How To Save Money On Home Renovation Projects

Renovations can spiral out of control quickly—especially when you hand over the final stages to a general contractor. But in my case, the big-ticket inspections and rough-ins were already complete. The drywall had been hung (but not finished), and all the plumbing and electrical work had passed inspection.

What was left? The finishing phase—drywall mudding and sanding, paint, flooring, doors, and the final plumbing fixtures. It was work that required coordination, but not the full oversight of a GC. By stepping into the project manager role myself, I saved more than $30,000 and still ended up with a beautifully functional basement.

Why I Took on the Role

At first, I assumed I’d need a general contractor to see the project through. But once I looked at the scope, I realized:

• No permits or inspections were needed—just finishing work.

• The jobs were straightforward and could be handled by reliable trades.

• I already had a clear vision for design, color, and layout.

With those pieces in place, hiring a GC felt unnecessary. Instead, I focused on finding the right tradespeople and keeping the schedule on track.

What I Managed (and Saved Money On)

Here’s what fell under my responsibility:

• Drywall finishing – taping, mudding, sanding

• Painting – walls, ceilings, and doors

• Flooring – sourcing and scheduling installation

• Plumbing fixtures – sink, toilet, and hardware

• Doors – painting and hanging

Instead of paying a GC markup, I coordinated directly with each trade. That meant I could shop around for bids, choose finishes that fit both my budget and aesthetic, and slot people in as they were available.

Drywall finishing was messier than we anticipated.

Selecting LVP flooring that felt cohesive with our wood floors

Flooring installation begins!

We were thrilled to lose the dust from the drywall finishing

LVP in the downstairs living space

We had extra flooring - ran some up the wall for a feature wall in the gym space.

Tile surround getting installed

Tile and final plumbing

Where the Savings Came From

• No GC markup. That alone accounted for the largest chunk of savings.

• Direct purchasing with trade discounts. By sourcing materials myself—and taking advantage of my trade discount on flooring, fixtures, and paint—I cut costs significantly while still choosing high-quality finishes.

• Flexibility. I wasn’t locked into one contractor’s timeline, which let me take advantage of trades with gaps in their schedule.

• DIY touches. We took on manageable tasks like painting trim, saving labor costs where it made sense.

What I Learned Along the Way

Even with a fairly straightforward finishing project, there were lessons along the way:

• Details matter. At one point, I realized a couple of drywall sections weren’t finished quite right. It wasn’t a disaster, but it did mean rethinking part of the design—framing out areas I had originally planned to keep flush. The end result worked, but the finish wasn’t a perfect match to the rest of the house. That’s the reality of renovations: even small misses can ripple into design tweaks. Instead of stressing, I adjusted, kept things moving, and reminded myself that progress is always better than perfection.

• Scheduling matters. Mudding and sanding have to fully finish before paint can go up, and flooring can’t happen until paint is complete. Sequencing is key.

• Decisions add up. Every fixture, finish, and paint color is a decision only you can make—so staying organized is critical. Even seemingly small choices can affect cost. For example, painters in our area often charge by the number of colors they have to swap out in their sprayers. Ceiling paint is different from wall paint, and trim, doors, and baseboards are usually finished differently, too. Keeping your palette simple not only creates a cohesive look, it can also save you money.

• Communication is everything. The more clear and direct you are with trades, the smoother the process.

Thoughtfully Designed, Beautifully Functional

For me, this basement project was more than just a savings story. It was proof that with planning, vision, and confidence, you can create a space that feels intentional and complete—without overspending.

And while the living room isn’t fully furnished yet, (all of the rooms are still in progress), that’s part of the process. The priority was finishing the space so it’s functional and welcoming. The furniture and styling will come in layers, just like every home does. I always remind clients (and myself) that design is a journey, not a one-day makeover.

If you’re considering a home project but feel a little intimidated by all the moving parts, I can help. From coordinating with trades to project-managing the finishing details, Stanton Style Studio can step in to make the process smoother—so you feel confident in the decisions and the end result.

That’s the heart of what I bring to every project: homes that balance practicality with beauty, where every choice serves a purpose.