How to Do Renovations And Avoid Emptying Your Wallet

Renovations can cost an arm and a leg, but like what Ikea likes to say:

"you don't need to be rich to be smart"

Some tips:

- ask yourself and more importantly your 'boss' if she needs an ID or an architect. They cost around 10% or more of the project, but can be pretty useful if you aren't the hands on type. Some will take you through the buying process and work through colors and such, but they can also be pretty stubborn and only stick to their designs especially if they have a big ego.

- talk to the tiles / marble stores. Business is a bit slow right now, so ask them for run out stuff and get the remnant stuff. 

- this also applies to toilet ware. Some stores specialise in selling excess stock from condo projects and you can get the excess stock a lot cheaper than the retail price

- time your purchases to sale time, it takes good timing or luck, but it can save you a lot of $$

- your builder will also have his / her own contacts for deals, so work with them instead of insisting on your own

- buy stuff online eg lights, fittings, furniture

- branded stuff: are they needed ?

Personally I think using good faucets are important, and I'm willing to pay. But for other items like sinks or toilet bowls, get a decent one, and one that's made in China is fine, really. Otherwise you may have to fork out up to ten times more for almost the same thing.  

- going to the source to get items. I think switches and other tactile items are important, so get good ones, but it doesn't mean paying a lot. The most basic color (white) is usually cheapest, and you get the same quality as those which are of different colors. 

- do you need marble everywhere? 

Now marble is a nice touch, but if you decide to go nuts and use it everywhere, your reno bill will go up. So areas like the toilets, dining area might do fine with marble like tiles or other materials. 

- use the same materials throughout

eg same tiles for toilets, same paint code

- use paint to touch up and give a new look instead of wallpaper

- do you need to custom built everything? Wardrobes and cabinets are charged by the foot, and if you can use existing stuff from furniture stores, it's a lot cheaper and they can be moved to the new home if you shift.

Remember, what looks good to your wife now, may not be to the new buyer's taste, and that style you are designing now may look really dated when the day comes for you to sell that home...

Areas I don't suggest you scrimp on:

- as mentioned, I think faucet handles should be the best you can get, switches too

- get enough power points, and believe me, you can't overdo it

- have multiple light sources, eg some task light, some ambient light etc

- preventive maintenance: 

If you are renovating for a long stay, don't save on these items:

- roof (if it leaks in future, it's a big hassle)

- flooring (same thing, waterproofing is a big deal)

- piping (if you intend to stay long term and the place is old - get new pipes)

- a new coat of paint is a lot cheaper than wallpaper

On the other hand, if the place is relatively new, you can save a lot by not tearing down everything. Hacking and tiling are one of the big ticket items you will can avoid paying for. 

However I do feel that you do need to have some nice items in your home. Be it a statement piece light, a nice sofa etc, even if it costs a bit more. The place must feel appealing. It should like nice and not look cheap or slapped together.  

Remember more flexibility, more savings