You can get a better deal from contractors if you schedule the work when they’re not busy, typically between November and January, says Jennifer Bertrand, a designer in Kansas City, Mo. Most homeowners don’t want to remodel during the holidays and have maxed out their budgets right afterward. Other tips to keep bathroom-remodeling costs in check:
Guide to Scoring the Best Deals in 2017
- Costco vs. Sam's Club
- Best Tools to Save on Online Shopping
- Surprising Perks From Your Credit Card
- Best Time to Buy Big-Ticket Items
- Get a Cash Bonus for Opening a New IRA
- Invest for Less With Commission-Free ETFs
- Trim Your Mortgage Rate With a 'Nonbank'
- Top Tech Bargains of 2017
- Save Big on Exotic Travel
- Save on Air Travel
Design smart. Keep the same layout so you don’t have to move plumbing, a costly job. If you need a new tile floor, wainscoting or shower surround, choose inexpensive tile for most of it and save the pricier, wow-factor tile for a decorative accent or the most visible shower wall, suggests Bertrand. To reduce your water bill, look for toilets and faucets with the WaterSense label.
Hunt for discounts. Visit retailers’ websites or sign up for e-mail updates to find current promotions. Look for outlet stores in large metro areas that sell retailers’ overstock items, returns and closeouts for deep discounts. Check Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, where you may find new or like-new components donated by builders and homeowners.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
-
How to Turn Your Retirement Dreams into Reality (Despite Your Fears)Stressing over shrinking savings, rising healthcare costs, or losing your purpose can give you chills, but smart money moves can lead to financial freedom and a happy retirement.
-
Figma IPO: Should You Buy FIG Stock?The Figma IPO has plenty of buzz building around it, with the design software company expected to start trading next week.
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and MoreTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
-
How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Billhealth insurance You may receive a bill because your insurance company denied a claim—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay it.
-
Amazon Prime Fees Are Rising. Here’s How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime MembershipFeature Amazon Prime will soon cost $139 a year, $180 for those who pay monthly. If you’re a subscriber, maybe it’s time to rethink your relationship. Here’s a step-by-step guide to canceling Prime.
-
How to Haggle for Almost AnythingSmart Buying Learning how to haggle is an invaluable skill. These strategies will help you negotiate a better price for just about any product or service.
-
Disability Insurance Can Provide COVID CoverageCoronavirus and Your Money If you are concerned about long-term complications from COVID-19, consider disability insurance coverage.
-
21 Things You Can't Return to Amazon — Either Online or In-StoreDid you know there are things you can't return to Amazon? Before adding these 21 items to your cart, be sure to read Amazon's return policy first.
-
How to Avoid a Charity Scampersonal finance Scammers never quit, even when you're trying to be altruistic. But you can avoid getting duped if you do your homework.
