I’m a Home Reno Expert: 5 Ways To Save Money on Big Projects

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As renovation costs climb and supply delays drag projects out, many homeowners are finding that remodeling isn’t as simple as TV makes it look.

According to a survey by Platinum Homebuilders, a lot of people tackling big home projects end up wishing they they’d done things differently. So how can anyone starting a renovation project avoid those common regrets and save money before the first hammer swings?

GOBankingRates asked Danny Niemela, vice president and chief financial officer at luxury remodeling company ArDan Construction, exactly where budgets fail and how to protect them.

1. Build From the Bone

Structural issues or hidden plumbing and electrical snags often lead to unexpected costs or delays, so Niemela recommended having the basics like wiring and HVAC completed first.

“Should your budget tighten, no harm no foul,” he said. “You can simply table finish materials such as decorative tile, specialty lighting or high-end fixtures.”

Forty-three percent of homeowners in the survey said materials and finishes cost more than expected, making early planning essential.

2. Buy Materials in Phases

Over-purchasing materials too early can lead to waste, and Niemela recommended buying no more than 15% over what’s needed for each phase.

Materials and fixtures can go out of style or degrade in storage before installation, so waiting until they’re actually needed before buying them makes a lot of sense.

3. Don’t Demolish Everything in Advance

Starting demolition before materials arrive can quickly blow the budget, as labor costs continue even if workers are waiting and unfinished spaces create chaos. According to Niemela, starting demolition only when at least 80% of the materials are on site can save both money and aggravation.

4. Avoid Wasting Money on Downtime

If the renovation schedule isn’t tightly planned, gaps or downtime between work can cause extra costs without anyone noticing.

Niemela likened every day not working to “burning money,” and with 36% of homeowners going over labor budgets, locking in design choices and a schedule before starting a project helps avoid unnecessary costs.

5. Skip DIY on Major Work

Taking on demolition, painting or trim work might seem like a way to save money, but it can quickly create delays and extra costs.

“I’ve literally seen projects be delayed by 3 weeks because a homeowner thought they could ‘save $1,500 on baseboard caulking,'” Niemela said.

Mistakes or scheduling conflicts from DIY work often end up costing far more than hiring a professional from the start. The survey shows 41% of DIYers wished they had hired an expert, and 1 in 5 had to pay someone else to fix their errors.

Renovations don’t have to feel like a financial or emotional rollercoaster. With careful planning, even major projects can stay on track. The key is making decisions thoughtfully and ahead of time, leaning on professional guidance when it counts. When the chaos is managed, the payoff is the confidence that comes from knowing every dollar and hour was spent wisely, as well as a beautiful home.

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