Like many out there, we have a strict budget for our renovations works.
Ours was no more than $70k (including all appliances and fixtures) to complete kitchen, Bathroom, laundry, polish the floors, paint the whole house. Our goal was to bring the house up to a standard where my wife can be comfortable.
While Damco Kitchen group is doing the majority of our renovation works, like sealing up doors, widening entrance ways, installing the kitchen/laundry/bathroom cabinetry, etc. We, aka "I", have the arduous task of demolishing the existing cabinetry, repairing walls and prepping them for painting, repairing window frames, etc. Damco Kitchens, was flexible enough to allow me to perform works by myself in conjunction with their impending renovation works.
So, here are some of the areas that you can save some money.
1. Choosing the right builder, and understanding what you are paying for.
Our first few quotes from various master builders with the Melbourne area exceeded over $150k. I have since gotten to know some builders, and I understand now why the price variation is so large. My mate who is a registered master builder, says that he will charge an average minimum of $40k and beyond in professional fees just to manage the renovation project. This involves obviously coordinating all the building supplies, trades, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, site preparations, problem solving and management, etc. Therefore, can save yourself a bundle by just project managing yourself.
Or, you can cheat and engage and utilised trade specific renovators to do specific renovations. i.e. a Kitchen renovator group to do your Kitchen, a laundry group to do your laundry, etc.This is what we did as we both worked. And at the end of the day, this is working out to be much cheaper. You will find that most Kitchen renovators/builders, are a registered builders and have the skill set and competency to complete building works for non-structural renovation additions, such as kitchen, bathroom and laundry. But word of caution, make sure that they are registered builders (for works over $5k) and that are fully insured.
2. Getting your hands dirty
To save $$$ you have get your hands dirty. I am doing a majority of the demolitions works myself. Of course you have to assess and gauge what you can do, and think about the downstream impacts of doing the works yourself. What do I mean? Well, I can paint the house myself, but will the finish be as good as a professional painter? Answer = NO. So what I did was found a painter trade that was flexible, and was willing to allow me to do all the dirty work myself, like removing the wall paper, prepping the walls and trims for paint. Save me a bundle, so I could afford spending more on buying better quality paint and allow for a 3 coat paint job. Why 3 coats? my wall are a dark pink and not smooth and I wanted a perfect finish. It cost me $4800 (just for labour) to paint my 32sq house.
I also remove all the carpet to prep the floors for sanding and polishing, we were lucky enough to have tassy oak floors, which should finish well. This was not an easy job, the removing all the border spikes which held the carpet in place was back breaking. Then, I hadto remove all the staples which held down the underlay. I completed this two weeks ago, and will post some pics in my next post to show what a difference this makes.
Last week I finished demolishing all the existing room cabinetry in preparation for new cabinetry to go in.
3. Sourcing your own materials
Often if you shop around you, and pick up the materials you want yourself, you can save a bundle. Builders then to charge an astronomical amount for feature light switches, interior doors and handles. For example, I bought some feature Corinthian Rockport interior doors from Masters $47.43 (after a 10% discount - for a price beat). How? Masters had the doors for $53, and Bunnings had is for $52.70, do I got Masters to price beat and they did! It being shrewd on little things like this that will add up. For me, I saved $68.51 as I am replacing all 13 interior doors. Almost everything is online now with prices, so spend a little time researching and you can end save heaps.
4. Be thick skinned, and haggle.
Never ever accept vendors price as the last price. Also ask the question: "Can I do it for cheaper?". A hint here is to have a price in mind, which is not low-balling and/or offensive to the vendor.
For example. I found door handles from a warehouse in Oakleigh south. These handles were marketed online for a discounted price of $13.95 each, which was already very cheap compare to other places like Bunnings and Masters etc. But it didn't stop me from haggling. I ended negotiating the price down to $11.80 each. So be BRAVE and you will reap the rewards. Photos to come in the next blog.
I have done so much ruthless haggling over the past couple of months that it has now become the norm. Oh no! I have become my parents! I am so frugal and vigilant with my money now! :)
