A home extension can be a costly process if you do not research your project thoroughly. You need to budget properly and take a long look at your finances before investing in a renovation project. You should also consider whether you and your family can live in an active renovation project now. It could be a significant disruption to your daily routine, and you may need to move out for a while.
Here are a few ways you can save money on your home extension without cutting corners.
Do it yourself
If you have the skills and machinery to do so, why not do some renovations yourself? Labour can make up a staggering 50 to 65% of the overall cost of a home extension. Save yourself some money and do the easier work yourself. However, if you do not have the time and capability to do this, please hire a professional team to make your extension safely.
Don’t overspend on materials.
Trendy materials can be overpriced and in high demand. Avoid going for the trend materials, like white marble or beech wood, and choose something more classic intense. It can be easy to blow through your budget when you see a large sum sitting in your account. It’s best to budget and only buy things that you absolutely need.
Do not choose poor quality materials either. High-quality materials can help your extension withstand the test of time and avoid added expenses later down the line. Make sure to invest in roofing sheets that will prevent water from leaking into your extension and causing significant structural damage.
Research the companies that you use
You may need a professional to do the structural work or more complex manual labour. Talk to your neighbours and friends to see if they have any local recommendations. You need to find someone reliable who can manage the task at hand and deal with any challenges that occur. Try to agree on a set fee before the work begins and communicate if there are any delays with materials and machinery. Open communication can help you avoid unexpected expenses from your builder and materials company.
Finishing touches
Once the main structure of the extension is finished, there will be decoration and smaller things that need to be fixed. Instead of paying a decorator an hourly rate, you could do these tasks yourself. Spend your weekend’s painting and shopping for furniture to save yourself a lot of money on labour costs. Of course, this isn’t an option for everyone – especially if you have a demanding career and personal life.
Renovating can be stressful, and it’s important to make sure you have the finances and time to handle any challenges.