It’s tempting to have your provider do all the work—but a few time and money-saving options exist for the money-conscious homeowner. Window replacement, repair, and removal are costly, but you needn’t let the service-person call all the shots. Sure, your providing company has your best interests in mind, but they’re not on your end of the bill. Check out these money-saving tips below, and maximize your window project’s worth:
First of all, you should aim for efficient windows instead of big windows. Understandably, you might be bound by the frame’s size. That said, you can absolutely extend the remodel to accommodate a smaller-sized window. It’ll cost more money at first, but the long-term benefits of a smaller, energy-efficient window are astounding. Measure out expected utility expenses, find out your new budget, and see if resizing the space fits in.
If you’re aiming for a heightened natural light, and if you’re thinking a new window can supply it, take a minute to consider another option. Hallway light tubes slipped between roof rafters, can shine sunshine into a living space—alleviating your need for a window altogether. They’re inexpensive, effective and easy to install.
Not all discarded building material is trash. In fact, a lot of home renovators have saved thousands in building materials by pinning down odds-and-ends stock left from a contractor’s other job. Phone your contractor’s current customers, visit the site and inquire about removing excess material. You’d be surprised how much is “dropped off” for simply being spare. If you can source a project’s materials, you can greatly reduce costs.
Some contractors offer mentoring and consulting services. While you’ll be putting in the end-game legwork, you can save a great deal of money by purchasing education over services. If you have time on your hands, you can afford a few mistakes. Many contractors are fantastic teachers, and a few are certified to offer in-depth training sessions. Plus, information lasts if you use it. Not all goods are tangible.
When planning your window project, consider alternatives to typical materials. If you’re planning on installing a wooden frame, settle for clear-grained hardwood over mahogany. Even if you’re not going with a rustic, wood-crafted look, you can still create an expensive-looking design with inexpensive materials. If you can’t source the materials yourself, go with inexpensive alternatives. Windows are rarely scrutinized for their surrounding materials.
A lot of industry professionals suggest going easy on window installations. You have a lot of options, money-wise, and you shouldn’t have to destroy your bank account to pull them off. Remember: Less is more. If a project seems exceedingly costly, it probably is. Take charge of your options, examine a lot of alternatives and pick the approach most likely to spare expenses while delivering a quality installation. The design is yours to decide. Sometimes, the price is, too.
