Every homeowner has to deal with a harsh truth at some point: home improvement projects are like death and taxes! They’re inevitable, and no matter how satisfied you feel when your dwelling finally looks anew, the whole process can be money-draining, especially with the recent rising costs.
However, if you look at it through investor glasses, it can be a sword with two blades. While it may cost a fortune, it’s also a project that raises your property’s value in case you sell it in the future.
Regardless of how much money you’re willing to spend, home renovation costs can quickly go out of control, meaning you may face the difficult moment of cutting some improvements off the list. But by saving up the following tips, you can keep your aspirations high and revamp your home without needing to hit the jackpot!
Photo source: https://unsplash.com/photos/jn7uVeCdf6U
Create a detailed plan
While letting your imagination run wild and dream of a Disney-like home can be exciting, it’s not the way to cut on those burdensome remodel costs. A detailed plan for your renovation project will keep your expenditure within the parameters and ensure you’re ticking off more improvements from your list. This way, you’ll understand where the most significant part of your budget goes so that you can adjust your to-do list along the way.
It’s important to add as much readily-available information as possible, including quotes for materials, furniture, appliances, and labour. Generally, a good portion of a remodel budget should be dedicated to appliances with malfunctions. And with so many offerings on the horizon, it only takes listening to experts who reveal the tips for picking the perfect appliances that are quality, affordable, and energy-efficient.
Additionally, it would be best to have a cushion for unforeseeable costs. Some experts recommend setting aside 10% to 15% of your budget for cost overruns, though with today’s increasing rates, you may want to increase this number.
Reuse materials
Some pieces of furniture and items in your home are diamonds in the rough. You may have long dreamed of replacing that old cabinetry or buying new countertops, but the truth is that there are other ways to give your kitchen the much-needed face-lift without breaking the bank. Everyone knows quality furniture is budget-straining, but if you replace their doors, use some paint, or add a water-proof finish, you’ll get a pretty satisfying result.
Even if you can’t repurpose everything you own, you can purchase fixtures and materials from secondhand stores, ex-displays, auctions, or salvage yards. Increasingly more specialist retailers offer their products through some of these channels at a fraction of the cost.
Refinish floors
With the techniques and products available on the market, refreshing the look of your floorings doesn’t have to cost a bundle. Some homeowners may think hardwood floors need resealing for a new look, but they couldn’t be further from the truth.
If you have hardwood floors, you can refinish them and remove the scratches in as little as a day and at a fraction of the cost with a store-bought abrasion kit and a finish. On the other hand, laminate floors are quickly and cheaply restored by etching their surface and adding a new coat.
Do it yourself
Some tasks are challenging, but you can do several things to save labour costs and stay ahead of the game. You pay by the hour, meaning that costs for cleaning the space, preparing surfaces, and painting will add up when crossing the line. But with middle DIY skills, determination, and a few videos on YouTube, you can make significant savings on these undertakings. You can do many things by yourself with the right tools and mindset.
Hunt bargains
If you’re willing to purchase from a contractor, remember that they generally offer materials their suppliers provide, meaning increased costs. But if you can hold your horses for a little while, you may find bargains, discounted materials, and appliances in good condition, with a few minor flaws, like a dent or scratch.
How to determine when to take the DIY approach
One of the most challenging decisions is whether to work with a professional or renovate your home yourself. Many factors go into this decision, with the most important considerations being the size of your budget and how developed your skills and know-how are.
Most experts provide some quotes, whether it’s via a mobile call, text, or enlisted on their website, so you can compare the options available and find the best deal. However, in most cases, DIY is the more affordable way to spruce up your home.
Before jumping on one of the approaches, consider the following aspects:
- Are the cost savings substantial enough to compensate for your efforts or the risk that your work may not be as perfect as that of a hired professional?
- Do you have the freedom and time to carry out the remodelling project yourself?
- Will it be an inconvenience if the repairs take longer than expected?
Budget remodel ideas to indulge
Whether it’s to improve your lifestyle or your property’s value, you should consider a few easy and cost-effective renovations to take your space from dull to dashing. There are countless ways to achieve that well-deserved home face-lift without borrowing. And given today’s economic uncertainty, borrowing funds would not be the soundest idea! The recommended way to make some changes to your home is by saving a chunk of money and staying away from debt.
Adding new curtains and incorporating artwork are among the cheapest and most effective changes you can make in your bedrooms. They’re eye-catching improvements that will add interest to each of your rooms, and you can find a plethora of good-looking products at craft stores and thrift shops.
Renovating your home on a budget doesn’t mean you have to set low expectations. Contrarily, by creating a detailed strategy, defining a long-term goal, and remaining patient to find the best deals, you can revamp most of the important parts of your dwelling to meet your needs and taste.
