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Home improvement is the process of renovating or making additions to a home. It can include replacing worn-out surfaces, improving livability, or increasing energy efficiency.
Using the right savings strategies and credit cards can help homeowners reduce the cost of their home improvements. These tips include using shopping portals, taking advantage of special discounts, and using credit cards that offer purchase protection benefits.
Look for Special Offers
With supply chain issues and inflation pushing building materials costs up, home renovations can be expensive. Fortunately, you can use smart strategies to find discounts on your purchases and reduce those expenses.
Consider using your credit card to make home repair purchases if it includes a shopping gateway and rewards program so you may earn cash back or extra points. Many of the best credit cards for home upgrades include a high return on investment, with a specific category covering tools, flooring, paint, lighting, and appliances. When purchasing numerous things, check websites like RetailMeNot for bulk discounts.
Home improvement stores always run sales, but Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the biggest opportunities to score big savings.
Also check out clearance sections at your local store for items no longer in production. These can often be a bargain, especially on flooring that is being discontinued and replaced with something new. In addition, remember to look at online marketplaces for used items that may be just as good as new but cost significantly less. These used goods may even be eligible for a manufacturer’s rebate, further cutting costs.
Take Advantage of Discounts
Many credit cards offer extra rewards in specific categories like home improvement and 0% introductory interest periods that can make financing large purchases much easier. For example, an Advantage Card offers 5% back on all in-store purchases and is a solid option for those who often shop at the home improvement giant. Many store cards also feature generous sign-up bonuses and rewards programs that can help you stretch your home improvement dollars even further.
Consider using home improvement purchases to meet minimum spending requirements and qualify for welcome bonuses on new credit cards. Aim to use a credit card that offers a generous return in the category of home improvement or furniture, as this will maximize the points you can earn with your purchases. Additionally, consider buying gift cards in bulk to maximize bonus categories on a credit card, as this can be an easy way to rack up additional rewards.
Look for Freebies
There must be one right strategy for getting the most out of your home improvement purchases. For online purchases, shopping portals may multiply your cash-back earnings or rewards points on top of what your card earns you.
Discounted gift cards can save you money on items like composite wood desks at furniture stores. It’s also a good idea to take advantage of sign-up bonuses, which can be worth hundreds of dollars or more. However, buying discounted gift cards can cost you important credit card protections such as return policies. So it’s wise to plan and create space for these freebies in your house, such as a box or basket in the basement, and keep a file of all the offers you’ve applied for.
Sign Up for Retailer Newsletters
Many home improvement stores and online retailers offer exclusive discounts and promotions to their newsletter subscribers. Sign up for newsletters from your preferred retailers to stay informed about upcoming sales, special offers, and coupon codes. This simple step can result in significant savings over time. Home improvement projects don’t have to break the bank. By implementing these smart strategies for utilizing discounts, you can save money on materials, tools, and fixtures while still achieving the results you desire. Whether planning a small renovation or a major overhaul, being a savvy shopper can significantly impact your budget and make your home improvement dreams more affordable and achievable.
Ask for Discounts
Making home improvements can be a big investment, but you can cut costs by looking for deals and using credit cards that offer rewards in your favorite categories. Credit card rewards, 0% introductory APR periods for financing, and generous sign-up bonuses can help stretch your home improvement dollars further.
Local hardware and remodeling stores tend to have more leeway in price reductions than larger chains that have set prices dictated by corporate headquarters, money-saving expert Andrea Woroch says. She advises consumers to ask sales associates for discounts and to respectfully request to speak with a manager if a salesperson refuses to cut them a deal.
She says you can also maximize your rewards by buying discounted gift cards for home improvement stores through shopping portals and putting those purchases on a credit card that offers bonus categories in your favorite store. And if you’re paying for building supplies with a credit card with purchase protection, you can take advantage of additional savings by stacking these strategies. You can even earn extra points by purchasing home improvement gift cards at grocery and office supply stores, which often have them in their gift card departments and sell them for a small markup.
