How to Save on Plumbing Remodel Costs
The cost of a plumbing remodel can quickly add up. It’s understandable because a remodeling project often involves a lot of work. Some supply or drain pipes may need relocation. The plumber may install new sinks and toilets or perform a major upgrade, such as converting your bathroom into a private spa. So, saving on costs by taking a DIY approach is not feasible. Furthermore, the plumber may need to seek permits and be present during site inspections. Some tasks such as relocating and installing new gas piping also require the intervention of a highly specialized and experienced technician. With this in mind, how can you save on the costs of a plumbing remodel? Consider the following 10 tips.
- Get multiple quotes from different plumbing companies
You should consider asking for rough quotes from at least three plumbing services. While trying to find plumbers from team emergency plumber in your local area, call ahead and ask if they offer a free visit or charge for the on-site evaluation.
During the on-site appointment or video inspection, clearly explain the work to be done and, if possible, supply any diagrams from the architect. You don’t want to be changing things later, as this may drive up the costs of the plumbing remodel.
- Have a clear plan of what you want
Cost overruns during plumbing remodels may occur as a result of last-minute changes. It helps to have a plan for the plumbing remodel. The plan should contain a sketch of the ideas you want to implement for your bathroom or kitchen. It may contain a list of service quotes or item prices. For the best approach, you should work with professional contractors to create a plan that contains the new layout, material quantities, and schedule.
As you plan for the project, it’s actually better to tackle everything at once instead of doing things in pieces. The remodel may touch on electrical work or framing, so having all work preplanned is much better.
- Don’t replace when you don’t have to
For the budget-conscious homeowner, remodeling does not have to entail destroying perfectly fine structural components and throwing things away. You have to be very frugal and ask about what can be repurposed as the layout changes. For instance, PVC pipes may last for as long as 70 years. They can be reused as long as the inside of the pipe does not have any obstruction.
The contractor should glue them together to create longer pieces. Similarly, your kitchen sinks, showers, or tubs don’t have to go. Emphasize to the project contractor that you want to save as much as possible. If you don’t repurpose, your items may end up in a growing landfill.
- Choose affordable but quality materials
Do you always need the best of the best? Well, you actually don’t need the most expensive materials to complete the remodel. Most plumbers will often recommend the most standard and common materials. However, you can always find more affordable items. For instance, instead of using copper pipes, you can opt for PEX, PP, or CPVC pipes. Similarly, you can find an affordable but stylish kitchen sink as an alternative to more luxurious pieces. Or consider using used plumbing fixtures that you can find through garage sales or salvage warehouses that collect materials from previous owners.
- As much as possible, preserve things the way they are
Work with a clever design that allows you to keep most of your existing layout. Don’t change your footprint too much. Big changes may mean spending more money on supplies and labor costs. For instance, you can preserve the same location for your toilet, dishwasher, sewer pipes, or kitchen sink.
- Plumbers should perform the plumbing work only
Plumbers may charge extra if they perform tasks that are beyond the scope of their work. For instance, you may pay extra for having your walls torn down or rooms cleared of items. By taking care of these periphery tasks, you can decrease the time they spend on your project, consequently lowering labor costs.
- Create a budget and stick to it
Restricting yourself to a budget can prevent overspending on the plumbing remodel. The first way you can budget is to ballpark the costs. For instance, the average bathroom remodel costs up to $200 per square foot. Secondly, you can get a more accurate estimate by asking for a quote from a plumbing contractor.
The next step is choosing an affordable way to fund the remodel. Don’t choose a loan with high interest rates. As with finding a good plumber, shop around to find the cheapest rates for personal loans, home equity loans, or HELOCs.
- Order regular services, not fast-tracked or emergency
You may pay more if you decide to order emergency remodeling services rather than going through the normal route and requesting regular services. At times, it can be simply impossible to avoid hiring an emergency plumber. For instance, some components such as the piping may become damaged during the remodeling project and require immediate intervention.
- Find places that price plumbing supplies affordably
The costs of materials can weigh heavily on the final project cost. For instance, you can find that the same sink is going for a lower price elsewhere. Begin your pricing research by checking out the prices for different items online. You can then compare prices offered by local wholesale plumbing suppliers, hardware, and big box stores.
- Ask the contractor about more ways to save
Plumbers know all the tricks in the books and the top strategies to help you save money during the remodeling process. They know the best places to shop around town. The plumber can further recommend the best layouts to avoid high costs.
By adopting these smart strategies, you can significantly save a lot of money on expensive remodeling projects. Remember that trying to do things on your own may not save you cash in the long term. It’s always advisable to hire a professional plumber.