When it comes to remodeling, there are various ways you can stretch your money and keep the project within your budget. Negotiating labor costs is a strategy applied by most homeowners. A good contractor will always welcome contract negotiations after presenting a bid; still, the materials used in a project can impact the overall cost of the job. With that in mind, here are some remodeling materials that can result in savings.
Tile Flooring Materials: Cost vs. Durability
Some of the costliest line items in a remodeling project are installed under your feet. If your job calls for new floors, selecting the right material can provide both short-term and long-term savings in terms of initial costs, maintenance, and durability.
Tile can be expensive or affordable depending on the raw material and type. The cost of marble tiling, for example, is based on stone origin, brand, and finishing. If you choose Carrara marble with a brushed finish, the look will be unmatched, but you will pay considerably more, especially if it is imported from Mediterranean quarries. Tile should always be installed in high-moisture spaces like bathrooms and kitchens, but it doesn’t have to be exotic like Azul Macaubas quartzite.
Long-term benefits of natural stone tile include:
- Property value appreciation
- Durability
- Gorgeous natural patterns
Modern ceramic and porcelain tiles manufactured to look like natural stone are often a better fit for kitchen and bathroom renovation projects. They may not last for centuries like granite and marble, but they will surely last for decades. Another advantage is the maintenance; while natural stone tiles require constant cleaning and frequent resealing, porcelain and ceramic tiles are easier to maintain and repair.
Short-term benefits of ceramic and porcelain tile include:
- Affordability
- Easy maintenance
- Style variety
Cabinet Refacing vs. Replacement
If you are happy with the structure and condition of your cabinets, refacing is often more affordable than replacing them; however, it is not always recommended. There is more to cabinetry than just doors and drawers; there is also the frame to consider.
A lot of companies use wood for all their cabinetry projects, but you don’t have to choose exotic species. If you have a specific look in mind that can be achieved with laminate surfacing, you don’t have to choose expensive hardwoods with distinctive grain patterns. What you need is a stable and strong base that will support the laminate and resist moisture. Your affordable choices range from metallic to glossy and from textured to decorative.
You should replace instead of reface when:
- Doors and drawers are not in good condition.
- Installing new laminate will leave seams.
- You want a new and improved look.
In the end, your choice of remodeling materials should take into account short-term savings and long-term concerns. For everything related to kitchen, bath, and home remodeling, contact River City Kitchen and Bath in St. Johns, FL.