Pros And Cons Of A Frugal Homeowner

Owning a home can be expensive at times. Saving money where you can is never a bad thing. But, there is a difference between being frugal and being cheap.

A frugal homeowner only spends money when it is needed. A cheap one uses quick fixes and half-baked ideas to avoid spending money. In the end, the cheap homeowner will need to pay out the big bucks to fix the minor problems that turned into major ones.

Are you a frugal homeowner or are you a cheap one?

Six Signs You are a Cheap Homeowner

Putting off basic maintenance to save some money. It is so easy to ignore basic maintenance around your home. A bit of flaky paint here or there is no big deal. Actually, it is a minor problem that can become a big one. Sun can break down the paint, exposing the surface beneath to damage. Fixing the underlying surface will definitely cost more than repainting it.
Doing the work yourself is definitely a way to save money on home projects. However, some jobs are just too complicated or too big for the average homeowner's skills. If you don't know how to properly sand your new wood floors, bring in the professionals. Otherwise, you may find your new wood floors have dings, dents, and uneven spots that cannot be fixed.

Refusing to pay retail prices. Comparing prices to get the best deal is definitely a smart thing to do with any major home improvement project. However, refusing to make the purchase until you get wholesale prices can end up costing you more than you might think. When your ideal tile goes on clearance, you may find that you cannot get enough to do the job.

Not using the right tools for the job. Some jobs require special tools for the best outcome. Trying to paint with a cheap brush will leave you with uneven color and a sloppy looking finish. Trying to remove a special fastener with the wrong tool can cause irreperable