With the holiday season and big savings in full swing, shoppers around the country are packing malls and shopping centers for those special people in their lives. But there are a few savvy consumers that are taking advantage of the rush to save big dollars on home sweet home. And while many might not think home improvement for the holidays, a carefully executed strategy could possibly lead to thousands in savings, from sales on materials to contractors willing to lower cost in order to sneak those last couple of jobs before the New Year.
If you are thinking about home renovations in 2013, then now may be the perfect time to set aside the Christmas shopping for a bit, and tackle those plans head on. Why? Well, when it comes to any home improvement, any professional will tell you that December is generally the slowest month of the year, and many more will tell you that their work flow comes to a near standstill. This means that more contractors are not only available, but probably willing to offer some discounts to push that final job of the year. Furthermore, unless it’s a brand new, shining cordless drill set for dad, most home improvement stores do not see the major rushes that other retailers experience. However, that does not mean the Black Friday sales aren’t there.
Let’s take a popular renovation project as an example. Did you ever wonder on Thanksgiving Day if you could be cooking in a brand new kitchen by Christmas? Well the truth is, with some pre-planning and a little patience, particularly with your fellow holiday shoppers, you cannot only accomplish it but you can save some serious money doing it. Black Friday sales on name brand appliances average anywhere between 30% and 40% or more off regular prices. Consider using ready-to-assemble all wood cabinetry to save on time and money, choose a counter top, and you can be sipping eggnog with in-laws and talking about how much you saved on your brand new kitchen.
Digging a little deeper into the holiday sales bonanza, you will find some great pricing on everything from wood flooring to bathroom vanities to huge discounts on tools and hardware for the do-it-yourselfers who like to take matters in their own hands.
Another great area to save on is labor. Many good contractors are sitting on the sidelines during the month of December, as the holiday’s take front and center for almost everybody. Some home improvement professionals may be receptive to offering some discounts during their slow period, particularly if they see that you really are serious about getting the job done before the New Year. Besides cost, hiring a contractor in the month of December will probably put you front and center in the contractor’s list of priorities, helping you not only save money, but also time. However, remember the one place you do not want save time on is doing the necessary research on the contractor you hire. Make sure to check licenses, visit their shops or showrooms and even asks for references. Unfortunately the holidays have a way of bringing the good and bad in people.
