BOULDER, CO, Apr 19, 2024—Having work done on your home is never inexpensive. But whether you're putting on a new deck, constructing built-in cabinets or refinishing your basement, Phil Boren, Broker Associate of RE/MAX of Boulder, Inc. suggests a few ways you can cut costs, without cutting corners.
Be an educated consumer. Aggressively shop for the most reasonable bid. Don't just hire the first contractor you find. Ask your friends, family and real estate agent if they have a recommendation, spend time on Yelp, and once you find a contractor you like, call several (not one) of their previous clients. If there is a client nearby, you may even want to see if you can check out the contractor’s previous work.
“It's also important to remember not to go with the lowest bid you get,” says Boren. “Inexpensive, but shoddy, work will only cost you more money in the long run.”
Check for discounts. After you find a contractor, insist that trade discounts on materials be passed on to you. If you have the time and the know-how, you can shop around to buy materials yourself. “Some contractors have relationships with material distributors; just because they always work with a certain company doesn't mean that company is the least expensive,” says Boren.
Slash unnecessary costs. Root out any unnecessary costs written into the contract, and compare payment alternatives – flat vs. hourly rates, for example – and negotiate the more reasonable of the two.
Do part of the project yourself. “Disassembly and prep work can save you hundreds of dollars,” says Boren. Spend the weekend painting deck posts so the contractors can put them up on Monday. Do the trim on that new bathroom yourself. Any hours you can shave from the contractor’s job will save you money.
For more real estate information, please contact RE/MAX of Boulder, Inc. at philboren@gmail.com, 303-441-5647, or RE/MAX of Boulder, Inc..
Phil Boren is a 26-year veteran real estate Broker and Realtor, specializing in consulting with buyers and sellers in Boulder, CO and along the Front Range of Northern Colorado. Held Real Estate Broker's license in Texas, California and Colorado; Managing Broker for over 200 agents and Brokers for Century 21 and RE/MAX franchises. Award-winning Realtor with experience in management, sales, marketing, relocation, appraisal, REO, BPO's, foreclosures, short sales; previously held the MAI designation from the Appraisal Institute. Experienced in both residential and commercial real estate and achieved the No. 14 individual ranking in the 5-state, Mt. States Region for RE/MAX International in 2001, based on sales volume. Received my BSBA in Finance and Real Estate from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where he was a 4-year starter and 4-year football letterman for Hall-of-Fame coach, Lou Holtz.