While it might be tempting to hire the cheapest contractor you can find, in the long run that will often cost you more money and cause bigger headaches. The old saying, "you get what you pay for" rings very true when choosing the right contractor. There are other considerations you can make to cut project costs without sacrificing reliability and quality of workmanship.

 

Shop for materials: You may be able to save a lot of money by shopping around for materials. For example, if you're installing hardwood floors, you may be able to save several thousand dollars on materials by choosing flooring that runs $10/square foot vs. $14/square foot that is just as good. Habitat for Humanity's Outlet Store is a good resource for deeply discounted building supplies and home furnishings. The store is open to the public and offers a wide variety of items including appliances, doors, windows, flooring, and even furniture. A great deal on energy saving appliances or new windows could help make a project fit into a tight budget. At the same time, these purchases help finance low-income housing for qualified families. For more information, including store location and hours, visit their website at seattlehabitatoutlet.org. 

 

Consider doing projects in the off season: Most contractors start to get busy in the spring and slow down late fall and winter during the holidays and colder winter months. If you plan your project when their schedules are open you won't be competing with other homeowners who may have bigger budgets or bigger jobs.

 

Have your financing ready: Most contractors are more receptive when they know that a homeowner is serious and ready to get the job done.

 

Do your project in stages: If you have found a reliable contractor but his bid is too high and there's no room for negotiation, consider doing the project in stages. A good contractor will recognize that gaining a customer for a smaller job with prospects for future work is worthwhile.

 

Talk to references: Before hiring any contractor, ask to speak with other homeowners who hired the contractor for a similar project. Ask them about their experience and where they felt they could have saved a few dollars.

 

Consider doing prep work yourself where feasible: For example, if you plan to have the exterior of your house painted, you can save money by clearing the area around the house yourself and power washing just prior to when painting is scheduled to begin.

 

Don't try to save money by hiring your own subcontractors: Most general contractors prefer to work with their own subs like electricians and plumbers. If you hire your own subs, you run the risk of causing a scheduling delay or a miscommunication as to what needs to be completed and when.

 

Carefully consider your plans: Review the details of your project with your contractor and ask if there are any design elements in your home that can stay and be incorporated into the job rather than replaced. For example, perhaps you can save money by reusing doors rather than purchasing new ones. If your current doors are in good shape, repainting and replacing hardware can make old doors look like new again.