OLD COLLECTABLESOld but Good

How to Save Money on Your Home Renovation

Home Renovations continue to be a popular area of investment for homeowners despite the current economic turmoil. It makes sense at a time when buying new doesn’t and building on what you have, does. Now that you’ve decided to renovate, there are still some things to consider before you go ahead. Yes, you believe that you’re adding value to your property, however, with some wise planning before the hammer hits the nail you can actually be saving money too.

Create a Detailed Plan

It is of the utmost importance to properly create a plan, budget, and time frame for your home renovation job. Such preparation is crucial to the enterprising DIYer and it’s also useful to those counting on professionals. Get a very clear picture of all estimated costs that will account for everything from materials to labour. Not only that, but it’s also important to figure in backup funds for situations which may arise as the project progresses. A safe estimate is 15% on top of the initial projected budget. If you have a realistic figure to work with that corresponds with very detailed drawings and plans, you are preparing a contingency for those unforeseen issues. Just being aware of this possibility can keep you from future migraines and possible bankruptcy.

Cut Down on Material Costs – Not Quality

Materials of course account for a large portion of the expenses in any renovation project. And although you may want to get the best price you can, you may not wish to sacrifice quality just to save a few bucks. This is your home after all, (where you might be living for 20 years to pay off a mortgage).

Companies that sell recycled material from demolition sites such as Happy Harry’s give you both a budget conscious and green option. “Found” wood is another trendy yet wonderful option – imagine creating a unique hardwood floor from an old wood cabin or antique ship. If however, you are more inclined towards higher-end materials but want to pay a fraction of the cost, consider Habitat ReStores. These affiliate stores found across Canada and the United States offer surplus and used building materials for much less than retail. ReStores get their supplies from donated goods provided by: building supply stores, local contractors, demolition crews, and others wanting to support the cause. Not only are you saving money, or being green, you are also helping to raise funds that let Habitat for Humanity build 10 or more additional homes a year.

Implement Green into Your Renovation

It’s shocking to consider that your home may be a toxic place. Do you know what went into the finishes of your hardwood flooring or kitchen cabinetry where you cook, or even the paint on the walls in every room in the house? Making green choices for your home renovation is not only important for your health and the health of our planet, it can actually save you money. Although the initial costs may be higher, using ethical and non-toxic materials that are longer lasting, as well as installing energy efficient components will save you money over time. From more complicated aspects like redesigning your home, to being conscientious about product selection, consider these options suggested by Rob Wright, owner of Citadel Renovations.

* ICF foundations
* Composite floor, roof, and wall framing
* Low e film, argon gas, and triple pane glass in windows
* Compact fluorescent and LED lights
* Lots of natural light
* Reduced and/or no formaldehyde cabinetry
* Low or no VOC paints and finishes
* Composite material exterior finishes
* Recycled material roofing: metal, rubber, cement
* Wood or linoleum floors
* Heat pumps: ground, water, and air

The money you’ve saved on heating, lighting, and water once you’ve made your home more energy efficient will over time actually pay for those improvements.

Decide If It’s a Worthy Investment

It may seem like a no-brainer to first figure out if the investment you plan to make in upgrading your home is one of value, but it may come as a surprise that some are less financially beneficial than others. CMCH, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Canada’s federal housing agency, is a great resource for homeowners who are considering a renovation project. Their website offers a host of useful information, such as this break-down of renovation payback ranges:

Top four greatest payback potentials

* Bathroom renovation (75 – 100%)
* Kitchen renovation (75 – 100%)
* Interior painting (50 – 100%)
* Exterior painting (50 – 100%)

Versus:

Ten average payback potentials

* Roof shingle replacement (50 – 80%)
* Furnace/heating system (50 – 80%)
* Basement renovation (50 – 75%)
* Recreation room addition (50 – 75%)
* Installing a fireplace (50 – 75%)
* Flooring (50 – 75%)
* Constructing a garage (50 – 75%)
* Window/door replacement (50 – 75%)
* Building a deck (50 – 75%)
* Central air conditioning (25 – 75%)

Repairs or beautification are the most prevalent ideas that come to mind, however, safety improvements are another way to go that will your wallet happy. Check with your insurance company if they offer lower premiums when you add or upgrade a home security system, fire prevention measure, or improve the existing wiring.

We’ve all heard the renovation horror stories that look like something out of that 80’s movie The Money Pit. It’s not something we like to think about; the possibility of your hard earned $10,000 renovation budget ending up being but a drop in the bucket. Like any other investment, you wouldn’t blindly drop ducats on any random man in a suit with a smile – you do your homework first. Not only will you bring added value to your home with your new renovation, you will also save money with your carefully laid out plans.

About the Author

Home Renovation Guide provides free information and advice on all aspects of home renovation details from information on a variety of topics ranging from kitchen contractors, roofing and – we have the information you need to get the job done right. Visit them today.

VW fuel pump trick

Pcm’s Guide To Gas Pump Restoration by Wayne Henderson (2004, Paperback) $34.95

Pumped Up [HD] $2.99 …

Pumped Up $1.99 …

Value Guide to Gas Station Memorabilia $11.40 This book is designed to be both fast and easy for the beginner and advanced collector alike. Summers’s and Priddy’s first gas station value guide has proven itself to be a pace-setting standard in this rapidly expanding field. This eye-catching hardback edition with over 1,000 full-color photos of signs, pumps, cans, premiums, and thermometers related to the gas station field and bits of informat…

PCM’s Guide to Gas Pump Restoration $29.95 The Editors of Petroleum Collectors Monthly wish to present their Guide to Gas Pump Restoration!Inside you will find over 290 pages filled with information all about restoring your gas pump. Step-by-step restoration of three popular styles of gas pumps, including visible pumps, clock face pumps, and calculating pumps is included. But that’s not all! There are also over 1,000 full-color diagrams of…

Kingston Brass KS3103AL Restoration Restoration Pot Filler, Antique Brass $321.72 Kingston Brass KS3103AL Restoration Restoration Pot Filler, Antique Brass Restoration Collection, Fabricated from solid brass material for durability and reliability, Premium color finish resist tarnishing and corrosion, Easy to install, Matching collection available, One Year Limited Warranty to the original consumer to be free from defects in material and finish. Kingston Brass KS3103AL Restoration Restoration Pot Filler, Antique Brass Features: Brass Construction Lifetime Premier Finish Water Flow Rate: 2 GPM (7.5 LPM) Max @ 60 PSI Handle Style: Metal Lever Lifetime 1/4 Turn Hardisc Cartridge Solid Brass Construction Premier Finish

Elements of Design ES3103AL Restoration Pot Filler, Antique Brass $336.76 Elements of Design ES3103AL Restoration Pot Filler, Antique Brass Elements of Design ES3103AL Restoration Pot Filler, Antique Brass Features: Brass Construction Lifetime 1/4 Turn Hardisc Cartridge Solid Brass Construction Lifetime Premier Finish Water Flow Rate: 2 GPM (7.5 LPM) Max @ 60 PSI Handle Style: Metal Lever

Creative Motion 11429 Gas Pump Light $31.2 This retro gas pump lamp replicates the real gas pump look. Great collector s item. Satisfaction Ensured. Outstanding craftsmanship. Classic design. Makes for an Excellent Gift Idea. Measures: 4 W x 17 H x 4 D.

Pentair Gas Engine Pump FP5455 $404.01 Gas engine pump. Driven by a high performing 5.50 HP engine. Lightweight portable unit with rugged carrying handle. Easy portability for water transfer in remote locations. Excellent for floodwater removal when power source is out. Convenient for remote irrigation where water lines are not available. Manual throttle choke fuel valve and engine shut off controls. 1 year warranty. 21 x 17 x 14.5 . Length: 33. Width: 22. Height: 20

Designer Trimscape SD3601 Restoration Soap Dispenser, Polished Chrome $15.95 Designer Trimscape SD3601 Restoration Soap Dispenser, Polished Chrome Designer Trimscape SD3601 Restoration Soap Dispenser, Polished Chrome Features: Polished Chrome Finish Removable ABS bottle Heavy Duty Pump Restoration Design High Quality Brass/Engineering Grade ABS Construction 1-1/4″ shank height

Designer Trimscape SD3602 Restoration Soap Dispenser, Polished Brass $16.52 Designer Trimscape SD3602 Restoration Soap Dispenser, Polished Brass Designer Trimscape SD3602 Restoration Soap Dispenser, Polished Brass Features: Polished Brass Finish Removable ABS bottle Heavy Duty Pump Restoration Design High Quality Brass/Engineering Grade ABS Construction 1-1/4″ shank height

Designer Trimscape SD3608 Restoration Soap Dispenser, Satin Nickel $19.14 Designer Trimscape SD3608 Restoration Soap Dispenser, Satin Nickel Designer Trimscape SD3608 Restoration Soap Dispenser, Satin Nickel Features: Satin Nickel Finish Removable ABS bottle Heavy Duty Pump Restoration Design High Quality Brass/Engineering Grade ABS Construction 1-1/4″ shank height

Gall Bladder Restoration 2 OZ $19.99 Gall Bladder RestorationFor relief of bloating, gas and abdominal discomforts following eating. .

Godinger 19585 Gas Pump for Bbb $35.1 Godinger is a unique company that specializes in handmade silver pewter crystal and elite gift items. From wedding gifts candlesticks barware bakeware tea sets and frames you are sure to find the ideal item for any special occasion. Godinger’s goal is to provide you the customer with a piece that expresses a “one of a kind” sense of style and quality at affordable prices. Sure you could pour it straight out of the bottle but why? Add some fun with this new charming retro liquor dispenser made to look like a old fashioned gas pump. It s a great way to store your favorite liquor and is fantastic for parties set it out on the counter and let your guests have fun making their own cocktails; just gently squeeze the handle to serve Why not buy one for all your liquors so your guests can choose between different high octane fuels? Comes with a classy tarnish resistant; silverplated finish with measurements displayed on the side.. Material: Silver Plated. Holds up to 1 quart. Dimensions: 19 x 4 . Holds: 32oz.

Arkansas Razorbacks Gas Pump Display Case $2949 Arkansas Razorbacks Gas Pump Display Case Show off your favorite collectibles in this impressive, full scale 1950′s replica gas pump display case. Fiberglass case features gel coated finish, locking glass door, right side glass panel, and decorative gas nozzle and hose. Illuminated globe assembly featuring the logo of your choice. Cabinet interior features full-length mirrors on the back and left side, four adjustable shelves and overhead opera lighting. Featuring your favorite college logo, these displays are perfect for displaying those precious collectibles from your alma mater. Etched glass mirror with college logo. 110 VoltDimensions: 6’4"H x 2’8"W x 1’4"DWeight: Approximately 145lbs

Florida Gators Gas Pump Display Case $2949 Florida Gators Gas Pump Display Case Show off your favorite collectibles in this impressive, full scale 1950′s replica gas pump display case. Fiberglass case features gel coated finish, locking glass door, right side glass panel, and decorative gas nozzle and hose. Illuminated globe assembly featuring the logo of your choice. Cabinet interior features full-length mirrors on the back and left side, four adjustable shelves and overhead opera lighting. Featuring your favorite college logo, these displays are perfect for displaying those precious collectibles from your alma mater. Etched glass mirror with college logo. 110 VoltDimensions: 6’4"H x 2’8"W x 1’4"DWeight: Approximately 145lbs