A Plumber’s Guide to Saving Money During Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations.
With the quarantines and lockdowns, more and more people are starting home renovation projects to spruce up their new workspaces.
But renovations aren’t cheap. However, you can save a lot of money if you’re smart about it!
We’ve spoken to some of the best plumbers in Burlington to find out how you can save money on plumbing during your next big projects.
Saving Money On The Parts
Parts and supplies are half the battle when it comes to a renovation. Saving a dollar here and a dollar there can add up to a heavy pocket. Follow these tips and your pocket might weigh you down.
- Know the complete plan before you start.
Changing your mind in the middle of a job can have expensive consequences. Don’t plan it out the week before you start. Think about everything from the aesthetics to the functionality. After all, it’s much easier to run a pipe before the drywall and cabinets are built.
- Use the current plumbing setup if you can.
Sure, the toilet might be better in the other corner, but is it worth the extra expense?
- Reuse what you can reuse.
If your fixtures and hardware are still functional and current, why not reuse them? These are some of the most significant expenses when it comes to plumbing and renovations. You’d be surprised how effective polishing a faucet with vinegar can be!
- Purchase Low-Flow Faucets and Shower Heads
This will cost you more money upfront but can save you a lot of dough in the long-run. The less water you use, the less you pay for. The less hot water you use, the less energy you pay for!
- Use a prefabricated shower or bathtub.
Prefab showers and tubs are usually cheaper to buy and easier to install than a regular shower or bath setup. Because of the lightweight and easy installation, many DIYers feel comfortable installing these units themselves.
Every bit of work you do is less work that you have to pay for.
- Visit the Damaged Goods section in your plumbing supply store.
Most plumbing and hardware stores will have an area for damaged and returned goods. The damage is usually only aesthetic and often enough it’s on the hidden sides of the fixtures. You might be able to save 30%, 50%, or more because of a scratch that you can’t even see!
And even if you can see it, you might be able to hide some marks with a Magic Eraser.
- Plan far ahead and keep an eye out!
If you have an idea of what you’re going to need months in advance, regularly check on Kijiji and Facebook marketplace. People are often selling used fixtures and hardware at a fraction of the cost as retail. Often enough, you’ll find people giving their used goods away for free!
- Use standard size fixtures.
An XL Bathtub is nice and comfortable, but it will add an enormous cost to your project. Be mindful of standard sizes and choose them when it works.
The same can be said for features. The fancier you buy, the fancier you pay.
- Save money on materials when you can.
For example, PEX is cheaper and easier to install than copper. Not only is it cheaper to buy upfront, but you’ll usually save money on the installation.
- Consider the best season to shop.
Home renovation and design dry up during the cold winter months. It’s not unusual for significant savings and stacked flyers. If you go fishing for a deal, you just might catch one.
- Dispose of old hardware yourself.
Just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t hard work. Removing old toilets, pipes, and hardware yourself and disposing of it might mean some dollars saved.
- Test everything before finishing.
Make sure that there are no leaks in the water lines or drains during use or afterward. The last thing you want is to find water damage or rot after making everything look pretty.
Saving Money On The Plumber
Handy or not, there’s a good chance that you will need a skilled plumber during a kitchen or bathroom reno project. While finding good talent is more than half the battle, you might save some hard-earned cash if you follow some of this advice.
- If you have a good plumber, be fair to him and loyal.
There are two types of customers that a plumber will remember, the good ones and the bad ones.
If you’re an awful customer, there’s no chance that you’re ever going to get a deal.
If you’re a return customer, there’s a good chance you’ll get a good deal.
If you’re a return customer who’s been awesome to your plumber, there’s a great chance you’ll get an awesome deal.
Even plumbers who work for somebody else can often pull strings sometimes, especially for customers that they like.
Remember that plumbers are often underappreciated. If you feel that they did a great job and saved you money, you’re allowed to tip them. They receive tips so infrequently that I’d bet they’d remember you forever.
Tips don’t always have to be cash. (Although cash is always appreciated!)
Is your plumber a nice guy and working hard? Offer him a beverage.
Did he do a great job? Leave him a 5-star review on Google, Yelp, the BBB, and anything else. Reviews help!
The little things go a long way and can be unforgettable.
- Remove old fixtures yourself.
You’re not paying a plumber for a result. You’re paying for his time. If you can save him time by doing some easier and tedious tasks, you should save a ton of money on your end bill.
- Buy parts yourself.
A plumber isn’t shopping around for sales when costing out your renovation. A plumber’s time costs money, and picking up supplies and fixtures isn’t finished in an instant.
On top of the time saved, you can save your plumber a ton of effort by carrying your new toilet or bathtub into your home. Moving heavy objects takes effort, energy, and time. Heavier and larger items will require a second set of hands, which the customer must pay for.
Every bit of effort and time you save the plumber is dollars in your pocket.
- Go DIY when you can.
Sure, you might not be qualified to run the water supply lines and drains, but most people can figure out how to install a faucet if they’re willing to get their hands dirty.
- Find plumbers with a reputation for efficiency.
The first question many potential customers ask a plumber is what their hourly rate is.
While this question isn’t wrong, it doesn’t answer what’s really important. And what’s really important is how much a good job will cost.
Is it better to hire someone who charges 30% less per hour if they’re going to take twice as long? Nope! A skilled plumber can save you and himself a ton of time, which can save you a ton of money.
How is this possible?
Skills, knowledge, experience, imagination and work ethic. A plumber with all of this can work more efficiently, solve problems more effectively, and manage issues more appropriately than a less gifted competitor.
- Shop around for Plumber Loyalty Plans.
For example, John The Plumber offers a customer loyalty plan called the Peace Of Mind Plumbing Program. Among many other benefits, members of this program save 20%-50% on plumbing services.
It’s not unusual to find reputable plumbing service providers that offer similar programs.
- Find talented plumbers who recently became self-employed.
It’s not uncommon for skilled plumbers to outgrow their employers. But unfortunately for most, marketing and plumbing are entirely different skills. So, you might be able to find some exceptional talent at a reasonable price.
These guys will usually be found on Kijiji or the fourth, fifth, or twentieth pages of Google results.
- Wait for the dead season.
Wait until a plumber needs more work before starting a big job. January and February are often slow seasons for plumbers. During these months, they’re far more hungry and likely to give you a deal.
- Pay Cash.
I don’t think that this one requires much explanation. Most of us know that cash is king.
- Make friends with plumbers.
If there’s a big construction site, like a new hotel or shopping center, go to the closest bar on Fridays at 4 PM!
There’s a good chance you’ll meet a group of construction workers looking for a good time.
You’d be surprised how quickly you can make a friend if you’re buying! And who doesn’t want to give a friend a deal?
Full disclosure, you may owe your plumber drinks for a long time, depending on how good of a deal he gives you.
- Scratch your plumbers back.
Plumbers are people too. If you are lucky enough to be in a position to offer deals on products or services that interest your plumber, you might be able to negotiate.
If you’re a car salesman, maybe you can get a great deal on a truck.
If you’re a bar manager, maybe you can get your plumber and his wife a nice night out.
Lots of people are in positions where they can help a brother out. As people, we are so quick to forget that our ancestors bargained and bartered for thousands of years.
Don’t be shy! It might feel awkward to bring it up, but trading deals can be mutually beneficial and fun.
John The Plumber and his team of Burlington Plumbers are dedicated to efficiency, reliability, and world-class customer service. We believe that adding value is the secret to a lifelong business relationship. The next time you need a plumber in Burlington, give John The Plumber a shout!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
