Planning to do some Gulf Shores home repairs or remodeling before the holidays? Make sure you’re getting the best deals and find reputable contractors. That all starts with knowing how much materials cost and how much time you have to invest in the project yourself before even paying anyone to do the parts you may not be able or qualified to do.
Ways to Save on Your Gulf Shores Home Repairs
Set a Realistic Budget. Put together a comprehensive list of repairs and the types of materials needed for each part of the project. If you’re hiring a contractor, consider the costs of hiring on an hourly rate (versus a quote for the whole job). Get quotes from multiple contractors and don’t be afraid to ask them for an estimate on materials. Try to make the budget for your Gulf Shores home repairs as realistic and accurate as possible so you don’t get yourself into a bind by coming up short on funds to finish the project.
Shop Home Improvement Store Sales. Review store circulars and make a few trips to the store to get an idea of what things cost. Take your time to review prices of materials and compare those with online retailers and even your local big-box stores, like Walmart and SuperTarget. Don’t rule out warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club, especially if you’re buying items in bulk. You may be able to find some basic materials and supplies at a lower cost after you shop around.
Look for Manufacturer Rebates. Check manufacturer’s websites or store flyers to see if there are any rebates being offered on items you’re going to need for your Gulf Shores home repairs. Some manufacturers offer rebates on certain types of equipment and supplies all year long, you just have to look for them. They’re not always advertised.
Don’t be Afraid to Negotiate. Get quotes from at least 3 or 4 reputable contractors and talk to each one about discounts or a better deal for the project. Let them know you’re “shopping around” so it will keep them honest on their quotes. Ask them to break down the estimate and show the cost of materials and labor so you’ll know exactly how much you’re paying for their expertise. Ask if they’ll offer a discount if you purchase materials yourself. Some contractors will do this to save them the time of doing it.
Check on Tax Credits. Some Gulf Shores home repairs may qualify for tax credits. Check the IRS website to see if your project qualifies. Check with an accountant if you’re not sure how tax credits and deductions work, or use an online calculator to get an estimated tax savings breakdown.
We hope these tips will help you save a few dollars when you’re ready to start on your Gulf Shores home repairs. Happy hammering.