8fbd035081bd09934004bfc61d79c31c5d5d9ee4

Here Are 5 Ways To Save Money on Home Renovations

viki2win / Shutterstock.com

viki2win / Shutterstock.com

It’s no secret that the right renovation can add long-term value to your home. But spending thousands of dollars on a new kitchen or a home office can feel extravagant — especially in an unstable economy.

Discover: New Law Gives You $8,000 for Free To Make These 5 Home Renovations
Learn: How To Build Your Savings From Scratch

Don’t let a tight budget deter you. Whether you’re looking to add to your home’s resale value or just eager to transform a so-so space into something to brag about, here are several ways to keep your home renovation cost down.

Also see renovations to avoid in this economy.

Have a Plan

If you’re hiring a contractor to do your home renovation, it’s important to come in with a clear vision of what you want your new space to look like.

Patrick Grayson, founder and CEO of Paramount Property Buyers, advised that knowing exactly what you want allows for better communication between you and your contractor, which makes it easier for your contractor to give accurate estimates.

Grayson also noted, “A well-defined project plan also gives both sides time to consider any potential changes or additions before work begins, helping to avoid costly revisions later on.”

Do Your Research

That said, creating a detailed Pinterest board isn’t enough. It’s smart to come in knowing what kinds of materials you’re interested in using in the renovation.

For example, if you’re redoing a bathroom, take the time to research what kind of tile you’re interested in using and whether there’s an option that you can afford.

Also, don’t be afraid to compare and contrast costs.

“Always look around for the best prices, don’t be shy to negotiate and remember to ask for discounts, especially when buying in bulk,”

Read the rest

How ChatGPT Can Help You Save Money on Home Renovations

skynesher / Getty Images

skynesher / Getty Images

ChatGPT is making headlines seemingly every day regarding its AI capabilities. By asking ChatGPT just a simple question, people across the world are getting easy-to-read information about nearly any topic imaginable, including how to save money on home renovations.

See Our List: 100 Most Influential Money Experts
Learn: How To Build Your Savings From Scratch

While ChatGPT can’t provide all the answers — and you’ll definitely want to verify the information you receive — it can certainly give you a head start and point you in the right direction. Here are the specific things ChatGPT can save you money on when it comes to home renovations, along with suggestions as to how you can make the AI’s answers even more valuable.

Giving You an Overall Cost Estimate

If you have no idea what your home renovations are going to cost, ChatGPT can at least give you a ballpark range for what to expect. For example, if you ask ChatGPT how much it will cost to replace your kitchen, you might get a generic range of $10,000 to $20,000.

This won’t be much help if you’re making a specific budget and looking to nail down every penny. However, if you’re just starting out, it can put a reasonable range in your head.

Pricing Specific Items

If there’s information available on the internet about the price of specific items, ChatGPT can help you there and possibly save you money in the process. For example, if you’re looking for the price of a specific type of cabinet, an electrical part or a countertop slab, ChatGPT may be able to find it for you (provided that suppliers list this information somewhere on the internet).

It can also tell you which type of flooring tends to be more inexpensive,

Read the rest