How to Reduce Plumbing Costs in a Remodel
Plumbing is a top cost item in many remodeling project budgets.
Figuring out how to reduce plumbing costs for a remodel can help you keep your project within budget.
But there are recommended ways to reduce plumbing cost and ways that could end up costing you more in the long run.
Here are some of the things you can do to reduce plumbing costs in your remodel.
First, plan to reduce plumbing costs.
If reducing or controlling costs in your remodel is part of the goal, or if your budget is tight, make reducing those costs part of your planning from the very earliest stages of your project.
Do your research on ways to save.
Second, do your research on the costs of the fixtures and other plumbing supplies and materials you will need.
Shop around for fixtures and materials.
Know where and how to get the best buy on your materials and fixtures.
Compare prices in brick and mortar stores and internet stores.
Check on the pricing by purchasing direct from the manufacturer.
Discuss saving with your plumber or contractor.
Work together with him/her to decide who should purchase the materials and fixtures so you get the best price.
Third, consider plumbing cost in your design.
Moving major supply and drain pipes, cutting new holes in floors and walls will increase the cost of your project.
If at all possible, keep plumbing fixtures where they are to reduce your cost.
If you are installing a new bathroom in an attic or a basement, locate it as close as possible to existing supply and drain lines.
If you are designing a kitchen or bathroom, try to confine all plumbing to one or two walls to save, as well.
Fourth, look for appropriate ways to use less expensive materials now and replace them later.
This might not be advisable with main plumbing fixtures like a toilet, tub or shower.
But it might make a good deal of sense in terms of fittings, faucets, and shower heads, etc.
Talk with your contractor about the best materials to consider replacing later.
Fifth, buy less expensive materials where you can get similar quality and durability.
An example might be the kind of pipe you use.
While you might prefer to install copper pipe, you might discover that some plastic pipe is equally functional and equally durable, but much less expensive.
Weigh the options and make the best choices.
Sixth, don't forget to consider long-term savings.
Some items you will want to purchase for your remodel will save you money over time in other ways.
For example, you might pay a little bit more for a dual-flush toilet at the time of the remodel.
But if you will recover that cost difference within 1 year through water conservation and lower water bills, you might be making a good long-range decision to choose that toilet.
Use these six tips to help you get started thinking about how to save on the plumbing costs associated with your remodeling project.
Remember that there are many good ways to save on your remodel and still get a high-quality remodeling job.
Copyright 2009 by ABCD Publishing
Figuring out how to reduce plumbing costs for a remodel can help you keep your project within budget.
But there are recommended ways to reduce plumbing cost and ways that could end up costing you more in the long run.
Here are some of the things you can do to reduce plumbing costs in your remodel.
First, plan to reduce plumbing costs.
If reducing or controlling costs in your remodel is part of the goal, or if your budget is tight, make reducing those costs part of your planning from the very earliest stages of your project.
Do your research on ways to save.
Second, do your research on the costs of the fixtures and other plumbing supplies and materials you will need.
Shop around for fixtures and materials.
Know where and how to get the best buy on your materials and fixtures.
Compare prices in brick and mortar stores and internet stores.
Check on the pricing by purchasing direct from the manufacturer.
Discuss saving with your plumber or contractor.
Work together with him/her to decide who should purchase the materials and fixtures so you get the best price.
Third, consider plumbing cost in your design.
Moving major supply and drain pipes, cutting new holes in floors and walls will increase the cost of your project.
If at all possible, keep plumbing fixtures where they are to reduce your cost.
If you are installing a new bathroom in an attic or a basement, locate it as close as possible to existing supply and drain lines.
If you are designing a kitchen or bathroom, try to confine all plumbing to one or two walls to save, as well.
Fourth, look for appropriate ways to use less expensive materials now and replace them later.
This might not be advisable with main plumbing fixtures like a toilet, tub or shower.
But it might make a good deal of sense in terms of fittings, faucets, and shower heads, etc.
Talk with your contractor about the best materials to consider replacing later.
Fifth, buy less expensive materials where you can get similar quality and durability.
An example might be the kind of pipe you use.
While you might prefer to install copper pipe, you might discover that some plastic pipe is equally functional and equally durable, but much less expensive.
Weigh the options and make the best choices.
Sixth, don't forget to consider long-term savings.
Some items you will want to purchase for your remodel will save you money over time in other ways.
For example, you might pay a little bit more for a dual-flush toilet at the time of the remodel.
But if you will recover that cost difference within 1 year through water conservation and lower water bills, you might be making a good long-range decision to choose that toilet.
Use these six tips to help you get started thinking about how to save on the plumbing costs associated with your remodeling project.
Remember that there are many good ways to save on your remodel and still get a high-quality remodeling job.
Copyright 2009 by ABCD Publishing
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