by Stella Kaye

Created on: July 28, 2011

Cut Costs - not Corners

Any home improvement project however small can cost a fortune if a sensible budget is not worked out well before works are underway. Costs regarding home improvement have a nasty habit of escalating beyond all proportion if a definite plan is not adhered to.

Never forget that labour charges can almost be as much as the basic costs of any appliances and materials to be used. Always get three estimates from reliable workmen with a proven track record if the work is to be carried out by someone else and if undertaking the task yourself, remember to choose quality suppliers who charge reasonable prices for their goods.

Don’t cut corners when it comes to quality. A good idea is to go for durable middle of the range fixtures and fittings that are not complicated to install or expensive to maintain. Look out for things like bulk buys and end of the range clearance sales so that you can purchase quality products for a fraction of the recommended retail price. Tiles and flooring are always available cheaply if bought in this way. DIY stores always have a selection of special offers and promotions all year round but take advantage of any season reductions; for instance conservatories, garden products and out-buildings may be cheaper and more widely available in spring.

Any home improvements should not only enhance the overall appearance of your property but should add to its value and provide you with years of enjoyment once the project is finished. Don’t use inferior products that will fail after a short time and cause you further work to put right at a later stage. Problems with houses always return with a vengeance if not rectified correctly at the earliest point.

You must be careful to get the correct advice because a badly installed item can actually reduce a home’s value. Estate agents and buildings inspectors will spot inferior work immediately so don’t skip on the things that matter. A balance needs to be maintained between expenditure and quality at every stage in your project.

Ask friends who have had similar works done - it will be a lot cheaper to learn from someone else’s mistakes than your own.

Remember that any alterations to the structure of the building should only be done after professional advice has been obtained and be especially wary with all changes to the heating and electrical systems so that only workmen qualified to work in these areas can be included in your project.  Unscrupulous

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