An easy way to help keep your costs down is to be prepared for your project as best as you can.  Meaning having an idea of size, shape, colors, textures, goals to accomplish, problems to solve, etc.  The more info you can give your contractor the better. 

It will save you:

• Time

• Effort

• Headache

• Money

 

      Your contractor will be able to give you a more accurate estimate the first time around.  Even if it's a crayon or pencil drawing, oftentimes that can go a long way in expressing what is being said.  It is fascinating how small miscommunications can cause so many problems.

       

      Another easy way to save money on your projects is by making the area or site as easily accessible as possible for your contractor.  Whether that's as simple as cleaning up the house a bit or remove fencing to allow for equipment access.  These options reduce the time for your contractor to be on the job and ultimately save you money.  

       

         Some other ideas to consider for project savings might be:

• Demolishing and Removing- oftentimes projects require some demo work.  Often this can be completed by the average motivated individual.

• Debris removal- getting rid of certain debris for the contractor through garbage service. instead of added dump fees.

• Clean up final clean-up of project or end of the day- good contractors will factor in a cleanup cost for each day and a final clean-up upon completion. Doing this yourself would save a lot of time, especially longer projects.

• Sweat Savings- Offering your labor to reduce the labor burden for the contractor, essentially working for a contractor instead of them bringing another employee.

     

     Be honest about your skillset and motivation to help with your contractor.  It may affect their decision to recommend what you can do to help.