How to Build a Room Cheap

Cheap Remodeling Ideas

Building an inexpensive room can actually be easier than building an expensive room. The key to building a cheap room addition is to use fewer materials and to choose materials that are sturdy yet inexpensive. Find high-quality materials at a discount and plan ahead to help you save money so you can have a cheap room addition.

Things You'll Need

• Steel or wooden 2-by-4s for framing
• Fiberglass insulation
• Paint
• Laminate flooring

Instructions

1. Choose a design that requires minimal electrical wiring and plumbing. If you're paying a contractor to run electrical wires or plumbing, you may be paying by the foot. Keep all of the electrical outlets on one wall, a wall that is already wired for electricity. In some states, you may be required to place an outlet every few feet, so check your local regulations first.

2. Compare the cost of steel framing and wood. Wood prices vary occasionally, and steel may be cheaper. Don't skimp by placing your frame supports farther apart--you may be required to tear the room down when you sell the house if it's not up to code. The last thing you want to do is spend money removing your cheap remodeling project.

3. Insulation can be pricey. Choose fiberglass rolls for the cheapest insulation. In the long run, Styrofoam insulation provides better insulation and resists rodents, insects and moisture. Skipping the insulation is okay in some climates or if your room will be used only part of the year.

4. Make sure your plans are solid before you purchase anything. Compare costs and ask your hardware store if they can apply a contractor's discount for you, because you'll likely be spending more in one visit than is average. Coupons for new homeowners can often be found online, at the post office or through real estate agents. The store won't check to see if you're really a new homeowner. Go ahead, use the coupon.

5. Habitat for Humanity has outlet stores in some cities, where new and slightly used building materials are sold at a discount. These are leftovers donated from large contractors and private citizens or surplus from hardware stores. You can often find cabinetry, sinks, drywall, plywood, paint and other items for a very low price, and the money is used to help build houses for the impoverished or disabled.

6. Ask your hardware store or paint store for "oops" paint. When someone orders a can of paint and decides to return it, it's often sold at a discount. You might not find large quantities of one color, but you can use a 5-gallon bucket and mix a few similar colors together as long as you're not too picky about the results. If you do this, make sure that you have more than enough, because if you ever need to touch up a section, it's not likely that you'll be able to duplicate the color or finish without custom mixing. Be open-minded about color, and your inexpensive room addition can look great.

7. Shop around for laminate flooring, because it's often on sale for just a little more than linoleum or vinyl flooring. By the time you factor in the cost of adhesive for rolled flooring or padding and tack strips for carpeting, laminate flooring planks are very cost-effective.

Tips & Warnings

• Factor in the cost of renting installation tools, or borrow them from a friend. Better yet, invite a friend with tools over to show you how it's done.

• If your floor is uneven, laminate flooring might not work. Check local regulations for safety code requirements. Never sacrifice safety to save a few bucks.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Budget decorating