2 Ways to Save Money on a Construction Project

One of the most challenging aspects of a construction project is preventing “budget swell.” Between unexpected costs and unforeseen complications, it’s easy for your project’s budget to balloon as you get further along. That’s why it’s wise to be budget-conscious from the get-go and look for every opportunity to make the most of your dollars. Consider these money-saving tips:

1. Have your contractor assess your project before the design phase. Homeowners often assume the first step they should take is getting a design drawn for their project, after which they can find a contractor to build it. In reality, a better strategy is to find your contractor first, explain what you want and have them assess the jobsite so they can identify potential problems that could impact the design. If you get the design drawn before problems can be identified, you’ll have to pay for revisions. Conversely, by anticipating issues that impact design, your designer will be able to address them the first time around.

Another benefit of having a contractor assess your job before the design phase is they can determine whether the work is actually possible with your budget. An experienced contractor can give you a clearer idea of how far your budget will go and by what amount (if any) it may fall short. If it does fall short, this will give you time to decide if you want to pursue the project as is or make changes to reduce the cost.

2. Schedule exterior projects during the dry months. It’s often said that you can save money on a construction project by doing the work in the off-season—that is, during the winter months when demand is lower. While this may hold true in some instances, it may not for some exterior projects. This is because of the extra preparation and setup that certain exterior projects require under inclement weather conditions. For instance, if you’re having your windows replaced in the middle of the rainy season, you’ll need to cover them with plastic to keep your home interior from getting wet. These kinds of weather-related steps can add to both the labor and material costs of your project, so consider waiting for a drier time of year to pursue this type of exterior project.