The saying "you get what you pay for" couldn't be truer in home improvement. If you try to skimp on things such as materials, tools, or professional service, you should also expect a shoddy outcome and probably more headaches in the long run.
Thankfully, with the help of some design professionals, you can actually stay thrifty without cutting corners when finding a renovation deal as listed by Brickunderground:
Time it right
For Jeff Streich of Prime Renovations, timing is key. Think supply and demand. When a contractor has plenty of offers, they are likely to bid a project very high and the other way around. If you get a price for a project one month, the price may change two months later and you could get a better offer.
Don't just get multiple quotes - get details
Instead of just comparing price quotations, Ben Pitt of MyHome Design and Remodeling suggests that you go for value over best price or best discount. When comparing quotations, make sure to only look at reputable contractors and don't forget to factor in comfort-level to the equation. Check if prices make sense considering the corresponding service you can expect. To put simply, a full-service design/build firm's price may not match with that of a one-person operation and vice versa.
Be upfront about your desire to save
Streich also believes that the best way to negotiate with a contractor is simply by asking them if they can push with the project for less. For instance, if you get priced $300,000 and only has $250,000 budget, be transparent with the contractor and ask where there can be savings.
"If a homeowner prefers one contractor who is not the least expensive, they should let that contractor know they are considering this other option and see if they can get closer in price," Ben Pitt adds.
Consider quid pro quo
You can actually avail of a discount by referring clients to your contractor. "A client we are currently doing a major remodeling project for has recommended us to many others in their building. We have just signed with the neighbor directly above them. The current client has not asked for any type of discount; however, because it's easy for us to stay in the building, and because of the referral, I am giving a discount to both clients. They didn't need to ask or negotiate. ... A discount comes from the client offering me something in return, like a referral, or an aspect of the job that saves me time," says David Przywara of Crafted Home New York.
