Remodel on a Budget: Affordable Home Improvement Projects
If you’re looking to add some excitement to your home but you don’t want to break the bank and comprise on quality, you have nothing to worry about.
This article will guide you on how to save money on a home renovation.
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Affordable Home Improvement Projects |
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Painting |
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Appliances and Lighting Fixtures |
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Wallpaper |
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Add Storage |
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Flooring Updates |
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Cabinets and Countertops |
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Bathroom Upgrades |
Painting
Don’t underestimate the impact of a simple coat of paint. A fresh coat of paint both on the exterior and interior can make a big impact on the overall look of your space. Although painting the whole house in another different color may be costly, it is still one of the easiest ways of making a room feel renewed.
Painting a house allows enough light in the rooms, saving you on the cost of adding more windows. A brightened room reflects all the natural light it receives from the doors and windows. The reflected light brightens things up in the room and thus reducing your energy bills.
Some of the popular colors in home renovations include earthy green-gray, warm whites, timeless Stone Blue, mustard yellow, and coral.
ProTip Takeaway: It’s not a good idea to paint in bright colors because they affect the lighting of the house.
Update Your Appliances and Lighting Fixtures
Another budget-friendly way to give your home a fresh look is to change out appliances and lighting fixtures.
If you’re looking to change the overall look of your interior and save money, consider changing your existing fixtures instead of buying a new one.
There are several electrical DIY projects when it comes to appliances and fixtures, and most of them are actually so inexpensive and yet, can do wonders for your space. Some simply involve swapping your old appliances with higher-performing, visually-coordinated appliances, and repainting worn-out fixtures, while others entail installing a traditional chandelier, pendant lights, and more.
Use Wallpaper
Wallpaper can be a great way to keep a home remodel on a budget. You can introduce some personality and character to your living room using removable wallpapers. Compared to painting, wallpaper is considered a more budget-friendly choice for home renovation.
Add Storage
If you are running low on built-in storage space, adding custom shelves or a purchased cabinet can boost your quality of living too. Look for unclaimed wall vertical space and install storage options such as tiered carts, apothecary cabinets, and leaning ladders. Apothecary cabinets made from composite or plywood are a budget-friendly way of boosting storage space in your bathroom. Tiered carts on the other hand are less expensive and you don’t need an expert to install them.
Update your flooring
If the flooring in your living space is looking a little dated, you may need to replace it, which is expensive. If you’re looking for the most affordable way to add some new life into your space, consider DIY flooring options like using rubber tiles, carpeting or decorative rugs, and Vinyl flooring.
Invest in New Cabinets and Countertops
If your kitchen is in need of new countertops, consider using more cost-effective materials but still, it looks great. Also, consider decluttering and reorganizing your countertops to add more space.
When you are remodeling your cabinets on a budget, always consider the costs associated with the installation, labor, and materials. Instead of costly countertops like quartzite, try to find affordable quartz, laminate, or granite materials.
Bathroom Upgrades
Consider updating your bathroom fixtures if they’re starting to look dated. Try installing sleek and modern designed cabinets. To save money on a remodel, you can also install cabinet knobs first before purchasing new ones altogether.
Install a vent fan to improve air circulation. This will help reduce moisture stains and mold growth in your space. It will also help reduce humidity and allow free circulation of air, which eliminates unpleasant odors in your bathroom.
How to Save Money on a Remodel
A home renovation is expensive, however, there are several ways to lower the cost of a remodel and still get good results.
Set A Budget for Your Remodel
An easy way to save money on your renovation project is to set a realistic budget and stick to it. Estimate all the costs associated with your project, including permits, labor, materials, and so forth. Have in mind that you’re planning to remodel on a budget so keep it within your capability.
Identify things you will need to purchase, hire, reuse, replace, and repair. Since new items can end up eating up a lot of your budget, consider using less expensive materials.
It’s a good idea to budget for unexpected expenses because they will always emerge. Make sure to reserve 10% to 20% of your total budget for any unforeseen costs that may come up during the renovation.
Reuse/Recycle Materials
You can save money on a remodel by using salvaged materials such as plastic, wood, and many other materials. Some recycled materials are cheap, durable, as well as readily available – thus a great choice for a tight budget remodel.
If you desire to use brand-new materials, you can trade your old materials for another item. Always ensure the item purchased on the resale is not only enough for your project but also durable to serve you for a long time.
ProTip Takeaway: By using salvaged materials, you’ll be helping the planet in the process of saving money on your remodel.
Do It Yourself (DIY)
DIY is one of the most effective ways to save money on a remodel. If you are not handy with laying tile, or putting up drywall, there are simple things you can do to prep your space before your pro comes. Remember you’re paying a contractor per hour, no matter how the nature of the task.
If you can clean up the space, prepare surfaces for painting, or scrape off mastic on the floor, then you’re one step ahead of lowering the overall cost of your project.
If you’re looking to do most of the work yourself, be aware that there are some tasks that are limited to do if you aren’t licensed. Such tasks include electrical work, plumbing, and demolition. Even if you’re licensed to undertake these tasks, you will be required to get a permit from the relevant authority.
ProTip Takeaway: Make YouTube your friend if want to take your moderate DIY skills up a notch. Take your time to learn new tricks and if don’t have the necessary tools to carry out DIY projects, consider renting them from a nearby hardware store.
Do Not Take Out a Loan to Renovate
It might sound simple, but remodeling using the money you already have can save you a lot of money on a home renovation. On the other hand, the chances of paying high renovation costs are high if you put things on a credit card or take out a loan.
If you’re remodeling to sell your home in the future, it might make sense to take out a loan because the return on your investment will offset the loan and its interest.
ProTip Takeaway: Paying in cash is the best way to save money on a home renovation. If you can’t afford it now, start saving for your project by trimming your household budget
Are You Ready to Remodel Your Home on a Budget?
At Smart Remodeling, LLC we can assist you to save money on your home renovation project and still get the renovations that you want for your home.
Our team of highly creative professionals possesses decades of experience and is committed to providing you with quality work that reflects your personal style and taste. Schedule your free consultation today and let’s help you renovate on a budget!