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Bathroom Fixtures
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- Whether it’s a sink,
toilet or tub, choosing white bath fixtures in
comparison to colored fixtures can save you as much as
20%.
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Cabinets
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- Just by doing a little comparative
shopping you can save yourself as much as 20 –
40%. And if you buy stock cabinets over custom you
can increase your savings even more.
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Door Locks
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- Remember the fancier a door lock the
more you’re going to pay. In this case, more
expensive does not mean more strength. For example, a
standard brass plated lock is strong and a much better
savings than your fancy filigree with gold finish.
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Drywall
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- Drywall is drywall is drywall, no
matter what the brand name. If you find it cheaper at
one store over another, pick it up at the lower price.
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Insulation
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- Buy your insulation faced with kraft
paper rather than foil. It’s cheaper and it’s just
as good.
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Lumber
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- Generally lumber is available in even
lengths (6 feet, 8 feet, etc.). Try to design your
projects if possible according to those lengths rather
than odd number lengths to save on waste.
- If you find a good sale on lumber and
you think you might have use for it in the future buy
extra and store it somewhere relatively dry.
- When it comes to plywood, you can
often buy large scrap pieces at a discount that will
be big enough for you to salvage what you need for
your project.
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Painting
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- Shop around for paint,
just like anything else. It’s always on sale
somewhere. Probably the best time to find significant
savings is in January.
- If you have any old
venetian blinds lying around, the slats make excellent
paint guards. They work especially well if you’re
painting baseboards and you want to protect your
carpet or tile floor.
- When it’s time to
buy your paint, try to plan a job that requires no
quart size cans. By the quart paint is generally twice
the price of paint purchased by the gallon. And if the
large economy size is available (usually 5 gallons)
you may be able to increase your savings again. The
same principle applies to interior and exterior
stains.
- Did you know that
paint thinner is reusable? After cleaning your
brushes, let the paint thinner sit for a couple of
days. After the paint settles on the bottom, carefully
pour the thinner into a new container and it’s ready
to be used again.
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Roofing
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- Question your dealer as to whether or
not they have roofing materials that are going out in
style. This is a great way to create some savings, as
those materials can often be picked up at a discount.
Just make sure there’s enough to complete the job.
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Sandpaper
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- Sandpaper is
available by the sheet and by the package containing
smaller sizes. If you buy it by the sheet you can
expect to save anywhere from 10 – 20%.
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Tools
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- Here we go again – Shop around!
Earlier this year I had to replace my tape measure. I
found the exact same model priced from as low as $9.50
and as high as $19.99.
- You can save money by using a catalog
to buy tools. The quality is usually quite high and
you don’t have to run around comparing prices. The
only problem here is if you need that certain tool
immediately – catalog shopping isn’t an option.
- Garage sales are a great place to
pick up used tools, with fantastic savings, sometimes
practically new.
- For one time use, you can probably
rent the tool from your local hardware store, or a
Rent-All outlet.
- Get friendly with your local hardware
storeowner. They’re generally quite helpful with all
kinds of money and time saving tips.
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Wallpaper
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- Like roofing materials and fashion,
wall coverings that are going out of style can usually
be acquired at a discount. Remember to make sure you
get enough to complete your job.
- If you’re going with something that’s
still very fashionable though, don’t be afraid to
ask for a 5 or 10% discount. Chances are you’ll get
it.
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Windows & Doors
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- Again, the best advice here is to
shop around. You can generate savings as high as 20
or 30% just by playing one outlet against another.
If you get a good price from one store ask another
if they can beat it, and so on.
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