Brent Murray
Enlarge photo»
Busting the budget is everyone's biggest fear when it comes to home renovation, and with good reason.
Even if you follow the essential advice we've been doling out for years — build in a 10 percent cushion to cover the nasty surprises, get contractor references and check them, banish the words "while you're at it" from your vocabulary — it's hard not to end up spending more than you want to.
We feel that the most realistic goal is to get the largest portion of your dream at a price you can afford, rather than getting the entire dream and ending up house poor with regrets that haunt you for years.
With the aid of savvy design professionals helping you with strategic design choices, material selection and timing, there are opportunities to cut costs without cutting corners.
While it takes big changes to save big money, the little things add up, too.
Increase efficiency, not size
When you need more space, the first thought is to add on. While some design solutions may actually need more square footage, many problems can be solved by reconfiguring the layout to make the space feel bigger and function better.
Additions cost by the square foot. An addition means incurring the cost of a foundation, exterior walls and roof, which means more labor, more materials and more expensive permits.
Moving interior walls and strategically reconfiguring existing space to accommodate your family functions will save money while potentially providing comparable results.
Take storage for example. Many families struggle with storage issues and think they need to add more space. Sometimes all they really need is some creative, more efficient storage options.
When you see the storage space you gain by replacing kitchen cabinets with fixed shelves with cabinets with fully-extending pullout drawers or shelves, you may change your mind about needing to expand the kitchen.
We have found smaller additions and bump-outs can dramatically change the look and feel of a home without the expensive cost of a larger addition. The key is to work with a professional architect to help you clearly define the problems and to optimize your existing space.
Do your remodel in phases
One way to save upfront costs is by doing your home remodel in phases. Many clients do one project a year working toward their dream home.
Read more from the original source:
Tips to cut remodeling costs without cutting any corners
- Utah brothers bring 50 years of experience to kitchen remodels - KSL.com - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- My Lottery Dream Home Proves Why Replacing Dark Countertops Isn't The Best Idea - House Digest - March 23rd, 2024 [March 23rd, 2024]
- 4 kitchen remodeling trends to watch in 2024 | KSL.com - KSL.com - February 26th, 2024 [February 26th, 2024]
- 23 Small Kitchen Ideas To Make The Most Of Your Space - Southern Living - February 26th, 2024 [February 26th, 2024]
- Kitchen paint colors going out of style in 2024 | - Homes & Gardens - February 26th, 2024 [February 26th, 2024]
- All About Porcelain Countertops, the Latest Kitchen Trend - Real Simple - February 26th, 2024 [February 26th, 2024]
- A "Beyond Busted" Studio Kitchen Gets a Cozy Two-Day Makeover (for $1400!) - Apartment Therapy - February 26th, 2024 [February 26th, 2024]
- Is Engineered Quartz the New Granite? - Men's Journal - February 26th, 2024 [February 26th, 2024]
- Salma Hayek's kitchen cabinets will dominate in 2025, say experts | - Homes & Gardens - February 26th, 2024 [February 26th, 2024]
- Before & After: A Kitchen Remodel That has us Convinced Dark Wood Cabinets are Back For 2024 - LivingEtc - February 26th, 2024 [February 26th, 2024]
- I'm a Dollar Tree Shopper and I Renovated My Kitchen for $30: "So Much Brighter" - Best Life - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- HGTV's Erin Napier Warns Against This Countertop Type In Old Homes - House Digest - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Kitchen Upgrades That Are Definitely Worth The Price, According To HGTV Stars - House Digest - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- 5 Kitchen Upgrades That Are Actually Worth the Money, According to Pros - Yahoo Movies UK - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- How to paint kitchen cabinets? Easy tips, techniques, and other details explored - Sportskeeda - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- She Called the Austin House Classic Central Texas Early 2000sa Kitchen Remodel Transformed It - Mansion Global - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- Experts: Here Are 8 Home Renovations Buyers Want the Most in 2024 - Yahoo Finance - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- 13 Kitchen Remodel Ideas Worth the Cost, According to Realtors and Designers - Real Simple - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- AT HOME WITH MARNI JAMESON: What's cooking in kitchens? Open floorplans, bigger islands, study finds - The Times of Northwest Indiana - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- This Once-Popular Kitchen Trend Is Making a Big Comeback - Sunset - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- Glass Mosaic Backsplashes Are Stunning, But They Come With Some Big Disadvantages - House Digest - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- How to Finance a Kitchen Remodel - The Motley Fool - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- 5 Ways to Refresh Your Kitchen Cabinets If You Hate How They Look - Real Simple - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- 10 signs you need a new kitchen in 2024 and the knowhow you need to update it | - Homes & Gardens - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- City to continue Brooktree renovations with kitchen remodel - Southernminn.com - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- 10 Beautiful Blue Kitchens To Inspire Your Next Remodel - The Gloss Magazine - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Sleek Design Meets Function with Scandi-Inspired Kitchens - Better Homes & Gardens - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- The Showstopping Countertop Material That Will Give Your Home The Most Luxurious Feel - House Digest - January 13th, 2024 [January 13th, 2024]
- Cost of Kitchen CabinetsEverything You Need to Know - Real Simple - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Kitchen Trends 2024: Revamp Your Kitchen In Style - Bored Panda - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Reinvigorate the Heart of Your Home With the Hottest Kitchen Decor Trends for 2024 - Realtor.com News - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Martha Stewart regrets buying this kitchen appliance | - Homes & Gardens - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- TikTok Shows You How To Save Big Bucks When Renovating Your Kitchen Cabinets - House Digest - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- Alicia Silverstone's kitchen is proof that this color scheme is far from dated or overdone, say experts - Homes & Gardens - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- The Joanna Gaines-Approved Backsplash Material That'll Brighten Up Your Kitchen - House Digest - January 5th, 2024 [January 5th, 2024]
- 15 Kitchen Makeover Ideas You'll Want to Steal Immediately - The Kitchn - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- Various Types Of Built In Microwaves NJ Kitchen Remodeling Contractors - Automotive News by Napleton - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- Dave Ramsey Reveals the 10 Most Popular Home Renovations and Their Typical Cost - AOL - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- The Hidden Downside That May Make You Rethink Marble Countertops - House Digest - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- Remodeling a kitchen: 28 best kitchen remodel ideas for any space - March 24th, 2023 [March 24th, 2023]
- Home - Cane Island Kitchen Remodeling Solutions - March 24th, 2023 [March 24th, 2023]
- Nielson Hardwoods Inc. and Willow and Wilson give expert tips for kitchen remodels - The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel - March 24th, 2023 [March 24th, 2023]
- Kitchen Remodeling Ideas: 12 Amazing Design Trends in 2022 - February 19th, 2023 [February 19th, 2023]
- 34 kitchen remodel ideas to inspire your 2022 project - February 19th, 2023 [February 19th, 2023]
- Does The Location Of Your Dishwasher In Your Kitchen Actually Matter? - House Digest - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- HKO-WHL-Standings - The Advocate - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- University of Bridgeport's first enrollment increase in five years driven by international students - Greenwich Time - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- Harvard 35, Cornell 28 - The Advocate - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- Third suspect at-large in deadly Hartford carjacking, report shows - The Advocate - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- What is the Cost of Countertops? (2022) - Bob Vila - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- Renovate or relocate? Priced out of perfect homes, homeowners are choosing to create them instead - Yahoo Finance - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- New partnership aims to revive iconic downtown dining experiences - The Press-Times - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Tuesday tips for a dream kitchen - The process of remodeling your kitchen - WKBW-TV - November 16th, 2021 [November 16th, 2021]
- Looking to sell? Or stick around? Home renovation recommendations for any situation - WHO TV 13 Des Moines News & Weather - November 16th, 2021 [November 16th, 2021]
- Renovating? These home projects have the highest return on investment for Lancaster County - LNP | LancasterOnline - November 16th, 2021 [November 16th, 2021]
- Riverboat Foundation Gives Out Over $600000 In Competitive Grants - KIWARadio.com - November 16th, 2021 [November 16th, 2021]
- Tips for Creating a Warm and Inviting Home for the Holidays - Signals AZ - November 16th, 2021 [November 16th, 2021]
- From pastels to botanicals, these 4 Italian tile designs are worth copying in your kitchen - Courier Journal - November 4th, 2021 [November 4th, 2021]
- Who Pays For Home Renovations on Your Favorite HGTV and Other Shows -- and What Do They Cost? - GOBankingRates - November 4th, 2021 [November 4th, 2021]
- Tips for Remodeling Your Kitchen: The Heart of the Home - Dan's Papers - July 14th, 2021 [July 14th, 2021]
- Best Kitchen Remodel in San Jose based Home Remodeling and Construction Company - Digital Journal - July 14th, 2021 [July 14th, 2021]
- Northeast Philadelphia Residents Salvaging What They Can After Heavy Rain Causes Flooding - CBS Philly - July 14th, 2021 [July 14th, 2021]
- Dad's Home Services Offers Harrisburg Residents with 30 Years of Experience when Offering Remodeling and Renovation Services - Digital Journal - July 14th, 2021 [July 14th, 2021]
- Construction Company Goals and Software to Get You There - Software Advice - July 14th, 2021 [July 14th, 2021]
- $2.6 Million Homes in California - The New York Times - July 14th, 2021 [July 14th, 2021]
- Shot Stop moving locations across the street | Business | themercury.com - Manhattan Mercury - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- The Only Reason You Should Make an Improvement to Your Home - KOKI FOX 23 - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- Fantastic and Functional: A Look at the Worlds Most Expensive Kitchen Renovations - Yahoo News - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- Underestimating the Power of an Overhaul? 6 Home Renovations That Add Major Value - Newswire - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- It's all about the views at this Mazama remodel - wenatcheeworld.com - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- 5 Things You Need to Know Today in Worcester - June 30 - This Week In Worcester - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- Shot Stop moving locations across the street - Yahoo News - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- Skip these 5 renovations to avoid harming your home's value - telegraphherald.com - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- The MDF Decorative Overlays Market projected to surpass $489.5 million by 2027, Says Global Market Insights - GlobeNewswire - July 2nd, 2021 [July 2nd, 2021]
- Places This Week: Dunkin, Panda Kitchen and Bath, Harbor at Town Center - St Pete Catalyst - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- Paso Robles Contractor Reports 'The Top Green Construction Trends for 2021' - PR Web - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- $3.9M mansion has lavish theater, custom design and stunning backyard - Detroit Free Press - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- Granite Transformations of North Phoenix can help with fast and easy kitchen remodeling - Yahoo News - January 15th, 2021 [January 15th, 2021]
- What to look for in kitchen cabinets - Daily Monitor - January 15th, 2021 [January 15th, 2021]
- Rosie on the House: A glance back at 2020 and cautions for 2021 - Arizona Daily Star - January 3rd, 2021 [January 3rd, 2021]