You may be one of many Canadians who started a home improvement job because your family needed more room, and you began working from home. You may be one of many Canadians who wanted to upgrade their home before selling it.
You’ll need to consult a Mississauga real estate lawyer to make sure you are within the zoning laws and boundaries of your land. When you decide to sell, it’s important to learn how to save on renovations due to the increased costs of building materials.
The tips listed below will help you to do that.
Set a Budget and Stick to it.
It is easy to go over budget on home improvement projects if you don’t have a plan or a Budget in place before beginning any work or if you do not account for all expenses and use accurate numbers to calculate their costs. Don’t forget to add on permits and disposal fees.
Decide how to prioritize your projects. Prioritize renovations that repair damage or reduce energy costs. Before installing a standing shower in your main bedroom ensuite, for example, make sure you repair a leaky roof, fix framing around drafty doors and windows, and ensure HVAC and electrical systems have been updated and are efficient.
Decide if you are doing the Renos for your enjoyment or to increase the resale price. Appraisal Institute’s “How to Value Your Renovations” is a good resource for resale, but you should always consult a local agent before deciding. It is important to remember that resale value is mostly about market value. If you are not selling your house, it is pointless to complete renovations if they do not increase the value of your home by the cost of your renovation. Real estate agents will have this information.
Donate and Buy Gently Used Materials
ReStores such as Habitat for Humanity ReStores allow you to accomplish three good deeds for one need. You can give away old furniture, appliances, clothes, and household items, and the organization will pick them all up for free, saving you money on disposal fees. Donations can be used to earn a tax receipt for the Spring. Buying gently used accent pieces and appliances can help you save on material costs.
Do It Yourself
Before acting on this advice, you must know your limits. If the work involves working inside walls or beneath floors, you should probably leave it to professionals. Demolition, painting, and caulking, however, are relatively simple. If you want to increase the resale price, it is important to know that professional work will be easy for you and your family members to tell apart from a DIY job.
Save Money on Your Contractor
Contractors will be busiest in late winter/early Spring and continue to be so until winter. You may be able to save on labor costs if you wait until the winter period when business is slower. Use a contractor who has many references or via a platform such as HomeStars.