You’ve decided on your basement project and you’re ready to get started, after all, it’s going to take a lot of work to get your home ready for the big renovation, however, before you get too far ahead of yourself, it’s a good idea to take stock of your budget and your timeline.
Plan your renovations first
The first step in saving money when planning your basement renovations is to plan what you want it may seem like a step backward, but this is an important step in the process that can save you from any costly mistakes.
Before you start deciding on all of your expensive finishes, take some time to decide on the layout and design for your space, this way, no matter what happens during the renovation, you’ll know where everything is going to go and how much it will cost.
Create a financing plan
It’s always a good idea to create a financing plan before you start, make sure that you take into account the costs of your project, including materials and labor.
Think about how much money you have available for the upfront cost of the work and then decide what type of financing would work best for you.
Don’t skimp on the details
You’ll want to make sure all the little things are taken care of, from the flooring to the trim, if you don’t take care of these details, you may end up with ratty carpet or cheap paint that chips easily, the details matter because they make your finished project look clean and finished.
Ask for quotes from more than one contractor
When it comes to basement renovation, it’s important that you get some estimates before deciding on a contractor, ask for quotes from more than one contractor to avoid the risk of getting stuck paying excessive prices.
This is particularly important when dealing with contractors who specialize in basement renovations because they will be the most expensive.
Ask for references and do your own due diligence
Ask for references, if you know someone who has already renovated their basement, ask them to refer you to the contractor they used and talk to the contractor about the project cost.
Do your own due diligence, take a look at some of the project costs from other contractors in your area and compare those with what is being quoted to you by the contractor you are considering although this might seem tedious, it will help keep costs down and ensure that you’re not overpaying.
Take time to plan out your budget and timeline
Planning ahead saves time and money in the long run take the time upfront to determine how much you have available for renovations, what your timeline requirements are, and what kind of renovations you want to be done.
Establishing these parameters in advance means not having to make unexpected purchases or change schedules later on when it becomes clear that more resources are needed than originally planned.
Invest in high-quality materials
If you’ve never renovated before, then it’s likely that your home is full of old building materials like wood paneling, linoleum tile floors, or carpeting with worn padding that could be hazardous or unsanitary.
It can be tempting to use these materials again when renovating a basement because they were probably cheaper than new materials would have been but don’t do it.
