Page 26 THE VILLADOM TIMES I & III • November 5, 2014 How to stay within your home improvement budget Home improvement projects range from small scale undertakings that can be tack- led in a single weekend to large remodels that can take several months to complete. While no two projects are the same, every home improvement project demands that homeowners dip into their pockets and spend some money. Just as the scale of projects varies greatly, so do the financial commitments required of homeowners to make those projects a reality. But no matter the size of the project, homeowners can find ways to stretch their budgets without sacrificing the quality of their improvements. Do the homework. Before deciding to make changes to a home, it is best to first do some research into any potential proj- ects. Many homeowners have decided to dive into a project before they fully real- ize its scope and cost, and going in blind can bust a budget, turning what might have seemed like a relatively simple project into a money pit. Understanding just what a project entails and how much it is likely to cost can give homeowners an idea of what they can afford and where they might be able to stretch their budgets. For example, those who want to replace their kitchen counter- tops, but cannot afford engineered quartz, might be able to find a less expensive alter- native, such as tile, they will like just as much. It is best to research such alterna- tives before deciding to replace the existing countertops. If a less expensive alternative is not a viable option, consider postpon- ing the project while saving the additional money. Starting the project without first grasping its true cost is a recipe for disas- ter, so do the homework before getting out the toolbox and starting to work. Build unforeseen expenses into the budget. Another way to stay within budget is to include budget-busting unforeseen expenses into the plan from the get-go. Nearly every home improvement project will present some unforeseen and costly hurdles. For example, those who are con- verting basement space might encounter mold inside the walls, and it can cost a pretty penny to make that mold go away. Those who take on a project (or delegate it to a contractor) expecting such hurdles will not be overburdened by the cost of addressing unforeseen issues. Those who are caught off guard might be forced to overextend the budget or make sacrifices elsewhere in order to complete the project. Build some contingency money, including permit fees, into the home improvement budget to safeguard against such unfore- seen issues. Get to work. When hiring a contractor, speak with him or her before signing a con- tract. Sometimes, homeowners can pitch in to keep labor costs low. For example, hom- eowners might be able to pitch in during the demolition phase, saving the cost of paying you’re a contractor’s workers to tear down walls or remove debris. Another way to pitch in is to do the end-of-day cleanup. Any role the homeowners play with regard to labor will likely need to be negotiated upfront, but can save a substantial amount of money on labor. Determine if working piecemeal is the most affordable option. Sometimes it makes sense to tackle one project at a time. Other times, it makes sense to combine projects to save on the cost of materials. For instance, if the ultimate goal is to install wood flooring throughout a home, determine if it makes more financial sense to install the flooring all at once rather than tackling one or two rooms at a time. Buying all the materials at once, rather than buying a small amount of materials several times over the next sev- eral years, may be the most cost-effective option. Home improvement projects often go a long way toward making a home more enjoyable for its owners and inhabitants. While such projects can be costly, hom- eowners who stay disciplined can still get their dream homes without busting their budgets.