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If you’re a DIY hobbyist, or simply a home owner that needs to get some work done, here are five Do It Yourself tips to help you save money in 2011.

1. Invest Some Time in Research

For a lot of people, the whole idea of shopping is a nightmare. So to help you better cope, forget about shopping and do some research instead. The more research you can do, the more likely you are to get a better price. The Internet is especially helpful in finding what different stores have to offer, and you might even save money by ordering materials online.

2. Look for Close-Outs

Close-out sales are a great way to save money on your DIY projects. Wood flooring, for example, can frequently be found in close-out sales due to the fact that new products are constantly being introduced. There are even entire companies dedicated to selling close-out materials at reduced prices; they’re a great place to find a great deal.

3. Don’t be Afraid to Negotiate

While negotiating prices is usually not possible at a big-box chain store, a local chain or single store is much more likely to allow some wiggle room for prices. Don’t be afraid to ask the salesperson for a reduced price in exchange for buying a certain quantity of materials; perhaps you might even ask for free delivery.

4. Look for Cash Deals

Using the previous example of wood flooring, there are some stores that will offer consumers a better price if they are willing to pay with cash. That’s because retailers must pay a fee every time they accept a credit card. By offering a discount on cash transactions, the wood flooring store can avoid paying the credit card fee and gain a new customer.

5. Don’t Skimp on Quality

Often times, when we think about saving money on our DIY projects, the first thing to go is quality. But buying a lesser quality wood flooring material may end up costing more money in the future. If you’re saving money by purchasing wood flooring that’s likely to need replacement in 5 years, you’ll probably end up spending more money in the long run than you would if you purchased materials with a life expectancy of 10 to 20 years.

Source: www.archtopia.com

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