The ever-changing condition of the economy continues to bring many changes that affect the market price of all items—there is no exemption! Whether you are planning to purchase food, amenities, or equipment, you will likely run into a price tag that has unsurprisingly increased since the last time you’ve seen it. One of the significant sets of items that went through such changes is the construction materials.
If you thought planning for a renovation is tough, wait ‘till you see the increased price tags. Due to the fluctuation in the market, the prices of cement, timber, and nails have likely all gone up, so much so that your preliminary refurbishment budget may need another review and revision.
In such a case, you may be wondering about alternative ways to help you save up on money despite the price increase. Fret not, as we’ve listed down a couple of tips that can help you save on costs:
1. Buy the Appropriate Amount of Materials
Contractors often purchase way beyond the amount that they will need for a project. The reason behind this is that they may run into a snag or rework along the way, so they will need extra wood or nails just to set things straight before finishing the job.
This may all seem like a good gesture, but it is also very costly, especially if you and the contractor end up spending way more than you are supposed to. Don’t commit this mistake and purchase only the appropriate amount of materials. You can buy a couple of extras, but not to the point that you go over your budget!
2. Take Accurate Measurements of the Area
One way to avoid buying too many materials is by getting accurate measurements of the renovation area. If you are planning to refurbish your kitchen cabinets, be sure to get the exact width, height, and thickness of the wood so that you will also be able to estimate the precise amount of timber, screws, and nails that you will only use for the whole project.
Be sure to add the paint or varnish to the equation so that there will be no surprise expenses after purchasing your materials—and the same goes for every other renovation area of your home!
3. Pick the Most Durable Materials for the Project
The most common misconception about construction materials is that the more expensive they are, the higher their durability. That statement is false and must be corrected every time. You can easily choose wood from various options, plenty of which will not burn a hole in your wallet, from soft maple, beech, white oak, you name it!
You have so many options to choose from, most of which will never hurt your set budget. The same principle even applies to other materials, such as steel, iron, and aluminum. Stop buying expensive items and go for the affordable ones—cheaper doesn’t always mean low quality!
Conclusion
The rising material costs are inevitable. Many economic analysts have already predicted it, and it is all coming at a bad time, unfortunately, when the world is still reeling from the effects of the pandemic. As homeowners and contractors, it is our responsibility to ensure that we will still be able to renovate homes without being limited by the prices of construction materials.
Knowing the correct measurements, buying the exact amount of materials, and picking the most durable options will ensure a low renovation cost and a project full of creativity and durability.
If you need to know more about home renovation in the Windsor-Essex Area, we’ve got you covered. The many combined years of experience from the Cris Kambouris Real Estate Team has built up a large network of reliable renovation service providers and all the information you will need to get your project going. Contact us today!
