* This is a collaborative/partnered post
It doesnβt matter if you are working with a big budget or a small one, the cost of making renovations at home can easily get out of hand. But the moment you find that budgetary sweet spot, your home will get a facelift, and your finances will not end up in bad shape. It may seem near impossible considering the things you need to get done in a short period of time. But the five steps below will open your eyes to ways you can renovate your home on a budget. Due to being a freelance blogger, money can be super tight so I know all about having to do everything on a budget. Call me a pro if you will. So without further ado, here are 5 tips for home renovations on a budget!
1. Have a plan handy
You see, some home renovations are worth the cost, but some are not. Hence why you should have a viable plan in place before beginning. Be as detail-oriented as possible by doing your research and arming yourself with sufficient information concerning the prices of building materials. It’s not enough to do a wide Google search for a number of reasons, the first being that you’ll not find much uniformity in the prices.
For instance, floor coverings that practically look the same can have radically different price tags. Small choices such as ceramic vs. porcelain, can make a huge difference both in terms of the materials and cost of installation. So, back your online searches with word of mouth and you’ll get the reliable information you can actually use. We have lookedΒ online as well as contacting friends in the industry who have experience of the area we are seeking advice on. It’s better to be clued up from reliable sources!
2. Stick to the plan
It is not enough to just devise a plan of action, once you’ve got the road map, stick to it as much as you can. Sure, last-minute changes are allowed here and there, but keep it in mind that they will only lengthen your timeline. Even worse, they’ll most likely pile up your costs in terms of labor and materials needed. So sticking to your plan is very important, it’ll help you reign in your spending and finish the project within a stipulated period. MaybeΒ even make note in your plan where there may be areas for minor changes and add ons to prepare.
3. Cut costs where you can
Whether you are renovating a bedroom, or kitchen, cutting costs is always a welcome idea, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Don’t get me wrong, this does not mean that you have to compromise on the quality of the work. Instead, consider going for refurbished or pre-owned items, this way you can get a good quality product at a steal. Even more, previous projects may provide you with some leftover stone slabs, or you could wait for some of the more expensive items to go on sales.
Sure, this will take a little bit of time, but the money saved will be well worth it, plus keep in mind that good things take time! Another way to cut costs is to opt for a subcontractor instead of a general contractor. Naturally, there will be areas you can’t compromise on in terms of cash, in that case, you can consider Guarantor Loans from Buddy Loans. Always be safe with loans! Remember renovation doesn’tΒ have to mean debt.
4. Reuse materials
It saves you a lot of money if you reuse some materials during a renovation. If you want to be real about it, not everything deserves the boot. Take a long hard look at your appliances and cabinetry, there may be a whole lot of reusable materials in there. Even more, you may not need to trade in your doors for new ones, simply reface them to tweak the style and outlook. You can equally replace doors that are beyond repair, but leave the cabinet body in place.
If it is not possible to reuse certain things, materials can still be sourced from salvage yards, building material auctions, and buy/sell/trade websites. Who knows? Some people who are relocating altogether may need to sell off appliances that are perfectly fine β all these can come very cheap. Head over to your trustΒ worthy sites to see if anyone close by is selling anything that could be of use to you or pop to your local thrift store!
5. DIY some work
To cut down on the overall cost, you can DIY some work like painting; the great thing about activities like these is that you don’t necessarily have to have the skillet. A YouTube video here and a Google search there can arm you with some viable knowledge to this effect. Additionally, installation costs can be cut when you personally remove your old floor coverings and lay on the new ones. It may look like you’re scrambling for pennies when you DIY some things, but you’ll be surprised at how much you shave off at the end. Putting down our own flooring, painting andΒ renovating ourselves has all together the past few years saved us between Β£500 and Β£1000. It is insane how much we can save!
In conclusion, renovating a home on a budget can be quite difficult, but if you cut costs by DIYing some of the work with family and friends, it may turn out to be an enjoyable experience with aΒ quality end piece! One to be proud of.
If you enjoyed this post please feel free to head over to my other renovation themed posts!
Thank you for reading. I’d love to know if you have been getting into some home renovation recently.
Stay wonderful!
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