Here are some practical ways to save on your construction, remodeling, or improvement project. Talk with your contractor to see which may be appropriate for your situation.
1) APPLY for your own permits and permissions.
a. Apply for and get permits early in the process
b. Find out from your township, borough, or community about zoning ordinances, special codes and requirements, restrictions, historic area review boards, allowed work times for contractors, etc…
2) MAKE the work area easily accessible.
a. Move furniture and other items.
b.Allow work trucks to park close to project.
c. Lock the dog up.
3) AID in the demolition and disposal process.
a. Allow disposal of garbage in small amounts with your weekly garbage.
b. Rent a dumpster yourself.
c. Help with some or all of the demolition.
4) HAVE a good sense of what you want, do your idea shopping at other homes and local businesses, local stores, magazines, and on-line:
a. Collect color samples (color chips, papers, borders); schemes
b. Collect material samples, such as counter tops, flooring, and tile.
c. Have drawings, floor plans (to scale), architect plans.
d. Have product pictures. Identify brands, models, styles
e. Peruse magazines, ads and brochures from product dealers to get ideas for style and color and save the pictures in a folder.
f. Understand the choices of product grade available and know what your budget allows.
5) COMMUNICATE
a. Indicate desired changes as early in the process as possible. Change Orders cost time and money.
b. Ask questions if you see something you are not sure about or do not like. It is easier to adjust an idea or to solve a problem before it is covered over, rather than after.
6) BUY and deliver certain products and materials yourself.
7) LEND a hand in the work process. Assist in the clean-up.
