How to Shop for Your Remodel
When it comes to finding inexpensive home building materials for your remodel, you may not be sure where to look for the best deals. You want to fix your home with the best materials, but you also don’t want to break the bank for the things that you need. Fortunately, there are ways to get inexpensive home building materials without having to sacrifice style and quality.
If you are currently remodeling your home or you are thinking about getting started, here are eight tips that you should keep in mind.
1. Windows and Doors
Many homeowners are unhappy with their current windows and doors, and they would love to replace them with more modern, energy-efficient models. However, most fear that replacing their windows and doors will cost them an arm and a leg, so they put it off and deal with their current ones. However, replacing your windows and doors doesn’t have to be expensive, and in fact, not replacing old ones can actually end up costing you more in the long run.
Old windows and doors aren’t just something to replace because you don’t like the look of them, but they can be a huge weak point that can allow for a lot of energy loss. This energy loss can be particularly concerning as it can make it more difficult to regulate the temperature in your home. When this happens, it can make your home uncomfortable, but it can also force your HVAC system to have to work overtime.
As your HVAC works harder to maintain your desired temperature, it can start running longer, driving up the amount of energy it uses. This can cause your bills to skyrocket in the summer and in the winter, and it can also put a strain on your AC and furnace. Too much strain can cause your system to wear out faster, which could lead to you needing expensive repairs or a complete replacement. When compared to the cost of new windows and doors, these costs can be much more likely to break your bank.
When looking for inexpensive windows, it’s worth contacting a few window companies in your area to see if any of them are running specific deals. For instance, some companies will offer a percentage off if you replace a specific number of windows or if you choose to install a certain brand. It’s worth noting the various deals in your area so that you can find the best deal to help you save the most money possible.
If you live in an area prone to storms that produce heavy winds, it may also be advisable to have window shutters installed to protect your new windows from flying debris. You don’t want to risk having your new windows installed only to have them broken the next time a big storm rolls through. If you’re planning on installing glass doors, you may also want to ensure that they are in an area that can be protected from flying debris.
Similarly, when it comes to replacing your doors, you can consider either having a professional company come and install your new fixtures, or you can do it yourself if you have the proper tools. Replacing your own doors can save you from having to pay for extra labor costs, and it can also give you the ability to shop around and find the doors that you want at a price that works for you.
2. Wallpaper and Paint
When it comes to finding inexpensive home building materials, you may want to consider your walls. For instance, if you’ve just moved into a home and don’t like the living room wallcovering, you may want to remove it and add another wallpaper or paint color. In fact, re-painting your home can be one of the most inexpensive changes you can make that can completely transform the feeling of it.
Adding something like a bold accent wall in your living room and kitchen, or brightening your space with a bright shade of white, can change the feeling in your home and make it more unique to you. You may also consider taking advantage of different colors and their correlations when you’re painting. As an example, blue shades can promote a calm feeling and relaxation, whereas warm red or orange shades can be energizing. Using these colors in specific rooms can help you convey a certain feeling and change the vibe of a room completely.
Exterior painting is also something that you can consider if your current exterior has peeling or chipping paint. Although this can be more difficult to do on your own, especially if you have a multi-story home, it can increase your home’s curb appeal exponentially, and it can be one of the easiest ways to improve the outside appearance of your home.
If you don’t feel like painting your home yourself, or if you’re afraid you won’t be able to create a professional finish, you can consider shopping around for residential painting companies near you. While this will cost more money than doing it yourself, this extra cost can be worth it when you consider that a professional will have all the tools they need to complete the job correctly. Additionally, by getting quotes from different companies, you can ensure that you get the best possible deal.
3. Flooring Replacement
Another area where you may want to consider inexpensive home building materials is flooring. There are numerous flooring materials that look great without costing too much.
Some of the most inexpensive flooring options include:
- Vinyl Tiles
- Plank Vinyl
- Laminate
- Carpet
Vinyl can be one of the most inexpensive flooring types that you can install in your home, and it can be found in many varieties, all lasting as long as 25 years.
Vinyl tiles can be often found in kitchens and bathrooms, while plank vinyl can be used throughout the house as an alternative to wood or stone. If you want the look of wood or stone flooring, vinyl is an option that you should seriously consider.
Similarly, laminate can also mimic the appearance of wood or stone, and because of its embossed surface, it can even mimic the feeling. However, it can be less durable than vinyl and usually lasts for about 10 years before it starts to show wear.
Carpet is another inexpensive home building material and it is best used in areas like bedrooms and living rooms. Carpet can be some of the least expensive flooring materials and some can last over 10 years with the proper carpet cleaning and care. However, you should never use it in places like bathrooms, where moisture can cause mold and mildew to grow. For wet and damp spaces, tile flooring is always best.
As for if installing flooring is a project you can do yourself, it will depend on the material, how complex the job is, and if you feel comfortable tackling it. Some flooring, such as peel and stick carpet or tile can be fairly easy to do on your own, although it will require a bit of learning beforehand to ensure it’s done properly.
Having said that, if you don’t feel comfortable installing flooring yourself, it can be worth it to hire a professional to install your inexpensive flooring materials. This way, you can ensure that you won’t risk wasting materials or money and can ensure that the job is done right the first time.
4. Garage Improvements
Garages are something that many homeowners want to improve but aren’t sure how to get started without breaking the bank. One of the easiest things to start off with is replacing your garage door. Garage door replacements can be essential if you have an older door, as outdated garage doors can be an easy entrance for burglars.
The main reason why they are so easy to break into is that the codes that are used to open them can be easy to steal with the right devices. Newer garage doors prevent this by changing their code every time they are opened, meaning that not just anyone can get in. Some of these doors can also have smart connectors that allow you to see on your smartphone every time they are opened or closed.
Additionally, new doors have advanced sensors that help make them safer, especially for families with small children and pets. These sensors can help stop the door and roll it back if something is under the door while it is closing.
While many of the things on this list can be done yourself, garage doors are not one of them, and they should always be installed by a professional. This is because they can be extremely dangerous, especially the springs which, if not replaced correctly, can cause significant injury.
Other inexpensive ways that you can update your garage include installing vertical storage, replacing the flooring, and adding insulation to help control the temperature. Many of these updates can be done together, or they can be spread out and completed in order of what your garage needs most.
5. Outdoor Improvements
Another group of improvements that can require inexpensive home building materials includes outdoor updates. This can include a lot of different types of improvements, including landscaping, hardscaping, and lighting solutions.
Hardscaping, which encompasses all of the non-organic elements such as patios, walkways, and walls, can be an inexpensive project that you can tackle yourself on a weekend. Laying landscaping bricks can be an easy way to create a walkway or patio that you can later enjoy with friends and family. Walkways can also make it easier for you to navigate your lawn without worrying about tripping or slipping on uneven ground.
Similarly, adding landscape lighting can make navigation easier and safer at night, and many lights have solar charging, so you won’t have to worry about batteries or using electricity. Lights like this are often very inexpensive, and they come in many different styles.
As opposed to hardscaping, landscaping encompasses all of the organic elements around your home. Adding mulch around your home, in flowerbeds, and around shrubs can be a great way to add color and contrast to your exterior. Planting perennial local flowers can also be a great way to add color and curb appeal, and since they regrow every spring, you won’t have to worry about replanting them every year. Local flora could also be preferable — and less expensive — as they will be easy to find and even easier to care for, since they are used to the local climate and ecosystem.
You may also consider the trees and shrubs in your yard, and you should always have any dead or dying trees removed as soon as possible, especially if you live in an area prone to storms with high winds. Dead and weakened trees can more easily blow over, and depending on how close they are to your home, they could be very dangerous.
Similarly, fast-growing shrubs can require special care to ensure that they don’t get out of hand. Shrub care tools like electric trimmers are relatively inexpensive and can be highly beneficial when it comes to cutting back and shaping your shrubbery.
The Best Inexpensive Ways to Remodel Your Home
When it comes to inexpensive home building materials, you have a lot of creative options. For jobs both inside and out, you won’t have to worry about sacrificing style and quality to achieve a lower price. You should always keep your eyes open for deals, and don’t hesitate to shop around before making a purchase. By keeping these creative solutions in mind, you can begin to update your home without worrying about breaking your bank.