19 Ways to Cut Costs on Your House Remodel

Remodeling a house can be an exciting project, but it can also come with a hefty price tag. With careful planning and strategic decisions, you can cut costs on your house remodel without sacrificing quality or vision. Here are 19 tips to help you save money on your next home renovation.

Research and Plan Thoroughly

Doing your homework before beginning a remodeling project is one of the best ways to reduce expenses. Take time to:

Conduct online research – Search home remodeling sites, forums and blogs to gather cost-saving tips from experts and fellow DIYers. Learn which materials provide the best value and what areas you can potentially DIY to save money.
Interview contractors – Get quotes from at least 3 contractors and ask lots of questions. Find out where they may be able to use less expensive substitutions without compromising quality.
Create a detailed budget – Track all anticipated costs including materials, labor, permits and fees. Outline what you can realistically afford for each part of the remodel.
Set priorities – Decide which elements are necessities and which ones you could scale back on or potentially cut out to lower costs. Focus spending on the spaces and features that will get the most use or provide the best return on investment.

Thorough planning and estimation at the start of a project goes a long way towards keeping remodeling costs under control.

Buy Materials Strategically

Being smart about buying construction materials and house fixtures can lead to major savings:

Purchase discounted supplies – Check warehouse stores, classified ads and clearance sales to find quality materials at reduced prices. The off-season is also a good time to get deals on typical remodeling or landscaping supplies.
Salvage reusable items – Visit architectural salvage warehouses to pick up lightly used fixtures, flooring, doors, hardware and lumber at a fraction of retail cost.
Use cheaper alternatives – Substitute premium building materials and finishes with more affordable options that have a similar look for less. For example, use tile that resembles slate or stone instead of the real thing.
Buy in bulk – Take advantage of volume discounts when purchasing large quantities of supplies like framing lumber, tiles, paint and flooring. Coordinate with other homeowners doing renovations to split bulk purchases.
Negotiate pricing – Don’t be afraid to negotiate with building supply retailers, especially for overstock or discontinued items. Many are willing to make a deal for large orders or off-peak season purchases.

With some deal-hunting and compromise on top-of-the-line materials, you can slash thousands off your remodel budget.

Take On DIY Demolition and Labor

Demolition and construction labor costs make up a significant portion of any remodeling budget. Taking on some of the work yourself can lead to big savings:

Demo existing structure – Safely tear down old drywall, flooring, tile and cabinets yourself instead of paying a contractor crew. Just be sure to turn off electricity and water lines first.
Perform prep work – Do your own surface prep like stripping wallpaper, pulling up carpet and cleaning the work area before the construction crew arrives. This saves paying others for time and labor.
Assist with construction – Help the contractors with basic tasks like demolition cleanup, material moving and painting to reduce hands-on labor fees. Discuss assisting options with your contractor upfront to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations.
Finish minor details – At the tail end of the project, you can handle small finish tasks like cabinet hardware installation, caulking and placing outlet covers yourself. Just be sure all electrical and plumbing work is done professionally.

Taking on some sweat equity, especially for demolition and prep work, can help lower your overall remodel investment.

Repurpose and Refresh Existing Elements

In many cases, parts of your home simply need some updating or TLC versus a complete tear out and replacement. Get creative with refresh projects to avoid costly new purchases:

Refurbish cabinets – Give outdated cabinets a facelift by replacing the doors and hardware. Add a coat of paint or new stain to refresh the look.
Repaint walls – A fresh coat of interior paint goes a long way in breathing new life into living spaces. Consider accent walls or creative paint techniques for added visual appeal.
Refinish flooring – Sand, stain or seal existing hardwood to restore its natural beauty. Old tile can also be regrouted and polished to look updated.
Recover furniture – Transform tired couches, chairs and headboards with slipcovers, upholstery or DIY chalk paint techniques rather than buying brand new.
Repurpose spaces – Turn an unused dining room into a library, second family room or office without any major structural changes. Get creative and flexible with how you use existing square footage.

Restoring and enhancing elements you already have avoids large costs of full replacements. Even small refreshes can make spaces look and feel new again.

Comparison Shop Finishes and Fixtures

Finish materials like flooring, counters, lighting and hardware tend to be high-ticket remodeling items. Here are some smart buying strategies:

Stick to mid-grade finishes – Opt for standard-grade hardwood flooring, a mid-level granite or quartz countertop and stainless steel appliances. You still get beauty and durability without the premium price tag.
Choose multi-use fixtures – Look for lighting and hardware that can work well in multiple rooms to avoid custom pieces. Check lighting clearance centers for big discounts on name brand fixtures.
Order samples first – Many retailers offer free in-home finish samples so you can view options in the space before purchasing. Mock up a small flooring or countertop section before doing the whole room.
Negotiate designer discounts – If working with interior designers on fixtures and finishes, ask about trade or account discounts they may have access to. Design professionals can often get 10-20% off retail prices.
Time purchases strategically – Watch for periodic sales, coupons and seasonal promotions from retailers to get the lowest prices on your preferred finish materials. Avoid peak construction season purchases if possible.

Putting in the legwork to find cost-effective options for important finishes helps prevent budget overruns.

Scale Back Areas That Don’t Get Used

When evaluating how to best use your remodeling dollars, it helps to think about how your family actually lives in the home. Scaling back lesser-used spaces makes more sense than overhauling them. Consider downsizing or removing unused features like:

Formal living and dining rooms – If your family eats casual meals in the kitchen or TV room, use the dining space for a home office or play area instead of a costly dining room overhaul.
Overly large pantries – Rightsize walk-in pantries based on your family’s grocery shopping and cooking habits. Using half the space for built-in cabinets could open up space for a desk or closet.
Oversized tubs – Smaller tubs still provide a relaxing soak for less cost. Devote extra bathroom square footage to larger walk-in showers or double vanities that get more use.
Unnecessary hallways – Removing or shortening long narrow hallways opens up valuable living space and reduces wasted money improving little-used corridors.
Multiple fireplaces – Limit upgrades to one main fireplace the family uses regularly. Eliminate or seal off secondary fireplaces in unused rooms to cut costs.

Analyzing room usage helps inform smarter remodeling decisions and prevent wasting money on overhauling rarely used spaces.

Install Energy Efficient Systems and Appliances

Investing a bit more upfront on high-efficiency HVAC systems, water heaters, appliances and fixtures can yield ongoing utility savings. Look for ENERGY STAR® rated products or systems certified by reputable green building organizations. Some energy-saving upgrades to consider include:

Tankless water heater – Provides hot water on demand eliminating the energy needed to keep a tank heated 24/7. Can reduce water heating costs by 30%.
ENERGY STAR refrigerator – Uses at least 15% less energy than standard models, saving over $250 in utility costs over its lifetime.
LED light bulbs – Use 80-90% less power and last 15-25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
Programmable thermostat – Allows customized heating and cooling schedules to avoid needlessly heating/cooling empty rooms wasting energy.
Low-flow faucets and toilets – Innovative water-saving fixtures use 1.5 gpm or less yet still provide steady water pressure.

While energy efficient upgrades may carry higher upfront costs, they offer ongoing savings for the entire time you own the home.

Add Decor On A Budget

Furnishings and decor do not need to bust your remodel budget. With savvy shopping and DIY creativity, you can decorate gorgeously on a slim budget:

Mix high and low – Invest in a few splurge decorative pieces you love, then fill in with more budget-friendly Target, IKEA or thrift store finds.
Shop clearance sales – Check furniture and home retailer clearance sections regularly for major discounts on floor models, last season’s designs and overstock items.
Upcycle furniture – Transform thrift store or Craigslist finds by adding a coat of bright colored paint, new hardware or a stylish slipcover.
Display collected items – Use your own books, photos, artwork, travel souvenirs or other collections to decorate shelves and walls at no added cost.
Handmake accents – Create one-of-a-kindfocal pieces like textile wall hangings, photo canvases or statement mirrors with custom framing.
Raid the attic – Give heirloom furniture or vintage decor passed down from family new life in your redesigned rooms.

With resourceful shopping and personalization, you can style rooms beautifully without the designer price tag.

Focus on Curb Appeal

Outdoor upgrades not only improve your home’s exterior aesthetic, but they can also enhance resale value significantly for less investment than interior overhauls. DIY-friendly curb appeal projects include:

Planting flowers – Bright blooms in front yard beds, pots and window boxes add big visual impact at minimal cost.
Painting the front door – A bright, bold front door immediately enhances the home’s facade and creates a welcoming entrance.
Cleaning exterior surfaces – Pressure wash siding and sidewalks then seal fences, decks and driveways to restore exterior brightness.
Adding lighting – Strategically placed path lighting, spotlights and porch fixtures lend drama and visibility at night.
Repaving the driveway – A clean, freshly paved driveway and tidy walkway improve first impressions.
Laying sod – Front yard grass upgrades prevent erosion and make landscapes look lush and manicured.

Even DIY projects and simple cleanups can instantly boost curb appeal and recoup much of their cost when it comes time to sell.

Shop Discount Home Improvement Stores

Big box stores offer one-stop access to discount remodeling supplies, but you can save even more at these specialized retailers:

Habitat for Humanity ReStore – New and used building materials, furniture, appliances and home accessories donated by manufacturers, contractors and individuals. Inventory constantly refreshed.
auction – Buy tools, appliances, sinks, lighting and nearly-new building materials up to 80% off retail prices. Visit frequently as limited-quantity listings change daily.
Clearance warehouse – Shop discontinued flooring, scratched appliances, leftover tile and other home improvement overstocks at 50-90% off. Items in limited supply so vigilance pays off.
Salvage warehouse – Vintage doors, reclaimed barn wood, used cabinets and lighting salvaged from old homes, businesses and buildings. One man’s trash is a DIYer’s treasure!
Discount windows/doors – Specialty retailers offer new windows, interior/exterior doors, garage doors and hardware at significantly reduced prices, many with free shipping.

Checking out lesser-known discount building supply retailers helps uncover some amazing bargains on quality materials to cut project costs.

Consider Long-Term Cost vs. Upfront Price

It’s tempting to choose the cheapest bid when hiring a contractor or the quickest DIY shortcut when tackling projects yourself. But the adage “you get what you pay for” often rings true, and cheaper options can cost you more in the long run.

Here are signs “bargain” choices may not save as much as they seem:

Cheapest contractor

Uses inferior quality materials
Skimps on preparation and safety steps
Lacks insurance/bonding

Risk – Shoddy workmanship, safety hazards, partially completed project

DIY Quick Fixes

Covering over vs. fully resolving issues
Using inferior repair products
Taking risky shortcuts

Risk – Problems resurface, potentially larger safety/structural issues

Lowest Cost Materials

Lacks durability and longevity
Prone to damage/wear-and-tear
Poor return on investment

Risk – Replace again sooner, hurt home’s value

To avoid these pitfalls, vet contractors thoroughly, take time to DIY the right way, and invest in quality materials. The extra dollars spent upfront often pay off exponentially in satistaction, safety and long-term home value.

Modify Floor Plans For Multi-Use Spaces

Rethinking existing floor plans allows creating open, flowing spaces adaptable to evolving family needs. Smart layout changes like these optimize usage and enjoyment:

Open concept kitchen/living – Knock down walls separating kitchens and living rooms to promote togetherness and flexibility.
Multi-purpose islands – Large kitchen islands with seating double as breakfast bars, buffets, homework stations or entertainment space.
Main floor masters – Converting a main floor bedroom into the master suite makes home accessible as your mobility needs change.
Expanded entryways – Welcome guests in an airy foyer with entryway closet systems to conceal clutter.
Versatile lofts – Loft spaces adjacent to living areas easily convert from play areas to teens hangouts to extra living space.
Flexible bonus spaces – Bonus rooms over garages outfitted simply can serve as studios, offices, playrooms or guest rooms.

Rethinking existing layouts doesn’t need to mean major construction. Even simple tweaks can dramatically enhance how your redesigned home functions.

Add Architectural Interest Inexpensively

Unique architectural accents make homes stand out from the typical boxy suburban design. Elevate your remodel with custom details that wow without breaking the budget:

Exposed Beams

Faux beam – Use decorative foam or fiberglass beams that install right over drywall. Realistic wood look at a fraction of the cost.

Accent Tiles

Low-cost ceramic, porcelain or granite tiles add big visual pop when used sparingly as backsplashes or shower accents.

Board & Batten

Add interest to plain walls by installing wide vertical boards with trim strips spaced between them. Works great in entryways.

Decorative Molding

Crown molding framing the ceiling and chair rail halfway up walls adds elegant detail even with simple base paint colors.

Arches & Columns

Frame doorways or openings with decorative arched moldings or freestanding columns for an architectural statement.

With smart material choices and strategic use of details, you can create a truly custom look that belies a limited budget.

Shop Secondhand First

Before buying any new materials, fixtures or decorative items for your remodel, check out secondhand sources first. You can unearth amazing quality finds for a fraction of retail price if you know where to look:

Habitat for Humanity ReStore – Shop quality recycled building supplies and home goods at deep discounts. Inventory is donated and constantly changing.
Consignment stores – Newer, stylish furniture and home decor items at up to 75% off original retail prices. Shop frequently as inventory turns over quickly.
Antique stores – Find charming architectural salvage materials, unique furniture pieces and vintage accessories.
Garage and estate sales – Deal hunters’ paradise! Arrive early for the best selection of furniture, home goods, tools and construction supplies.
Online resale sites – Browse condition-tested secondhand furniture that can be shipped straight to your door through sites like chairish.com and thredUP.com.
Facebook Marketplace – Locals sell building materials, unique decor and new/used furniture at bargain prices. Search frequently as new items are listed daily.

Secondhand shopping keeps old building materials out of landfills – and leaves more cash in your wallet! Why not buy quality pre-owned before purchasing new?

Incorporate Sweat Equity Savings

Beyond the big demolition and construction projects discussed earlier, look for small ways to contribute sweat equity savings over the course of your remodel:

Help with material transport and debris hauling
Assist contractors with cleanup throughout the project
Paint walls, trim, ceilings, railings and cabinets yourself
Handle minor finish tasks like replacing vent covers and switchplates
Install your own purchased light fixtures, fans and hardware
Clean and seal all surfaces post-construction

Adding up even minor DIY contributions over the entirety of your remodeling project can lead to thousands in savings off the total cost. Plus, immersing yourself in the process often gives more pride and appreciation for your dream home brought to life!

Summing Up How to Cut Remodel Costs

With careful planning, savvy buying and a DIY spirit, you can complete your dream home remodel while sticking to your budget. Focus spending on elements that are necessities or deliver the greatest joy and return on investment. Get creative on how to save on secondary spaces, finishes and decor details.

Conducting thorough research, hiring smart, getting sweat equity skin in the game, shopping discounted and secondhand materials, and making function-focused design decisions allows