Savvy Summer Savings
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| No matter what project you have on your summer to-do list, you’re going to be shopping for supplies, and depending on how large your project is, the price can add up quickly. But there are some tips to get your home improvement projects going while keeping a bit of extra cash in your pocket. |
With summer in the air, you’re just itching to get that home improvement project going.
It’s a great time to install a rain garden, improve storm-water runoff in your yard, redo your windows or siding, or even change the look of one of the rooms inside your home with new paint and furniture.
No matter what project you have on your summer to-do list, you’re going to be shopping for supplies, and depending on how large your project is, the price can add up quickly.
Here are some tips to get your home improvement projects going while keeping a bit of extra cash in your pocket:
* DIY: If you have any handy talents, you can save a lot of money by doing the project yourself, or by only contracting out part of the work where a professional might be required. If you aren’t certain about installing a wood floor in your living room or are in need of landscaping ideas, head to your local library and check out several books on the topic for background knowledge.
* Negotiate work agreements with your friends: Having more hands on deck to help with the work will make the job go much faster, but you don’t have to hire the help. Offer your friends a trade — maybe you’ll take them out for dinner.
Or volunteer your services on one of their home improvement projects. Just make sure they understand the trade before the work gets started.
* Put cash back in your pocket when buying supplies: You can find great deals on supplies from leading home improvement retailers and many more using online coupons and discount codes.
* Look for contracting specials: If you do need to hire a contractor to help you with your project, look online to find specials being offered this summer. You also can find coupons for discounts in the back of the phone book. Some of the more popular coupon topics include insulation, siding, windows and doors and roofing projects.
* Stage your project throughout time: You might discover your project is too much to handle — both physically and financially — in one season. The best recommendation is to break it down into mini projects. For example, if you want to landscape the entire yard, consider concentrating first on a vegetable garden or a flower garden that outlines the house. One advantage to breaking down a huge project is it allows you to see how much maintenance and upkeep work you need to do on a yearly basis. You might realize you want to revise later stages of the project and make them maintenance free.
Fast forward your imagination to this fall, and picture yourself enjoying that new room inside your home, or sitting on your refinished deck and admiring your backyard. And smile as you remember how much money you saved on your project.
• Courtesy of ARAcontent
