Are you planning a major overhaul of your home? If you are, you’re probably dreading the endless runs you’ll need to make to the hardware store. Why not save yourself considerable stress by following a guide to materials? Of course, if you’re new to home improvement, you’ll learn a lot as you go. But you won’t need to work hard if you work smart. Apply these seven tips for your next renovation from experienced remodelers to save time and money on your project.
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1. Do Your Research
The best way to avoid unwanted frustration with any home improvement project is to do your research. Websites for major hardware stores often offer instructions for DIY projects. You can also find in-person workshops at many retailers, not to mention a range of material guides.
Beyond that, you’ll want to pay attention to the current trends in home design. You want to create a signature look — but you don’t want to design something you’ll want to rip apart in a year or two, either. Create something that will hold up for at least a decade, a blend of classic and trendy.
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2. Overestimate and Save Receipts
Before you can head to the store, you need to create a budget. There’s nothing worse than pinching pennies at the register. Many stores offer comparable prices, but it still pays to shop around.
It’s a good idea to purchase slightly more than what you need. Every time you run to the store, you spend money on gas, plus, you waste valuable time sitting in traffic. If you’re a beginner, you’re going to make mistakes, and going over budget will likely be one of them.
That said, having extra supplies will save you a lot of frustration. It’s far easier to try again if you have what you need. Referencing this guide to materials will keep you on track, saving you time and energy you can spend elsewhere.
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3. Source Sustainable Materials
All construction involves the use of resources. However, the materials you choose influence how sustainable your project is overall. Many products offer superior durability, as well.
For example, bamboo is an eco-friendly material that is also tough. The wall thickness of solid bamboo is between 55% and 99% of the diameter of the pole, providing structural durability.
Other options for environmentally friendly building materials include hemp and recycled steel. A store like ArchiPro provides a wide range of sustainable building materials. It’s worth spending extra on quality to have the peace of mind knowing the materials you’ve used are durable enough to last a long time.
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4. Make It a DIY Delivery
If you don’t have a pickup truck, do you have a friend or family member who’d be willing to help you out? If so, you can save considerable money on delivery fees. Most services cost between $25 and $40 per hour to deliver goods to your door.
Another option is renting a truck from the hardware center. Major retailers usually offer a variety of vehicles in different sizes. You’ll need to pay a nominal fee and gas, but it’s cheaper than calling in a professional.
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5. Investigate Discounts
Unless you’re a licensed contractor, you can’t take advantage of those exclusive rates at home improvement stores. However, you have other alternatives when it comes to saving money, outside of following a material guide.
You can find discounted gift cards and coupons online at various sites. Additionally, many retailers will honor competitor’s coupons, so if you have a favorite store, give this method a try.
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6. Take a Step-by-Step Approach
As the old cliché goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Sizable renovations such as a full kitchen remodeling project won’t happen overnight. Break each project down into manageable parts, following a material guide as you do.
Maybe you start by doing the cabinetry and only purchasing the supplies for that step. After you complete that stage, you can move on to the countertops. It’s generally best to take a top-down approach. That way, if you drop your hammer, you won’t mess up your new tile flooring.
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7. Rest and Regroup
Finally, if you find yourself growing frustrated, it’s okay to pause and step back. After all, you purchased your home as an investment as well as a living space. That kind of purchase takes time to mature.
It’s better to give yourself a break and walk away than waste money and time on slipshod work you’ll need to repair later. As you rest, check out online guides to learn more and research the materials you’re using.
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Reference This Guide to Materials
You can master your projects even if you’re a beginner. All you need is a grasp on home improvement and a guide you can reference, whether it’s this one or a similar piece on materials.
Follow these tips and you’re sure to rock your next renovation!
Author Bio
Dylan Bartlett, aka, “The Regular Guide,” writes about home improvement, DIY projects and more on his blog. Check out Just a Regular Guide to read about similar topics, or follow Dylan on Twitter @theregularguide for updates on his work.