| Cutting Costs |
|
If the estimated cost is still over what you can afford to pay for the bathroom remodel, consider additional ways to cut costs. For example, if plans call for moving a doorway over a foot—a relatively difficult and expensive project—consider not doing so. Look for options. You also can cut costs by shopping wisely. If you have the time and space you can wait until your favorite building material supplier has clearance sale to buy major fixtures. Or you can find another supplier with a better price even if it includes a trip to pick up materials. Another cost-cutting option is to do more of the labor yourself. That may mean help the flooring installer or installing your own faucets or even installing the tub yourself though you hadn’t planned to do so. Remodeling Savings On a tight remodeling budget? Find out if there is a salvage center in your area (check the telephone book). Salvage centers typically have good quality fixtures and building materials at lower costs than new. You may even find an antique tub, shower, toilet, or fixture that matches your new bathroom. It’s the ultimate in recycling. The worst cost-cutting option is to buy cheap materials or hire cheap labor. You may get lucky and it will all work fine at a lower cost. However, most professionals agree that “cheap” is false economy.
|
