Remodeling your home can be a great way to make your house seem brand new. Remodeling is often a much better option than building a new home, but it can still be an expensive process.
If you want to do a remodel without breaking the bank, try these ten tips to help you create a renovated ho on a budget.
Have a plan before starting
One of the most significant ways to increase your bill when it comes to remodeling is not having a set plan before you start. You should create a detailed outline before you start your remodeling experience. Create house floor plans of your desired remodel, and then you can create a detailed step-by-step plan and budget for your remodel.
Have a firm budget
When you make your plan, you should also create a budget. Look into the prices of what you want for furniture, appliances, and add-ons you want. Create your budget accordingly and stick to it. Make sure you budget some wiggle room into your plan in case anything goes wrong or ends up costing more than expected.
Don’t go over your budget no matter what happens. You have to be firm and cut down on costs when and where necessary if the remodel ends up costing you more than you budgeted.
Use recycled materials
A great way to cut down on costs is to use recycled materials when you can. Scrap yards and second-hand shops are great places to find more recycled materials such as door knobs, wood, and tile for much cheaper than they would be if you bought them new.
Keep plumbing as is
One of the most expensive renovations in a remodel is redoing your plumbing. If possible, you should keep the plumbing in your house the same during your renovation. Keeping your sinks and toilet in the same spot is a great way to save money on your remodeling costs.
If you are doing a kitchen remodel, consider keeping your kitchen sink the same as far as possible.
DIY where you can
If you want to save money on your remodeling, you should do as much of the work as you can yourself. You should pick up your own deliveries to save on delivery fees, paint yourself, and take on any other DIY projects you feel you can do comfortably.
Doing what you can yourself instead of paying for labor is a great way to save money and ensure you stick to your budget. There are many projects, from demolition to interior design, that can be done without the help of professionals and can save you a lot of money.
Avoid peak renovation times
Most people renovate and remodel during the summer months, so contractors and other handymen tend to charge higher prices during that time. When you are looking to do your renovations, you should plan to do them during the off-season.
By choosing to push your renovations to a less busy time of the year for contractors and handymen, you will be getting the best prices and likely be able to hire your first picks more quickly than you would during the peak seasons when they are booked solid. Ask your workers for their availability and choose the best time for your remodel.
Do disposal yourself
Disposing of materials during a remodel can become costly. It will be expensive if you end up having to pay laborers to pick up the materials you are throwing out and haul them to the proper disposal place. An alternative is to get a large trash bin for your property or to gather and transport the materials yourself.
Disposing of discarded materials isn’t a cost that people often think about during remodels, so it can be an easy place to cut into your budget. If you can instead cover the tasks and costs of disposing of your trashed materials yourself instead of outsourcing them, you can spend that money on what you want from your remodel.
Only replace where necessary
Rather than replace your hardware and appliances, try to give them an update. Refurbishing old furniture with a fresh coat of paint or adding new window fixtures is a lot cheaper than getting brand-new things.
Things that need to be replaced are good to budget but don’t go overboard with it. Try to use what you already have and give new life to your home goods rather than starting from scratch, and your wallet will thank you.
Finish your basement
An unfinished basement can be a wonderful thing to work on when you want to give your home new life. Rather than adding onto a home, which can be very costly, you could instead use the basement as the space for what you want. A basement can be an excellent space for entertainment, such as an indoor movie theater, or even a way to create new bedrooms.
Finishing your basement can save you a lot of cash when it comes to sprucing up your home.
Look-alikes
You can always shop for cheaper items if you want to save on your home design and decor. There are many high-quality look-alikes for designer items that cost much less, and often no one will notice the difference.
Rather than going for genuine wood floors, you could choose laminate flooring that looks authentic. There are also excellent marble counters that can replace granite countertops. On the pieces that you are willing to part with the exact version, getting a look-alike is a great idea that can help you keep your accounts full.
Parting shot
Remodeling your home can be an incredible journey that allows you to turn your house into the home of your dreams, but it can also be a costly and time-consuming endeavor that leaves you breaking the bank. Before diving headfirst into your home remodel, try these ten tips to make your project a little lighter on your wallet.