I understand that as a customer we often have budget constraints. I find myself in this spot all the time. I want a top of the line experience but only have the budget for a mid-level product. This is most often experienced when I want to buy more fishing gear.
Customers often ask me how they can save money on a project, and this is a really hard question to answer. What we build behind what you see has to meet specific codes meaning that my options are significantly limited. This means that to save money, a client either has to cut parts of the project or opt for lower quality finishings.
My first suggestion when faced with budget constraints is to prioritize.
Decide what absolutely needs to be done and what can be done later. A good design will take this into account and leave things in a way that the next renovation can tie in seamlessly.
Cutting corners can lead to chunky transitions. We recently did some flooring in a hall, the owners had decided to install 5/8 thick laminate over top of the existing carpet (carpet always needs to be removed) in a bedroom prior to calling us, then they opted for a more expensive and better-quality vinyl plank in the high traffic hall. Despite these being in different rooms there is now a 5/8” nearly 2cm lip entering the bedroom.
A good contractor will help you plan the entire job and advise you on proper installation techniques, they may charge you for this service but it is worth it every time and will save you headaches and money down the road.
Do your research
Decide what finishing’s you are willing to save money on. We had a client who wanted to have a bathroom renovated, and they opted for a very cheap walk in corner shower. We recommended against it but the client was convinced it was all they needed for the basement suite. Needless to say the shower did not function up to the clients expectations. We installed it according to the manufacturer’s specifications but it was flimsy, the plastic floor shifted under weight and the extra thin wall coverings made noise when pushed against. It becomes a hard spot for both the client and us. Not all products are equal. Saving money almost always ends up sacrificing quality in the lower end finishings.In construction you get what you pay for, time and time again I experience this.
Talk over the options with your contractor, and believe him when he gives you advice. They work with these materials all day everyday, and will always have a preference for products that won’t cause him or his clients a headache now or later.