We have a lot of renovation ahead of us. We need to outsource much of the work due to our own lack of knowledge (we only paint ourselves), so we have to try to keep the material budget low (note, not low-budget)....
Where can we shop cheaply? Everything from bathroom tiles, bathroom furnishings to underfloor heating systems and towel dryers? Also, appliances with good energy ratings.
Where can we shop cheaply? Everything from bathroom tiles, bathroom furnishings to underfloor heating systems and towel dryers? Also, appliances with good energy ratings.
Look around a bit online to see what the gadgets cost, then tell the Craftsmen the price you've found and give them the chance to match it. Some companies would never install products that customers have purchased themselves, so it's good to check the situation with the firms you will be working with.
My tip is to go to a smaller local lumberyard. When I was going to build a deck, I made a list of what I needed and the lowest prices online. I went to the lumberyard and asked them to match, which they did reasonably well. The fact that I then only needed to travel 5 minutes to pick up the stuff instead of 25 made it worth the extra 3%, with much less hassle. Plus, you support local businesses, which I think is important.
Make a list of what needs to be purchased, then compare the prices at different hardware stores (via the internet). Also, check with local stores in the area to see what they charge. Then it's just a matter of shopping where you prefer.
If you have a low budget, start by considering what you really need.... trying to build/renovate on a low budget while also wanting high standards and not doing anything yourself will not work....