Everybody wants to remodel their home, and it’s no surprise why: a new look freshens up the space. However, these days it can cost an arm and a leg for contractors to do any renovations, so how can you save money?

I’ve spent hours researching ways to reduce the cost of these home repairs and came up with some tips that you can use to get the most house for your buck.

Here are remodeling tips to cut down your remodel costs in your next project.

Increase efficiency not size

Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom usually doesn’t need to be done in one fell swoop. Instead of undertaking a complete gut job and starting from scratch, try using new materials to increase the efficiency of your old space.

For example, you could install new countertops without tearing out the cabinets underneath or adding a new backsplash without changing entire walls.

These changes will help make your space more functional while boosting its appearance.

Donate your trash

If you’re getting rid of appliances like washers and dryers before they break down completely, donate them to charity instead of throwing them away.

You can find organizations like Habitat for Humanity that have plenty of ways to put unwanted items to good use again.

Hire or partner with a contractor

If you have the skills to do much of the work yourself, a great way to cut costs is to hire or partner with a contractor.

Hiring someone experienced in your area is often the best way to go. They will offer advice on everything from materials and equipment purchases to hiring subcontractors and helping you find ways to pay for the project.

Using a contractor can help you save money on labor, permits, and materials, but it also helps you get professional results. In addition, using subcontractors may offer the benefit of giving you access to skilled workers at lower costs than hiring them yourself.

Prioritize recycling

Using recycled materials for your remodel is a great way to save money while maintaining the environment. For example, consider kitchen cabinets or appliances previously installed in another home rather than buying brand-new ones.

Bottom Line

The thing about a house remodel, or renovation is that it usually involves making changes to the very structure of your home. That means that you have to be prepared for unexpected costs to rise along the way.

Before you even get started, it’s important to make sure that you have enough money set aside to account for these unexpected expenses.