4 TIPS TO MITIGATE HOME
IMPROVEMENT COSTS
BPT
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onstruction material costs in 2018 are up about 10
percent compared to last year, according to U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics data, and some raw materials,
like crude petroleum, are up nearly 50 percent. Labor is
also getting more expensive as construction workers are
in high demand due to the skilled labor shortage.
contractor with a good reputation can save thousands
of dollars in the long run.
“A good contractor should be able to show homeowners
their license to practice and a certificate of insurance,” said
Rick Taylor, Field Sales Training Manager for TAMKO
Building Products, a leading manufacturer of asphalt
So, as a homeowner getting ready to start a project, what roofing shingles.
can you do to mitigate these rising costs?
A bonus, Taylor said, are certifications from the
manufacturers of products the contractor installs, whether
1. DON’T DELAY
Building materials are projected to get even more it be roofing, flooring or cabinets.
expensive and the project backlog for some contractors
across the country is up to three or four months. Waiting “Every company has a best way to install their products,
to start the process of a home repair or improvement, and being educated on that preferred installation can
especially a needed one like a new roof, could push off the go a long way in the product performing the way it was
repair for months due to the contractor’s schedule, and intended to,” Taylor said.
only cause the project to get more expensive as building
material costs continue to rise.
A reputable local contractor is more likely to do the job
right the first time and be more willing to address any
2. LOOK FOR LOW-COST QUALITY PRODUCTS potential problems with the project in the future.
Home improvement isn’t the place to cut corners by
buying the cheapest supplies, but in many product 4. PLAN, PLAN, PLAN
segments there is a low-