5 Things You Should Pay Premium for as a Homeowner or Renter
There’s no denying that everyone wants to make their money stretch as far as possible. When it comes to any major purchases or projects you want to do in your home, naturally we want to find the best deal. However, there are some things that could actually end up costing you more money down the road should you decide to take the cheap route.
Here are a few areas where you may want to think on before you choose the less expensive option:
Furniture
No matter if you own or rent your home, buying furniture should be seen as an investment. It’s important to read reviews about the quality of the construction and the fabric. Poorly constructed furniture may not be durable which is important especially if you have children or pets. It’s one thing to change furniture because your taste in decor style changes, it’s another to have to buy new because it didn’t last. On average, a sofa should last about 7-15 years, depending on the fabric, and longer for leather.
If you are on a budget and need some assistance prioritizing the most important pieces to spend more money on, go with this:
Mattress and Bed Frame: This one should go without saying, and you’ve most likely heard it before, but you spend more than one-third of your life sleeping. Getting a quality night sleep can impact your health and well-being, and similar to a sofa, a quality mattress can last up to 10 years! If comfort is important to you, you should prioritize spending that premium amount of money on a mattress and good-quality bed frame.
Read: Transform Your Space: Makeover Your Bedroom in One Weekend
Couch: Similar to a mattress, this is something you’ll find yourself using quite often. If you’re big on entertaining, having a comfortable, quality place to sit should be important to you.
Dining Table and Chairs: Lastly, a sturdy, heavy-duty dining table and chair set can go a long way. Not to mention, classic tables and chairs rarely go out of style, so finding a set you love – even if it’s a steep price – would be well worth the investment.
Paint
Bargain paint is thinner and more watery. No matter what brush or roller you use, it will streak and not give great coverage. In the end, you may end up using more paint to complete your painting job and in turn spending more money. Aside from the coverage, because the consistency, bargain paint will not hold up to normal wear and tear. Higher quality paints often contain a built in primer and their technology can provide one coat coverage. In the end a higher quality paint could cost you less money and time to complete your project.
Read: Trending Interior Paint Colors for 2020
Contractors
Making the decision to do a home improvement project is not a decision that’s made lightly. It’s an investment in your home and can impact the value down the road. Choosing the right contractor to handle the job is the next most important decision you’re going to make in your project. Ask around for recommendations, but also do your own research to see how this contractor is viewed regarding the quality of their workmanship.
Read: A Quick and Practical Guide to Renovation Budgets
If you’re planning on doing any major additions or reworking the footprint of your home, you’ll need a contractor who understands the importance of pulling permits, and following building code. Again, the lack of quality could end up costing you more money down the road if something has to be fixed or replaced.
Read: Maximizing Your Home’s Renovation ROI
Bathroom and Kitchen Renovations
The two spaces in your home which will bring you the most return for your investment, are also the two spaces you don’t want to take any shortcuts. Picking timeless and quality products are important because these two rooms put in the most work. The products need to not only look good, but be able to withstand a lot of use.
Read: How to Remodel Your Bathroom for Less Than $1,000
Getting a good deal applies to some things, just not everything you decide to use your hard earned money to purchase. Taking short cuts or choosing lesser quality products or services, could end up costing you more in the long run. Take advantage of sales, coupons, or promotions when making major purchases or doing any projects, but whatever you do, don’t sell yourself short.