How to Save Money on Home Projects

Taking on a home project, whether it’s building a new fence or just painting the living room has upsides and downsides. On the upside, you’re adding value to your home and you get the benefit of the satisfied feeling that comes from doing something for yourself. However, on the downside is the fact that home projects cost money, sometimes lots of it. Good news, with some planning and a little smart shopping you can save yourself some significant dollars. Here are a few ideas on how you can save yourself some money on upcoming home projects.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Time to plan ahead
• Adaptability
• Willingness to compromise

1. Check with home and tile stores to find discontinued tiles, grouts and building materials at discount prices. You may need to compromise a little on a tile pattern, for example, but you could end up saving yourself hundreds of dollars. Also, check in the paint department for cans of mistinted or mismatched paints. Building stores often sell mistints at significant discounts from retail prices and you may find the color that’s just right for you.

2. Consider discount carpet stores. These outlets often sell carpet seconds, discontinued colors or roll ends at reduced prices. You may not be able to do your entire home with some of the smaller pieces, but a few smaller pieces could be used in different rooms--and the bottom line is you end up saving money.

3. Buying lumber or plywood? Building stores sell pieces of plywood precut to sizes smaller than the standard 4x8 sheets. If you don’t need a full sheet for your project you will save money buying the smaller size. However, if you do need close to a full (4x8) sheet, you’re probably better off on a price per square foot comparison buying the full sheet. Most building stores will cut a full sheet down to more manageable-sized pieces for free or at a minimal price, so be sure to take your measurements with you when shopping.

4. Choose nails, screws or other hardware you’ll likely need for another project in the future. Buy in bulk if possible or at least buy a large package. You may pay a little more now, but over time, you’ll save money as opposed to buying just a small package for this project, and as a bonus you’ll have nails or screws when you need them next time.

5. All projects go along a lot smoother when you have the right tools, but if your project requires a unique tool, consider renting the specialized tool rather than buying. For example, a tile saw makes installing a ceramic tile floor much easier, but if you’re only going to be doing one bathroom, you’re better off to rent the saw for a day or two. Alternatively, if you are likely to use the tool in more projects down the road, buying the tool is probably the better option.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask for tools or gift certificates from home stores as presents. Christmas, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day are all prime occasions to ask for a tool you know you will use. Around Christmas and Father’s Day (and becoming more common on Mother’s Day as well), home and building stores usually have sales on home power tools.
• If you are a DIY’er you probably don’t need to pay the premium for professional grade tools. Many home and building stores have their own name brand power tools that will do a fine job on occasional home projects.

[cherylscott]

on 7/19/2009 The idea for buying wood in smaller pieces was new for me. 5s and a recommend.

[avi90]

on 7/19/2009 Truly great tips, now that I spend so much time at home, I might as well make it start to look nice. 5*

[boatst]

on 7/19/2009 Great article on saving money on projects. I'm sonstantly looking for ways to save money.

[FacePro]

on 7/19/2009 Thank you for the money saving tips, especially #3 on buying lumbar.

[MidniteWriter]

on 7/19/2009 Thank you for the money saving article. Congrats on making the front page today! 5*