Renovate your home and save

Follow our three steps to make your dollar go farther when you renovate your home.


August 6, 2007

The trick to saving money on home renovations is to be creative. Start by choosing the look you want but then do some research to see if there is a cheaper alternative.

1. Don’t choose the real thing
There was a time when “imitation” meant “cheap.” No longer. Today, many imitation products have the same look and feel as the real thing for a fraction of the cost. For example, laminate flooring can look just as great as hardwood and be just as durable for a much lower price. You can even buy laminate countertops that look similar to granite for even greater savings.

2. Refinish instead of replace
Cabinetry looking dated? Are your appliances that lovely avocado green from a decade long gone? Instead of spending money to replace your cabinetry or appliances, simply refinish them. A coat of paint or stain can give them a completely new look. Add new hardware for that finishing touch.

3. Look for cost cutters
There are many ways to cut costs if you just use a little imagination. Instead of tiling your bathroom walls, buy a fiberglass shower stall and decorative shower curtain. Use less expensive hollow-core doors for inside your home. And buy pre-finished trim and molding so you won’t have to pay your contractor extra money to paint them.

Be creative. By researching cheaper alternatives, you can save money when you renovate.



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