When improving your home you have to remember one thing, don’t skimp on the products! Whether you build a shed yourself or have cabinets installed by professionals, never cut costs on the objects you use because they will be cost-effective in the long run. Improving a home takes a lot of effort and labor, and that’s what you pay the professionals (or yourself) for.

Painting is a perfect example of this. Doing a paint job correctly takes time and proper preparation, which is why, when done by a contractor, prices can be quite high. But note that the materials used by a painter come out to 10-15% of the total bid. So, if a painter bids the inside of your home for £2000, you can bet his material cost is no greater than £300. That includes sundry items as well, not just the paint! I’m sorry, but 300 quid for the interior of a home is asking for some sub-par products. Sure, the color you want doesn’t change whether you get a cheap paint or a better quality one, but the longevity is what you need to think about. A lesser quality product will not be as scrubbable, not be as stain resistant, and will not retain its color like the good stuff.

This same mentality can be applied to nearly any other home improvement project. Take home insulation for example. Due to the push to be energy efficient, better quality insulation is now available that is proven to reduce energy costs. Does it cost more than the generic stuff? Of course. But over the years the more energy efficient insulation will end up saving you money on utilities, paying for itself and then some! In the end, if you are doing the project yourself, do your research on what materials would be best for your project – not just for two years from now, but ten.

And if you decide to go with a professional, don’t be afraid to get engaged with him and discuss the materials he plans on using. You’re his customer, and he should cater to what you want. Lastly, have fun with it and know your investment is going to be a lasting improvement to your home.