Home Renovations that You can Afford

Whether you're selling your home or just think it's time to make some updates, home renovation costs can add up fast. If you're one of those lucky guys who learned to hang drywall as a teenager or just happen to be very handy, you're probably already saving loads compared to your less capable counterparts. However, a few tricks of the trade can make a big difference in the amount that you spend on your home renovations. Check out the list below to make this year's home improvements a value instead of a burden.

Make online purchases. When you choose to buy wallpaper, carpet or even cabinets online, you have access to thousands of companies, many of which are offering better deals than your local hardware store. Search a variety of websites including your standard stores like Lowes and Menards, which may offer online deals and coupon codes. Don't forget sites like Craig's List where you may be able to get deep discounts for your home improvement needs.

Find a handyman. There are a lot of very capable people who will provide their services and expertise for a fraction of the cost of specialty contractors. Many plumbers, electricians and carpenters also do handy work to supplement their income. Ask friends for references and check out Craig's List and your daily newspaper for people in your area.

Combine your tasks. If you're hiring a handyman to fix a leaky faucet, see if he's also willing to repair your fence and add a coat of finish to your deck. Rather than paying separate people to do each of your home improvements, bundling the tasks together can save you money.

Look for deals. Every appliance and home goods store has special discounted items. Maybe they were display models, got scratched during a move or just haven't sold. Ask the manager if they have any of these deals and scoop them up before someone else does.

Choose your renovation time during the off season. In the summer, air conditioning installation will cost more because more people are buying. It's as simple as supply and demand. This holds true for new porches, furnace installation and even windows. Make renovations when no one else is so that you can get a better deal and the contractor is more likely to bargain with you.

As an East Lansing realtor, I work with a lot of great contractors and handymen in the greater Lansing area. If you're thinking about selling your home and would like references or just have questions about which updates will give you the biggest bang for your buck, get in touch me at MyRealtorRob.

Resources for this post include a recent article on CNN Money.