Remodeling a home doesn’t have to be expensive. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, you can save money on your home improvement project by shopping for discounts and comparing contractors.

Buying a high-efficiency toilet or cabinets might cost more upfront, but they’ll save you utility costs over time. Also, consider purchasing lookalikes rather than the priciest versions.

Look for Used Items or Store Models

It’s always good to watch for secondhand furniture pieces and decor items that can be used in a remodel. Look for things like hardware, drawer pulls, and more at local thrift stores and retailers as they’re a gold mine of reusable house parts.

Home improvement stores like Home Depot can also be a great resource for finding secondhand and discounted materials. Ask if they have showroom models or scratch and dent items on sale, as these can save you a ton of money.

Another way to find discount supplies and equipment is by looking online. Some websites can connect you with people in your area selling the stuff you need for a bargain.

It’s important to remember that when you shop for a remodel, it’s best to have a plan. This can help you avoid overspending and rash decisions that could cost you more in the long run. A well-prepared budget can lead to savings and a finished project you’re proud of.

Look for Discounts at Warehouses

As a homeowner, there’s more to your job than hanging out on weekends or drinking oat milk lattes in your backyard. Homeowners must keep up with repairs and improvements to ensure their homes are safe, secure and livable. That’s why it’s important to learn about discounts that can help save you money on materials and appliances for your remodeling projects.

Warehouses often have deals on scratch and dent items, showroom models or open-box items that may have minor blemishes but work perfectly fine. Also, ask if your local retailers will price-match online finds and always look for discount codes online.

One tip for saving money during remodeling is to plan a project from beginning to end and purchase all the materials at once. This can help you avoid rogue purchases that could push your budget over the edge. That being said, it’s okay to splurge on something nice as long as you cut back somewhere else in the same project. It’s a good idea to rent a dumpster big enough for the debris accumulating during your remodel.

Don’t Buy New Appliances

While new appliances can add value to your home, avoiding spending too much money on them is best. If you need to replace an appliance, check out sales at local stores and online, especially during American holidays and Black Friday. You can also find scratch and dent appliances or floor models to save money.

In addition, consider reusing existing materials in your home during a remodel. For example, you can often get creative with old cabinetry by painting it. Also, many salvage yards and auctions have great deals on materials that can be used in your remodeling project.

Before starting any renovation, you must create a budget to stick to. This will help you avoid overspending and winding up with a finished product that does not match your original vision. It is also a good idea to pay in cash whenever possible to avoid paying interest charges. This can save you a significant amount of money. Lastly, always plan for unexpected costs during a remodel.

Look for Discounts at Retail Stores

Home improvement stores have a warehouse-style set-up, which reduces their display costs and allows them to offer regular sales. You can save even more by signing up for their credit cards, which usually get you 5% back on all purchases.

It’s also a good idea to check the online deals at these retailers regularly to see what discounts you can find. They’re often more aggressive about offering discounts on their websites than in the store.

If you’re buying a lot of stuff at one retail location, consider asking to speak to the manager about a discount. Consumer and money-saving expert Andrea Woroch says sales associates can’t give discounts below what corporate dictates, but if you politely ask to speak to the manager, they may be willing to negotiate with you. This is especially true if you have a coupon or can show them an online price drop. Also, ask the store to match a lower price you found online or ask for free delivery or other incentives if they can’t honor a competitor’s offer.

Look for Discounts at Contractors

The internet has made it easy for homeowners to compare prices before purchasing. Doing this before hiring contractors is a good idea, especially when they give estimates. You can save money by getting multiple estimates from different contractors and by calling them during their slow season (usually winter in the US).

It’s important to prepare a budget before beginning a home remodeling project. This will help you understand the cost of the project and avoid overspending. It’s also a good idea to include a contingency line for those moments when something unexpected pops up that requires more cash than anticipated.

Finally, try to pay for everything in cash. This will save you interest charges, which can add up quickly. It’s not always possible, but it can make a big difference. If you need to use a loan, ensure it’s paid off quickly. If you can’t pay it off immediately, consider paying it with a credit card with a low-interest rate. This will save you interest and help you build your credit at the same time.