Most homeowners have heard the advice to budget for 20 percent over what they expect to spend or avoid making additions once the work is underway, but many experts recommend more specific ways to save money on a remodeling project. Consider the following tips:

Time your job right. Contractors often charge more during peak construction times (summer and fall) because labor and material costs are usually higher due to increased demand. Schedule your job during winter or downtime in your contractor’s schedule to knock hundreds of dollars off your remodeling bill. Ask your contractor about off-season discounts or other money-saving scheduling arrangements.

Combine jobs. If you’ve been considering getting new windows, Read more

Even after you pick the perfect paint color for a room, you still have to choose from five or six different finishes, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. To determine the finish that’s right for your particular project, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the benefits of each type and make sure it’ll be a good fit for your lifestyle or personal preferences. Before making a final decision, consider the following information:

Flat or matte
Flat or matte finishes are generally used on walls, ceilings and other low-traffic areas to hide surface imperfections and create a uniform, non-reflecting appearance. Stain removal can be difficult, so don’t use a flat finish in a kitchen, Read more

Large-scale plumbing issues should always be handled by a professional, but there are plenty of simple techniques and procedures you can use to perform basic preventive maintenance. Consider the following tips for ensuring your plumbing system is functioning to its full capacity:

Bathroom

• Run hot water down the drain once a week to help keep it free-flowing.
• Repair leaky faucets to avoid further damage to the fixtures and faucets.
• Fit tubs and showers with strainers that catch hair and soap chips. Clean the strainers regularly.
• To remove mineral deposits on your shower head, put one cup of vinegar in a plastic bag, place it over the shower head,

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