Home improvement projects can be expensive. While the size and complexity will affect how expensive it is, homeowners can expect to shell out a pretty penny when they renovate or remodel areas of their home.
But renovation-minded homeowners need not reconsider their commitment to remodeling as there are various ways to cut the costs associated with home improvement projects. One such way is for homeowners to pitch in and do some of the work themselves.
Some estimates suggest labour will account for anywhere from 25 to 50 per cent of the overall cost of the project, so it's no surprise that homeowners can save themselves substantial amounts of money by doing some of the work themselves.
Homeowners who intend to do some of the labour should discuss this plan with contractors. While it's best to leave the most complicated parts of a project to the professionals, homeowners can pitch in during the following phases:
Demolition:
Demolition involves more than picking up a sledgehammer and swinging away. Some demolition projects are best left to the pros. For example, any projects that involves exposure to hazardous materials are risky and therefore best left to experienced labourers. However, many homeowners are capable of safely and effectively pulling cabinets from walls, removing flooring or knocking down drywall. Homeowners unsure of how to approach demolition tasks can ask their contractors to demonstrate the proper technique so the demolition is done right and on time.
Salvage:
Removing debris and items that will no longer be needed once the renovation is complete is another way homeowners can pitch in. Homeowners remodeling their kitchens may be replacing their existing stoves and refrigerators and hoping to donate these items. In such instances, driving the items to the donation site or arranging for them to be picked up rather than taken off the premises by the contractor or his employees can cut labour costs.
Cleanup:
Homeowners also can save costs by cleaning up after the contractors at the end of each workday. Speak with the contractor about cleaning up the site each day, asking him or her what can be discarded.
