Rising Costs: The Pandemic’s Effect On Home Renovations

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It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all industries across the globe. Construction and home renovations have been no different. Worldwide financial insecurity and instability have produced several factors that contribute to the rising cost of construction and materials. Worldwide shipping delays, rising shipping costs, and unpredictable industry disruptions have made it more challenging to produce and transport materials. For this reason, home improvement projects have become more expensive. 

Unfortunately, these costs are passed onto the consumer. Until costs come back down to more stable and sustainable long-term price points, homeowners may be interested in finding ways to cut costs so that their dream home project doesn’t turn into a never-ending over-budget nightmare. 

The below tips may help you keep your home improvement project at a comfortable price point without sacrificing the quality of craftsmanship and style you have worked so hard to establish for your home.

Achieve More Kitchen Space Without The Extra Dollar Signs

Ask any homeowner; few people will complain that their kitchen is too big. Instead, almost every homeowner wishes that their kitchen had a bit more space. If you’re taking on a kitchen remodel, you’ll want to think about how to maximize your existing space without knocking down walls or building big additions. 

One way to maximize your kitchen’s existing space is by adding deep cabinetry. The minimalist look has become quite popular in recent years, but few people fully live that reality. Deep cabinetry can allow you to organize and tuck frequently used items behind easy-to-reach cabinet doors while still keeping the clutter off the kitchen counter. 

Weigh Long-Term Costs Against Short-Term Gains

When it comes to budget, many people will look for ways to achieve short-term gains without considering the long-term costs. For example, clapboard siding is available pre-primed and pre-painted. While it may seem like you’re cutting corners to go with the pre-painted version, the durability of the finish is unmatched. With unpainted and unfinished siding, you’ll need two full coats of professional paint to achieve high-quality long-term results. Spending a little more during your renovation keeps maintenance costs on the lower end in the future. 

Look for Likealikes and Dupes

Most of the time, you can get that magazine-ready look of your dreams without the Beverly Hills price tag. With a bit of ingenuity and resourcefulness, you can often get the look for less. Natural eucalyptus hybrid wood is an excellent lookalike for genuine mahogany. Researching materials can prepare you for the price tag of your renovations and make budget adjustments when necessary.

Avoid Moving Plumbing

Ask anyone who’s ever renovated a kitchen or bathroom; the most expensive part of the process is moving plumbing. If you don’t have to move your plumbing, don’t. Instead, it’s recommended that you use your renovation as an opportunity to upgrade existing pipes. 

Make a Plan

One of the best ways to reduce costs and stick to a budget is to have a plan. Start making cabinetry, tile, countertop, appliances, and paint color choices early and be as specific as you can be. When you know what you want early on, your contractor will be able to factor those prices into your estimate, and you’ll be less likely to go over budget. 

For more information about our kitchen design and bathroom remodeling services in Lancaster, PA, reach out to our team today!