Do you have a home improvement project on your to-do list? You might have a deck to build or a leaky toilet to fix.
If so, you’re in good company. Searches for “home renovation” and “home improvement” reached their highest levels so far this year in June, according to Google Trends data.
Renovations and repairs don’t exactly come cheap.
If you plan to work on your home, knowing what to expect can help you avoid costly mistakes. We asked members of BW’s editorial team to share their experiences and money-saving ideas from this summer’s projects.
🤓 Nerd: Sara Rathner, senior writer/spokesperson
📍 Location: Richmond, Virginia.
💰 Money saving strategy: Hahahaha. It’s so expensive. Like laughably expensive. But we’re only doing this once, so we want to do it right. Money has no meaning anymore. It’s like scooping up a handful of sand and letting it filter out through your fingers.
😮 Something surprising: We interviewed contractors for months. I didn’t realize how many would promise to draw up an estimate, only to disappear. Or how many would send us estimates that were missing major parts of the project. If you get an estimate that seems low, go through it line by line.
💡 Tip: Take whatever you thought it was going to cost and add another $10,000.
BW’s new weekly newsletter helps you make sense of the headlines that impact your wallet. Subscribe for free to stay informed on smart moves for your next home improvement project. Learn when to DIY or hire a pro, compare contractor bids, and budget for surprises. Even if you don’t have any projects planned, it’s wise to prepare for unexpected repairs and maintenance costs. Don’t let a leaky roof or broken appliance catch you off guard. Subscribe now for expert financial tips and advice. sentence to make it more formal:
“The party was so fun, I had a great time!”
“I thoroughly enjoyed the festivities at the party, it was a delightful experience.”