No matter what size budget you start with, a home renovation can grow to enormous proportions if you don’t keep a handle on what you spend. Maybe you are undergoing a basement remodel to create the man cave your husband has always wanted or finally getting the bathroom improvement you always wanted. No matter what room you are remodeling, these tips can help you keep from overspending.

One of the biggest mistakes made in home improvement is failing to create a budget for the project. Create your budget before you ever start looking at fixtures and materials for your home remodel. You can use an online spreadsheet or write all the information on paper. Create a column for every item you will need to purchase, including flooring, tile, outlets, cabinetry, lighting, paint, counters, etc. Once the list is complete, call around to get estimates for each item. This will help you determine what fixtures are going to take up the most of your budget and show you areas where you can cut back to make your budget more realistic. One important factor to include is 10 percent of the total budget for unexpected expenses.

You probably already know that to finance home improvement can be expensive. Whenever possible, use cash to fund your remodeling project. If you use a credit card, try to only charge what you can pay in full the following month to keep from paying high finance charges. If you will have use home improvement financing, include the added interest or finance charges as part of your budget. Even better, rather than financing home improvement, look at your household budget to see where you can cut back and save money to pay for the home remodel with cash.

If you have chosen to save money to pay cash for your remodel rather than financing home improvement projects, you have time on your side to plan. Another problem with home improvement financing is that you have the money you need to jump in and start that basement or kitchen remodel. Unfortunately, moving too quickly can become overwhelming and make it difficult to make sound decisions. If you have several projects planned, start with one and finish it before moving on to the next one. If you are using appliances that sometimes don’t work as they should, prioritize your kitchen remodel first. If the kids need room to spread out because they are driving you crazy, consider the basement remodel with the game room a higher priority. This will also help you stick to your budget as unexpected expenses can be managed one room at a time.

It may be tempting to hire someone to do the entire project, but keep in mind that home improvement franchises and custom home remodeling can be costly. Even if you are not good at the do-it-yourself project, there are things you can handle on your own. Keep in mind you are paying crews by the hour so if you can handle the demolition and clean up before the contractor starts work, that will save you money. Other do-it-yourself savings include primer, painting and preparing surfaces. If you feel like you might be able to do more advanced projects, home improvement franchises offer training workshops as well as YouTube videos that may be able to guide you through the process. Keep in mind that if you are not licensed, you cannot do electrical or some plumbing work on your own. You may also need to hire contractors if you are installing load-bearing beams or tearing out walls.

Instead of hiring custom home remodeling companies to build you new kitchen cabinets during your kitchen remodel, consider resurfacing your old cabinets or simply replacing the doors with something more updated. Visit Habitat for Humanity ReStores which sell salvaged building materials that could not be used in the homes they built for others. You may also find auctions in your area where you can get home improvement discounts on building materials.

If you will need to hire professional help because your project requires custom home remodeling, do your homework. Check online reviews or ask friends and family to recommend a good contractor for your kitchen, basement or bathroom improvement project. Interview several companies and request references from each. Be sure to contact all the references provided to get an idea which contractor would best fit your needs.

When it comes to kitchen or bathroom improvement projects, you are better off leaving large items in the same location. Sinks, bathtubs, stoves, walls and windows can be very difficult to move to another location in the room. You may be reluctant to open up a wall as there are many factors that go into where a wall is located. However, if you have a gas stove and decide to move it across the room, you will need to move a gas line and add ventilation, both of which require professional assistance.

Saving money on home improvements is easy if you register for EmployeeandMembers.com. You will find many different home improvement savings that were previously only available to certain industries or organizations. You can find savings on everything from building supplies to finance home improvement options. There is never a membership fee and you can begin saving money immediately.

EmployeeandMembersDiscounts.com can also help you set up your own membership discount program for our employees or organization members. Just give us a call or fill out the easy form online and we will help you set up a discount program you can actually use. You can find savings on travel, healthcare, cars and much more.

When it comes time to remodel your home, you will probably want to find discount flooring prices that will keep the project under budget. Whether you are looking for discount tile, carpet or rugs, finding the best price can be tough. These tips can help you save money so your remodeling project won’t break your bank while still getting you the discount wallpaper, tiles or other flooring that will complement your home.

It is possible that there is a flooring discount wholesaler in your area. One way to find out is to talk to a carpet installer or contractor to see if they have a connection to a carpet discount wholesaler. Some wholesalers don’t install, but you can still save money if you know someone who might lay the carpet or discount flooring for you on the side for a lower cost. Your contractor may also know someone who would install the carpet at a lower cost than a retail carpet discount store would charge for the same services.

Although you have already checked around for the lowest prices, you may have missed the small Mom-and-Pop stores in your town that may not only have good prices on discount tiles and carpet, but also extensive experience in different types of flooring. Take your time and talk to people in small shops who may be willing to provide you with discount tiles or other flooring that is more significant than you would get at a big box store. On top of that, smaller stores provide more personalized service than big warehouse stores so even if they are slightly more expensive, the service you get may be far superior.

If you are doing a big remodeling project, chances are you will need more than flooring. Talk to the contractor or supplier about savings on discount wallpaper, paint, appliances and other items if you buy them all in one place. If you are going with hardwood flooring, you may even find discounted rugs tossed in as part of the package if you work with the right supplier.

You can find rugs discount options as well as many other discounts on flooring by registering for EmployeeandMemberDiscounts.com. These are discounts that were previously only available for students, alumni, first responders and other organizations. We have compiled them into one location so you can find discount tile, discount carpet and even discount wallpaper in one location. There is no membership fee and you can sign up at any time. If you are the owner of a business or in charge of a non-profit organization, we can even help you set up your own flooring and carpet discount program.

If you are interested in getting discounted rugs, discounted tiles or other types of discounts, visit EmployeeandMemberDiscounts.com. Fill out the easy online form if you are interested in setting up your own rugs discount program with discounts your employees or members will actually use. One of our experienced perk experts can help you set up the perfect program

Replacement windows and window treatments can be expensive, but they are critical for the energy efficiency in your home. Your windows are responsible for as much as 25 to 30 percent of the heat gain or loss in your home, depending on the season. This means you not only need the most energy efficient windows possible, but you need to choose window treatments, like drapes, curtains and blinds that can improve your energy efficiency even more. These tips can help you improve the energy efficiency of your home while also saving you money on new windows and window treatments.

If you are looking for replacement window discounts, avoid any windows that are labeled “architectural grade” as these are always more expensive than those marked “builder- or contractor-grade.” Professional builders often seek lower cost windows that meet minimum requirements in order to keep their own costs low. If you chose builder-grade wholesale windows from a well-known manufacturer, you are likely getting a quality window that will last for decades.

Window companies often add features and upgrades to windows. These may include between-glass blinds, breakage-resistant glass, specialty trim and more. If you don’t need these items, don’t pay extra to get them. It may be cheaper to purchase custom blinds for your windows so that between-glass versions are not necessary. If you live in an area where broken window glass is rare, there is no need to spend the extra money for breakage-resistant glass. In most cases, your contractor is able to create any type of trim you choose at a much lower cost than what the window company will charge for the same trim.

Window companies are no different than any other building material company. Negotiations are part of the process. In fact, when it comes to replacement windows, negotiation is almost expected. Your best option is to work with a local window company who often purchase wholesale windows at low prices and sell them with installation packages to consumers at retail prices. This allows for some wiggle room when they deal with customers. Don’t be afraid to make offers when you are looking at replacing your windows.

There is no doubt that solid wood windows are beautiful and durable but they are also considered premium windows. This means they come with a pretty hefty price tag. Today, you can purchase vinyl or fiberglass window frames at a much lower cost and you will probably not be able to tell the difference. In addition, some styles of vinyl or fiberglass window frames may actually last longer than solid wood-framed windows.

You may be tempted to choose the trendiest windows, curtains or window blinds, but it is best to avoid this temptation. Although that curve, hexagon or circle-shaped window may seem perfect today, it could make your home look out-of-date in a few years. This is especially true of window treatments. If you really want a trendy look to your windows, choose less expensive versions such as faux wooden blinds rather than real wood. When it is time to switch to a different style, the lower cost of the faux wooden blinds over real wood will make it easier for you to make the transition. When it comes to windows, keep in mind that trendy versions are more expensive. Cheaper styles tend to be double-hung, sliders, fixed and casement windows.

There are times when you will need to choose a more expensive window. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, your building code may require you to install hurricane windows. These are windows with laminated glass similar to what is used in automobiles. When hurricane windows are struck violently by an object during a storm, the window holds together even though the glass is broken. This keeps shards of glass from flying into your home. In addition, research shows that if windows remain intact, there is a greater chance the roof will remain on the building, further reducing damage. If you are required to have hurricane windows on your home, remember that the price is negotiable just like other windows in your home.

Once you have decided on your windows and gotten the right price from a contractor, you will want to think about window treatments. In most cases, homeowners choose curtains or drapes which can be easily changed if the décor of the room changes. However, if you want a unique look, consider window blinds. If your windows are standard sizes, finding cheap blinds may not be difficult. If you have custom-sized windows, however, you may need to pay slightly more for custom blinds. One benefit to blinds over curtains is that window blinds are available in energy-efficient options.

If you are in the market for replacement windows or cheap blinds for your home or business, one way to save money is to register for EmployeeandMemberDiscounts.com. We have compiled the best window and window treatment discounts that were previously only available to select groups. Now, anyone can access discounts that students, alumni, first responders and others benefited from. There is no membership fee and you can sign up at any time to begin saving money on wholesale windows, faux wooden blinds, curtains and other window-related merchandise.

EmployeeandMemberDiscounts.com can also help you create your own membership discount program. Fill out the easy online form or give us a call today to get started.

Rain gutters are not the most exciting thing on the exterior of your home and you probably rarely give them a second thought. According to gutter companies, the guttering system is an important component of the roof of your home. They are an important investment in the life of your home, directing water away from the roof as well as the foundation to minimize water damage.

If you look along the edge of your roof, you will see troughs that collect rain that runs off your home. These are your rain gutters and they direct the rainwater to downspouts that then direct water away from your foundation. The most common type of rain gutter is an open style. They can be purchased in lengths designed for the do-it-yourself homeowner or they may be in roll-formed seamless gutters which need to be installed by a professional. Gutters are usually either 5-inch or 6-inch and made from either aluminum, steel, zinc, vinyl or copper. Contractors building larger homes recommend 6-inch gutters installation as they remove more water volume. One foot of 5-inch guttering holds 1.2 gallons of water while one foot of 6-inch guttering holds 2.0 gallons of water. There are larger capacity guttering systems designed for extremely large buildings.

Many homeowners choose gutters seamless style due to the benefits they provide. Gutters seamless style is custom-fit to your home so they fit perfectly. They also require less maintenance than gutter lengths. Because there are no seams for debris to get snagged on, seamless gutters clog less than other types of guttering. There are no joints which means they are less likely to leak. Many homeowners also find them more attractive on their home than other types of gutter systems.

Gutter guards allow water to flow through the gutter while preventing debris from collecting in the trough and blocking the flow of water. Debris in a gutter can lead to several problems. Water can flow over the top of the gutter and collect around your foundation where it can seep into your crawlspace or basement. This can lead to mold and mildew build-up. During the winter, the debris can cause what is known as an ice dam which pushes water up under your roof. This can damage the underlayment and cause leaks inside your home. Leaf gutters protection keep the leaves and other debris from collecting in the gutter. Protective leaf gutter systems are often more expensive than other types of gutters but they eliminate the need to climb ladders to clean out your gutters several times each year.

Many times, people refer to leaf gutter guards as “clog free gutters.” The fact is that although these types of systems reduce the instance of gutter clogs, they may still allow some debris to enter the gutter. Several options are available and your reason for choosing clog free gutters may determine which type is best for you. Screen guards are metal that attach to your existing system. This type of gutter installation can be done by almost any homeowner. Foam are inserts that are inserted into the top of the gutter that allow rain to soak through and flow into the system. You can also install them yourself and they also need to have debris removed from them periodically. Brush systems have a series of cylindrical brushes inside the gutter that allow water to flow but keep debris out. Although you can install them yourself, they also need debris removal periodically. Reverse curve surface tension systems attach to the top of the gutter guiding rain into the trough but keeping debris out. This type of gutter installation must be completed by a professional and they require less maintenance than other types. You can get this type of system in a topper version or a one-piece system that replaces your gutter system completely.

Gutter companies recommend that you clean them at least twice each year, once in the spring and once in the fall. If you have a low-sloped roof, even leaf gutter guard systems may not prevent debris from collecting, so you may need to clean your roof with a broom or blower. Loose debris on your roof could place added stress on your roof, cause water backups and age your roof faster than necessary. When it is time to replace gutters, you can do it yourself using sections of guttering. However, if you are choosing to install leaf gutters with reverse curve tension options, you will need to use a professional. The same is true if you are choosing gutters installation using seamless systems.

When you are ready for gutter installation or you want to replace gutters with a clog-free system, visit EmployeeandMemberDiscounts.com. You can find savings on guttering that were previously only available to members of certain organizations or employees of specific industries. There is never a membership fee and you can begin accessing savings immediately. We can also create a customized discount program for your members or employees. Simply fill out the easy online form or give us a call today.

A garage door should last for decades while some companies offer lifetime warranties so you may never have to look for replacement garage doors. However, if you are building a new home or your garage doors have been damaged in some way that is not covered by the warranty, these tips can help you choose the right garage doors for your needs.

Replacement garage doors made of real wood look beautiful when they are installed but require a significant amount of maintenance. They need to be resealed every few years and, if you wait too long, you may have to sand down the doors and refinish them. Today, it is possible to get the look of wood and avoid the maintenance by choosing embossed steel with a wood-grain finish. For a slightly higher cost, you can also find doors with a wood composite overlay or fiberglass skin that are more durable than real wood.

If you are replacing a garage door, consider replacing your garage door openers at the same time. If you have an older garage door opener, it may be showing its age. Today, you can get garage door openers that are much quieter than they were a few years ago and they are also available with new features. You may even be able to negotiate a package deal if you install both the garage door openers and doors at the same time.

Your garage door springs are what help the door go up easily and come down slowly. Most doors use torsion springs that are rated for about 10,000 cycles. Although this sounds like a lot, if you put your garage door up and down six times a day, you will reach that cycle in about five years. Instead, choose garage door springs with 20,000 cycles which will probably only cost an extra $50. You’ll get twice the life out of the springs at a very low cost.

If you are replacing both the doors and the openers, you will need to choose new garage door remotes. You may also need to replace your remote if something has gone wrong with your old one. It is possible to find universal garage door remotes that can be programmed for any garage doors. You just need the manufacturer of your doors for programming. Another option is to replace the opener with a wireless keypad. These are usually mounted outside the garage so family members can enter without the remote. If you frequently have guests who use the garage or family members who don’t have a garage door opener, these can be very beneficial.

Technology for garage doors has come a long way. It is now possible to purchase wifi garage doors that allow you to open the garage from anywhere with a smartphone. This allows you to open the garage door for service technicians, guests or anyone who does not have an opener, even if you are nowhere near your home. Wifi garage doors also let you know if the door is opened manually or if it has remained open too long. If a family member or neighbor uses the keypad, you get a notification from the app. If you leave your garage doors open for any reason, you can program the app to close them at a certain time to avoid forgetting to close them.

There may come a time when your garage door needs service. Some of the common reasons for garage door service include replacement of the weather seal, replacement of the springs or broken cables. It is possible that you can replace the weather seal yourself. It is an important service because it keeps your garage cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. If you have noticed your garage door makes a lot of noise when it opens or closes, it may be time to replace the springs. This should be done by a qualified garage door service company as the springs are under tension and can cause serious injury if not handled properly. It is also recommended that you have a professional replace the garage door cables should they break as incorrect replacement can damage your doors and cause injury.

If you are in need of replacement garage doors, service or new garage doors, sign up for EmployeeandMemberDiscounts.com today. You can find savings on all types of garage doors, including those with wifi, keypads or remotes. There is never a membership fee and you can begin using discounts immediately. Our perk experts have compiled some of the best savings on garage doors as well as travel, home needs, medical supplies and more.

We can create a customized discount program for your employees and members as well. These are discounts on everything from wine to tax services to travel and more. Create a program with discounts your employees or members will actually use by calling or filling out the easy online form today.