One of the best ways to make money is to save it this winter. As the saying goes, a penny saved is a penny earned.
Thanks to the bad weather, this is easier to say than to put into practice. Millions of pounds are spent on property fixes each year, and you only need to account for a tiny percentage for it to cost a small fortune.
The key is to cut down on the outgoings by finding solutions to the most common issues.
However, you don’t want to follow the status quo because that’s expensive. So, you need the following tips instead.
Buy Long-Term Materials
It’s tempting to cut the cost of materials by opting for the cheapest option. But, this only adds to the price in the long-term as you have to keep on making repairs.
The best method is to pay a little extra up front and avoid the annoying fixes later on down the line. To do this, target the vulnerable areas. Pipes are a prime example. Old, copper ones tend to rust and erode as they are subject to bad weather.
Seamless stainless steel tube piping will last for decades with the right maintenance. Because of its durability, it deals with icy conditions better too.
Rent Tools
Purchasing them is a frugal option, but only if they are used regularly. Any that aren’t end up wasting money, which is the exact opposite of what you want to achieve.
Therefore, it’s important to think about the equipment that is going to be used and that which isn’t. Buy the former yet rent the latter as it should only result in a handful of one-off payments.
That way, you’ll get the best value for money on tools. Keep the toolbox tidy and organised to make sure you can spot leftover materials.
Reuse Resources
Buying in bulk is an excellent tip for frugal homeowners, yet it can backfire. Again, it’s a waste of money if the resources end up in a storage unit never to be used. Anyone who needs multiple orders should consider this before proceeding to the checkout.
Also, it means you should never throw things away. Even if they seem obsolete, it’s better to hold on to them to see if they will come in handy. Reusing screws and bulbs etc. will prevent you from buying a full pack when all you need is a single replacement.
Shop Separately
Contractors will add a markup for their materials. As a result, it’s wise not to pay them the extra unless it’s necessary. Sometimes, it’s hard to avoid because they are professionals with years of experience.
However, there is no harm in shopping around for an excellent deal. Homeowners need to consider buying the resources separately and then hiring the builders to cut out the middleman.
The trick is to ensure you buy everything they will need to complete the job. Otherwise, it may cost you extra.
For more advice on how to save money, check out the Personal Finance section.
