Brad Ostendorf enjoys in his spare time, playing golf, spending time with family, and remodeling his family home. In the following article, Brad Ostendorf discusses how homeowners can utilize the best, most cost-effective materials for their next renovation project.

The good news is that home renovations almost always increase the value of one’s home or help it sell faster on the market.

The bad news? Those home renovations don’t come cheap.

According to Brad Ostendorf, the average homeowner spends around $15,000 per project, including such popular renovations as upgrading a kitchen or replacing a roof. Whole home renovations can run anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 — or more.

Brad Ostendorf reports that there’s an alternative. Homes will always need renovations, but there will always be a do-it-yourself option for most projects. While some things are better left to the professionals — plumbing issues, faulty wiring — DIY home renovations come with substantially smaller price tags.

The average DIY home renovation project is around $1,700, according to CraftJack. But for homeowners to get the most bang for the DIY renovation buck, focusing on the cost and type of materials can make the biggest difference.

Start With a Strict Budget

Brad Ostendorf says that a DIY home renovation project should only be launched when there’s a very educated estimate of the total cost. It’s challenging to arrive at an exact figure (budgeting a bit more money than you expect to need is helpful if emergencies arise), but there should always be a range.

Cost estimates for DIY projects can either be informed by the type of materials one will use or an overall budget may dictate the types of materials renovators have to use to make sure they can complete the project on budget.

Think About ‘Upgrades’ Rather than ‘Complete Remodels’

Brad Ostendorf says that purchasing expensive or even new materials isn’t always required when taking on DIY home projects. One of the best ways to stick to a small renovation budget is figuring out how one can use mostly what they have on hand.

Furniture may be repurposed. An old dining room tabletop could be transformed into a kitchen island. Cabinets may be painted and have their doors removed to change the look of an outdated dining room.

Find a Materials Middle Ground

The common approach to DIY home projects is using the cheapest materials possible. While that obviously keeps a renovator’s budget in check, it may not always be the best move reports Brad Ostendorf.

Instead, look for materials that are affordable but look expensive. That may mean refinishing wood with paint or stain. It could mean choosing lookalike vinyl flooring as opposed to more expensive hardwood.

While a granite countertop may be out of reach, a butcher block or laminate countertop is probably within reach.

It also helps to compromise, which can often be done without sacrificing style. For example, Brad Ostendorf says that hand-painted tiles may make a shower or kitchen unique and shiny, but there are often machine-made tiles that provide the same color and overall upgraded look.

Remember: Cheap materials may be low quality or not right for a project’s scope. Expensive materials aren’t always necessarily the best as well. A good rule of thumb is to find DIY materials that are both good quality and moderately priced.

Location, Location, Location

Brad Ostendorf says that picking the right DIY materials may depend on where the renovator lives. A lot of wood siding, no matter the cost, will not last long in climates where humidity is severe and long-lasting. Termites can take over in many warm areas. If a material doesn’t last and proves ineffective quickly, the price of that material is too much.

Delivery costs can vary wildly depending on the material’s source. A less expensive material isn’t worth it if it comes with exorbitant shipping and delivery costs.
A home may not be easily accessible from a major highway, or materials may only be found thousands of miles away. For any DIY project, be sure to check if the desired material is readily available.

Consider the Upkeep

Not many projects have a one-time cost. Over time, Brad Ostendorf says that homeowners will likely need to maintain renovations, such as a new deck or flooring.
When trying to be cost-effective with materials, factor in the long-term cost, just as one may do when deciding whether to buy a new car or go with used options.

A new HVAC system still needs to be checked out every year or so. No two brands of caulk are the same when recaulking windows. Some have a reputation for not lasting long as a seal and others may peel and crack easily. Research every type of tool or material before buying — or ask a qualified handyman.