There are a lot of reasons why you might put off a home renovation in the winter. It could be the way you overdid it during the holidays, the fact that it’s a time when most creatures slow down and hibernate, or even because you think a wintertime project will be expensive.
But if it’s affordability that makes you think twice about your reno, don’t put away your toolset just yet. Here are some money-savvy tips that will help your tight budget stretch to include a wintertime renovation.
1. Know Your Backup Plan
There’s a delay with materials, a contractor gets sick and can’t work, or your tear-down reveals your wiring isn’t up-to-code and needs immediate rehabbing.
Things like these can quickly cause your budget to balloon into something unaffordable, yet they happen more often than you think. Would you know how to tackle these extra costs?
As a general rule of thumb, you should add an extra 10 percent to your expected costs before you start any work. This higher savings goal acts as a cushion in case you run into an emergency.
But what if this cushion falls short of what you need? In an unexpected emergency that exceeds your savings, a personal line of credit may be a possible backup.
Waiting to get a personal line of credit until you need one won’t affect your chances. Finding out how to get a personal line of credit under a time crunch is easy. All you need to do is go online for a quick and convenient way to research your options. Just remember that a line of credit in this case should only be used for an unexpected emergency, not for upgrading the tiling in your new bathroom.
2. Speak with a Contractor
Normally, you may avoid talking with professionals in fear of the cost they add to your project. But in the winter, you may have a better chance of affording their expertise.
Generally, contractors have seasonal prices. In the summer, when more people are vying for their attention, contractors can raise their prices. But in the winter, fewer people are taking on projects, and they may have to hunt down jobs to meet their quotas.
This lull in the construction industry may come as a boon to your budget. With less competition, you may be able to negotiate a lower price for the job.
3. Choose Your Job Wisely
Specific winter conditions can either help or hinder your project. Cold, dry weather is perfect for laying tile or fixing damaged foundation. It lends itself to drying mortar and stabilizing materials like wood or stone.
But wintry weather can complicate other projects in your house.
Take big kitchen renovations, for example. In all likelihood, you’ve winterized your BBQ and outdoor eating spaces. With these closed, where would you cook and dine while your kitchen is out of commission?
Eating takeout and other ready-to-go food from the couch isn’t wise. Your cash will disappear in a puff of drywall dust.
Bottom Line
Don’t take your cue from Mother Nature. While the rest of the world slows down and relaxes during the winter, it pays to be industrious.
Don’t sleep on wintertime renovations. As long as you keep these tips in mind, you can take advantage of the seasonal lull and save money while you’re at it.
