In 1971 the price of a house was about $29,000, a gallon of gas cost 36 cents, a dozen eggs set you back a whopping 53 cents, and you could mail a letter for a mere 8 cents. Back then, you could get a lot for $100.
Conventional wisdom says that the same amount of money would get you nowhere today, especially if you’re shopping for building and architectural products. But that is not entirely the case. The truth is that with a little bargain hunting and some innovative thinking, your c-note will get you a lot more than you might think.
The first step to getting a good deal, though, is avoiding conventional thinking. Instead of simply buying builder-grade products from home supply stores, take a little time to find other outlets where higher quality items are offered at lower prices—sometimes at deep discounts.
Look to other industries for items that can be adapted to architectural uses for areas such as storage, hardware, and exterior and landscaping elements.
Compare conventional products to newer alternatives. It may require a little more investigation and research, but new materials and surfaces are often more durable and stronger than standard offerings.
Finally, embrace the potential of the web. Most builders undervalue the endless possibilities that are just a click away—often for a very small delivery charge or for free.
“Order as much as you can online, meaning the hardware, door pulls, sinks, faucets, and backsplash tiles,” writes the blog The Desi Mag. “Online stores are usually cheaper, offer free shipping, and can save you the sales tax (find an online store that’s not in your state; that means no sales tax on your purchase).”