulk can save you time and money. Also, buying online is often cheaper than buying from a physical store. Sometimes stores will give you an additional discount for buying multiple items in one transaction or waive the shipping fee when you purchase over a certain amount. Another advantage of buying in bulk is that you can be sure that all your materials will be of the same make and quality.
6. Look for Discounts
Many hardware stores offer discounts for military personnel, seniors, and people from certain professional organizations, such as teachers. Make sure you take advantage of these discounts so that you can save more money on your project. Look out for coupons in weekly flyers and newspaper advertisements or wait for sale events such as Black Friday. You can sometimes save as much as 20% on your purchase if you time it right.
7. Look for Freebies
There are lots of ways to save money on DIY projects without spending any money at all. For example, you can ask friends or family to help, look for materials at your local landfill, or use things you already have around the house like old cabinets. You can also search social media to find people in your area who are decluttering. If you need to learn how to perform certain tasks, there are many free resources online such as video tutorials and step-by-step instructions.
8. Measure Twice, Cut Once
Finally, taking steps not to waste materials will help you to avoid surprise costs. Take careful measurements and mark them carefully before you begin any cutting or drilling task that requires accuracy. That way you will not make any mistakes that will cost more time and require you to buy extra supplies. Some hardware stores offer affordable tile cutting or wood planking services that may save you the effort and stress of dealing with precise cuts as well as money in lost materials.
When to Call the Professionals
While it may cost more initially to hire a contractor to complete your project, you can end up saving money in the long run. Professionals have the necessary skills and expertise to complete the job in a short amount of time. Furthermore, they have the tools and equipment needed to complete the project efficiently and safely, saving you from having to purchase any yourself. If you find yourself struggling with your DIY home improvement project or getting overly stressed, consider getting a quote from a contractor.