When looking at Bakersfield homes for sale, you might consider getting a fixer-upper. Buying a house that needs a little work, then hiring a contractor to make the necessary renovations can save money and raise your home's value. However, if you're not careful, those renovation costs can balloon well past your budget. Here are some tips to help you keep them from getting out of hand.

• Make a Plan. "Fixing the house up" is a vague idea. Before talking to contractors, determine how much work you want done, what kind, and where. Having a plan and sticking to it will help you stay on budget.
  
  
• Shop Around. When selecting a contractor, don't just accept the first offer you get. Look around and see who's out there, what each of them can do for you, and what you can expect to pay for it. Get at least three bids before making your decision. You should also talk to past clients to see what their experience was and check them out on Yelp, Angie's List, and similar sites.
  
  
• Communicate. Talk to your contractor about everything. Let them know your budget, what you can afford, and what you can't afford. Sit down with them and discuss exactly what you want done, how much you're able to spend on it, and what you can reasonably get for that amount. Then, keep the lines of communication open throughout every step of the process. If something is costing more than it should, you need to know sooner rather than later, so you can decide what to do about it. The better you communicate, the more likely you will get what you want and avoid overpaying.
  
  
• Set Limits. One way to avoid going over budget is to have hard limits for how much you're willing to spend—not just for the project as a whole but for each individual room. That way, when costs do start to balloon, you have a better idea of where, specifically, the money is going and what you have to cut.
  
  
• Consider Your Materials. Materials costs are often a choice between saving money now and saving money later. For instance, hardwood floors are very expensive, but they'll last for decades. Ceramic tile can last up to a century if you take good care of it. Vinyl and laminate floors are much cheaper but will only last a decade or so. Think about how long you plan to own this house and how much wear and tear you can expect in different rooms. Use those factors to decide whether you want to save on the cost of materials or invest a little more in the long term. If you are on a tighter budget, try to look for the midpoint between very expensive, high-quality materials and cheap materials that will fall apart quickly.
  
  
• Account for Inflation. Prices are constantly rising. You've budgeted the cost of materials, but when you go to pay for them, they're more than you anticipated. Experts recommend adding 5-10% to your initial budget.
  
  
• Do Some Yourself. If you're comfortable with DIY projects, you can save money by tackling certain tasks yourself. That may include painting the walls, installing tiles and flooring, or even minor repairs—anything you're comfortable with that you can do safely.

If you're ready to make Bakersfield your new neighborhood, our agents can not only find the best house for your needs but also help you find the best contractors in the area to you turn that house into a home. Contact us to learn more!