Rehabbing your home is not a cheap project. The cost can easily add up, from installation to buying all your new furniture pieces, appliances, and décor. But, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do the necessary updates at all.
Below are some quick expert tips on how to rehab a home under $10,000:
Go for Salvage Materials
There are salvage stores where you can buy donated and leftover materials and supplies. You can also find appliances with below-retail prices as well as used furnishings and building materials. Good resale materials are also available at auctions.
Install a Steel Entry Door
It will cost you less if you replace your battered front entry door with a brand new steel door instead of a wooden one. It will give you a return of up to 91.3% of your total investment. High-end steel doors with sidelights are priced at only $1,000 to $3,000 as compared to high-end wood versions that cost more than $4,000.
Ceramic Tiles are Better Than Stone
Ceramic tiles are the exact replicates of stone tiles but they come at a cheaper price. They are not like artificial wood flooring that lacks the texture and warmth of the real thing. High-quality ceramic tiles cost as much as $5.50 for every square foot although it can go as low as less than $1 for every square foot unlike natural stone flooring priced at $10 for every square foot. Installing ceramic tiles is also typically less expensive.
Choose the DIY Route
Home rehabbing labor can get very expensive so you will be able to save if you take on some of the work yourself. For example, you could save a few hundred dollars if you tackle a 2-hour painting job on your own. However, make sure you only do those jobs that you know you won’t mess up. Homeowners will be able to save cash through doing the demo on their own and letting the contractors deal with larger projects.
Settle for Vinyl Windows Instead of Wood
Unless your goal is to have the same historical accuracy of older houses, vinyl windows are better than window if you want to save on maintenance and money and earn up to 5% bigger return on investment. Vinyl windows have an average price of $130 to $500 each unlike wood windows that cost $150 to $800. While insulated vinyl frames cost more than those that are non-insulated, these have the same level of energy efficiency as wood so you can save on your cooling and heating costs.
Buy Your Cabinets from the Maker
Homeowners who can install cabinets on their own can save more if they bypass retail stores. You can save up to one-third on your cabinets if you buy them directly from the manufacturers.
Consider All the Different Ways To Save
Lowering the costs of rehabbing your home is not just the only way for you to save money on such projects. Projects that will help boost the value of your home can also increase equity and return more than how much you spent on them in some instances. Don’t be afraid to try renovations even though they might be expensive as long as they are worth it in the long run.