Dollar$ and “Sense”

HOME RENOVATIONS AND REMODELS: WHERE TO SAVE AND WHERE TO SPEND

By Julie Young, House And Home Feature Writer

When it comes to renovations and remodels, homeowners are only limited by their imaginations and their budget. However, it is important to know where to save and when to spend in order to get the biggest bang for your buck. An investment now can pay off over the years and those beautiful elements that seem like a must-have in the moment may cost more over the long run. Here are a few key things to keep your priorities straight.

THE PERSONAL TOUCH

Chris Doncaster of Doncaster Flooring and Design says it’s important to splurge on those items that are going to get the most wear and tear while looking for savings wherever you can. This starts right inside the front door where they often splurge on stair runners and quality lighting while saving on their flooring choices.

“These areas see a lot of traffic and are the first thing people see when they come over, so homeowners want these spaces to evoke their personality and style,” she said. “However, when it comes to flooring, there are so many choices out there that look great, they can choose waterproof laminate or vinyl plank which cost a lot less than wood and can transfer that savings to a dazzling chandelier.”

The kitchen and bathroom remain the top places to renovate and remodel because they offer homeowners the highest return on investment. Experts say it’s not wise to skimp on cabinetry or on quality fixtures such as water efficient toilets and shower heads that will save money on utility bills in the long run, but you may be able to score incredible deals when it comes to appliances and countertops.

“If you look around, you may be able to find a granite, quartz or marble remnant that will cost far less than a stone that is cut for your specific project,” Doncaster said. “That leaves you more money for upgrades in areas such as the master bath where people are creating that spa-like feeling in the home.”

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Another great area in which to splurge is in organization, specifically closet systems and mud room elements that give everybody a place for everything, but you don’t have to go all out on fancy trim work to finish off the job. Closets are rarely seen by anyone who is not in the family so save the finish for the public areas of the house and those elements that add function rather than fashion to your life.

Of course, it’s also nice to add some convenience to it as well, such as smart home technology. Not only is it increasingly popular, but the prices have come down a lot making this upgrade a lot more affordable than it has been in years past. Doncaster says home sound systems are more popular than ever as are app-controlled thermostats and other tech-related options that can really improve your lifestyle as well as your home’s ambiance.

“Everyone has Alexa now and you can really find some good deals through local companies who can get you set up,” she said.

Although it is easy to get carried away when starting a renovation or a remodel, setting your priorities, doing a little at a time and emphasizing quality/durability in areas that get the most use, you can get the most for your money and have a great looking end result! n