Do your remodeling in the off season
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Like accountants and farmers, home-improvement pros have a slow season when they may slash prices to grab business.
Redoing your bathroom in January, replacing a furnace in July, or installing a patio in November could yield 5% to 15% savings.
Buy online
Everything -- including the kitchen sink -- is sold online these days, often for 10% to 25% less than at local shops.
But since a delayed, damaged, or disappointing product can derail a project, go see the item at a store first so you know what you're getting, order early enough so there's time for an exchange if there's a problem, and buy only from authorized resellers (you can verify this at the manufacturers' sites).
But since a delayed, damaged, or disappointing product can derail a project, go see the item at a store first so you know what you're getting, order early enough so there's time for an exchange if there's a problem, and buy only from authorized resellers (you can verify this at the manufacturers' sites).
Combine small tasks and save
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Handymen and specialists typically impose a minimum charge (often two hours at $50 to $100 an hour) just to come to the house.
Bundling small jobs could get you two to three times the results for roughly the same cost.
Bundling small jobs could get you two to three times the results for roughly the same cost.
Hiring a contractor? Negotiate!
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If you're getting a contractor to do the work, learn the right way to negotiate.
First, let the contractor know he has competition.
First, let the contractor know he has competition.
Hardball haggling won't work -- even if you win a discount, the pro might cut corners to make up the difference.
But the remodeling market is still in the dumps, so if he hears you're considering a few contractors, he's going to give you his best price.
But the remodeling market is still in the dumps, so if he hears you're considering a few contractors, he's going to give you his best price.
Set a low bar
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Then, before the contractor bids, name your ballpark budget -- about 20% under what you really expect to spend.
He'll scoff, but you're setting an anchor that's going to be in his mind as he puts together his price.
He'll scoff, but you're setting an anchor that's going to be in his mind as he puts together his price.
Take a collaborative approach
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Ask the contractor to suggest painless ways you could alter the project plan to save money.
Give the silent treatment
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Once you have his final number in hand, let him stew.
If he has any wiggle room left and he's hungry for work, he'll reach out with a sweeter offer.
If he has any wiggle room left and he's hungry for work, he'll reach out with a sweeter offer.
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