Save $1000s on your rehab and repairs !

I often get asked how can one save money on their rehabs.  There are many ways, lets discuss a few.

 1.  Have a plan of attack for your repair and rehab.  Know what you are going to do, all the items you will need, make a list at the store of specific items.

2.  As you will probably need to shop at several stores, be sure to check in at each and find out if they have a contractor or prodesk - you can check out there websites to find a ton of ways to save. 

3.  Next take that list to the contractor desk at most major stores (Home Depot, Lowes, Nebraska Furniture Mart all come to mind here in Kansas City) and ask them to price it out with the contractor discounts - this can save you anywhere from 12% to 18% on the total order.

4.  Pay with a debit or credit card that includes a discount or a rebate.  Some stores, like Lowes offer a 5% discount all all purchases using their card, but you might also have a major Visa card that gives you cash back to use at other stores.  That's money in your pocket.

5.  Sign up for information and contractor specials on their websties, and most of them will send you discount coupons periodically through out the year for money savings.

 6.  Get on a first name basis with your store people, they will tell you when things are going to be on sale, it might be worth buying kitchen appliances the next week when the ad starts. 

7.  Note that most stores these days are going to honor competitor prices, so if you have a written advertised price at Lowes, take it to Home Depot for probably the same price.  Lowes states on their website to bring  Home Depot ad into Lowes for a price match plus an additional 10% off.

8.  Join Trade Associations For example our Assoication here in Kansas City http://www.MAREInet.com - Mid-America Association of Real Estate Investors and see what money saving discount you can get.  Currently in addition to all the discounts you can already get a Home Depot, Lowes, and Nebraska Furniture Mart, you can also get a 2% rebate back on every single dollar spent at Lowes - that is in addition to what ever discount you currently receive.

9.  Shop ads and stock up on small items that you use every day when their is an awesome deal.  I remember my mom buying Green Beans by the case when they were 4/100 at the Grocery store, so use this method with your calk, outlet covers, light fixtures, etc.  Just be sure you have some place that they can be securly stored until you use them.

10.  Google for discount codes online  and see what you get.

Any other ideas, please comment.