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Five Keys to Remodeling on a
Budget
by Pamela Cole Harris
We would all love to remodel our home. The evidence? Just look at the
profusion of new programs dealing with remodeling rooms, houses, or
yards by neighbors, mothers, complete strangers or your Uncle Mort on a
$1000, $500 or $1.98 budget. If you, upon viewing one too many episodes
of Trading Spaces, have decided to take the plunge, here are a few tips
to ensure your remodeling project is completed under budget.
1. Prioritize your needs and wants. Write down the top ten items you
need, then write down the top ten items you want. Put your money towards
your needs first, then you can use any extra money for things that you
want.
2. So you want granite countertops and hardwood floors? You want
wall-to-wall ceramic tile in the bath? Try alternative materials to give
you the look you want for a lot less money. Try laminated stone
countertops made with thin slabs of bonded granite and laminate flooring
to resemble hardwoods or tile.
3. Do as much of the work as you can yourself. There are plenty of
websites on the internet that will give you instructions and tips and
your local home improvement store will be happy to advise you
(especially if you are buying supplies from them!). If you use a
contractor, you can save money by removing the old cabinets or flooring
yourself.
4. If possible, try not to knock down walls or make other structural
changes. Working with existing plumbing, electrical wiring and walls
will dramatically reduce the cost of the project.
5 Take your time and have a plan. Taking it slow is the remodeling
equivalent of "measuring twice and cutting once." Anything you have to
re-do just adds to your total cost.
If you plan your project, take it slow and resist knocking down walls,
you should have no problem staying under budget. On the other hand, if
you wake up with the overwhelming urge to remodel that bathroom today
and an irresistible itch to use a sledgehammer, prepare to open the
checkbook and kiss your budget goodbye!
About the author
Pamela Cole Harris is an editor, writer, eco-decorator and the author of
"100+ Wildly Imaginative Ways to Create Your Own Coffee Table available
at
http://www.lulu.com/pamelacoleharris. Visit her website,
http://www.homeandgardenmakeover.com for her unique view of home
decorating and remodeling... and a free monthly newsletter!
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