New Home Buying: Budgeting for Furniture and Tools

Most new homeowners are so preoccupied with buying their new home that they forget to make room in their budget for things like furniture,  home tools, and gardening equipment. Without careful planning, these items can add up to thousands of dollars. Here are a few tips to take the sting out of the little extras that go along with new home ownership.

Buy the Builder’s Model

The model show home is often professionally decorated and trimmed out with the very best appliances and furnishings the builder has to offer. Although you may not like everything the designer has chosen, buying the pre-furnished model is usually much cheaper and easier than decorating yourself. Appliances and furnishings can be added into the sale price either by the builder or by using a personal property addendum that lists the value of the items separately from the value of the home.

Start Collecting Castoffs

Collecting all you need to start a new home from relatives or garage sales pays off handsomely when it’s time to move in. Eclectic decor is fun, but don’t forget to gather rakes, snow blowers, lawn mowers, and patio furniture. An added bonus is that older furniture is often made better than new furniture. Try to choose a style and color scheme when choosing items and be extremely meticulous about both condition and price. In addition, don’t buy anything on credit!

Insist on Hard Working Furniture

New home buyers are hard workers; make sure the furniture you buy for your home is as hard working as you are. When possible, buy pieces that have multiple uses. A good sofa bed can be used for guests and many dining tables make excellent desks. Thinking about multiple uses for furniture translates into useful living spaces for less money.

Plan the Floors and Windows

Even inexpensive rugs and window coverings can easily double a furniture budget. Sometimes builders offer alternatives like carpet and shutters that eliminate these extra costs. Hard wood floors are beautiful but area rugs are usually needed to define furniture arrangements and make the floor warmer. Moreover, rugs provide noise insulation. When buying large area rugs make sure that there isn’t any noticeable off-gassing.

Finally, keep in mind …

Your New Home doesn’t have to be Flawless Immediately!

Furniture comes in a variety of grades and it is perfectly acceptable to buy cheaper furniture with the plan of upgrading it in a few years. After living in the house, it is easier to determine a style that suits your lifestyle. With a little planning and thought these extra new home costs can be made to fit almost any budget.