Top 5 Ways to Save Money on Your Home Renovation
No matter how much you love your home and what you’ve done with it, over time, its looks will start to fade. It’s only natural. After all, trends change and normal wear and tear are inevitable. So, if you’re a little bored of your old decor, it’s probably time to switch things up a bit.
However, home renovations can be expensive, especially if you’re looking to redo the whole house. If you’re not careful, costs can run into the tens of thousands of dollars and keep on climbing. Don’t worry too much, though, because it is more than possible to update your home for less. You just need a home renovation budget and a handful of top tips.
How to Budget for a Home Renovation
Budgeting for a home renovation is a big job in and of itself. But, it’s a worthwhile exercise if you want to make changes that have an impact at a small price point. So, to start with, come up with a plan for what you want to do. You might, for example, decide to update the kitchen cabinets, add a feature wall to the bedroom, or change the flooring.
Next, do some research. It’s important that you find the best options for your money, whether they be well-priced contractors or a DIY approach. You will also need to decide which materials to use for each task, including paint, hardware, and more.
Through all of your planning, you have to keep a budget in mind and stick to it. Make sure you work out what you can afford and make all of your decisions based on that figure. But, crucially, you need to be careful not to scrimp in important places. Remember that some renovations lead to long-term savings. So, balance the pros and cons of cutting costs now with saving money over time.
5 Tips to Renovate Your Home on a Budget
With your finances in order and a plan of action, it’s time to start renovating your home. But what, exactly, are the best home renovations you can do on a budget? Here are five that are sure to make your home look and feel as good as new.
Redo the Walls
Scuff marks, peeling paint, and faded wallpaper all make a room look dated. So, why not start with the walls? They’re really easy to freshen up on a budget because you can do it yourself. The materials don’t have to cost too much, either. There are plenty of wallpaper options that start from just $7 a metre and paint can be relatively inexpensive, too.
Breathe new life into your living room or hallway with a fresh coat of paint. Or, reinvigorate the bedroom with a trendy feature wall and a bit of feng shui. With a paintbrush and some wallpaper paste, you can bring any room up to date.
Repaint the Kitchen Cabinets
Don’t put the paint away once you’re finished with the walls. Instead, tackle the kitchen cabinets with a fresh coat that will make them pop. Opt for colours that go well with your splashback or select a shade that draws the eye. Very often, that’s all it takes to make a kitchen seem current.
You could also update the cabinet door handles and other kitchen hardware for an even fresher look. Think all-new taps and hanging racks. Coupled with the newly painted walls, these small tweaks will make a big difference.
New Flooring
Making sweeping changes to the floors might sound eye wateringly expensive. But, with cost-effective peel-and-stick options, you’ll save a fortune. You don’t even have to pull up the old floorboards or tiles. Simply lay down your adhesive flooring for an all-new appearance.
However, if you have a little more money to play with, swapping out the old floors for new ones is still an option. You might have to start with just one room as a way of spreading the costs. It will take longer, but it’s a solid investment if you’re hoping to improve your home from top to bottom.
Improve Curb Appeal
Sometimes, home renovation plans are all about increasing the value of a property, usually before the owners decide to sell. If that’s the case for you, then focus your energies on improving curb appeal. It’s an inexpensive way to make your home look its best. And, if you get it right, you could up your home’s value by between 5% and 20%.
So, spend more time gardening and landscaping if you don’t already. Make sure you clean the exterior of the house, too, and replace anything that’s cracked, broken, or otherwise unsightly. You could also add attractive flower planters and hanging baskets around the entrance. Or, introduce lighting that lights up the driveway and creates an atmosphere.
Install a New Roof
This one might sound like more of a stretch, but a new roof is well worth considering. While admittedly not as wallet-friendly as a fresh lick of paint or adhesive floorboards, a good roof will save you plenty over time. And, with the right type of roof, you can still stick to your home renovation budget.
Dry fixed roofing systems are the new standard in Australian home construction. They include a mechanically fixed ridge that creates space for air to pass through. This prevents heat and moisture from building up in the roof and warming the house below. As such, they can reduce energy costs by up to 5%. And, because they’re so easy to install, they’re much cheaper than traditional mortar roofs.
How to Do Home Renovations on a Budget
The term “home renovations” might conjure up visions of sky-high costs, but it is possible to update your home on a budget. While you won’t be able to tear out whole rooms or add extensions, you can still make valuable changes. Whether you want to redo the floors or install a new roof, there are plenty of reasonable options.
So, work out your home renovation budget and make a plan. With the right approach, you can give your home a new look, bump up its value, and cut long-term costs.