Giving your home some extra attention doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. You don’t need to spend lots of money to upgrade the look of your property. With some clever budgeting and a few well-thought-out decisions, you can make significant changes without breaking the bank. Here are some tips on how to maximize the impact of your home improvement budget.
Plan ahead. Make a clear plan for what you want to achieve before you start throwing cash around. Deciding what you need to do before you start is key. If you plan carefully, you can save time and money, and you’ll be less likely to be taken in by unscrupulous salesmen.
Buy smart. Don’t overspend on items you don’t need. Shop around to get the best deals and consider using refurbs and second-hand hardware where you can. Invest in quality, but don’t necessarily buy the most expensive item – try to find something well-made that gets the job done.
Prep properly. It’s likely that you can save money by doing some of the preparatory work yourself if you have the skills, such as plastering, sanding, wallpapering, and painting. By prepping the space yourself, you’ll save money on labour costs.
Spruce up, rather than gut. Room renovation can be expensive. If you don’t have the budget for a complete overhaul, consider sprucing things up. Painting can often have a huge impact for minimal outlay, and replacing tap fixtures and light fittings can be an economical way to update a room.
DIY without issue. For people with the right tools and skills, DIY is a great way to save money. If you want to take on a big job, however, make sure you have the right training in place. DIY gone wrong can be incredibly expensive to put right, and may even damage the integrity of your building.
Make small changes. Changing details like cushion edges, blinds and shower curtains are small-scale updates but they can make an immense difference to a room’s ambience. Even switching up lighting and putting up mementos can make a huge impact in living spaces.
Go green. Choosing energy-efficient lighting, for instance, could help to reduce your energy bills in the long term. Consider natural light, which is free, rather than electric lighting, to make early-morning sunshine even more useful during the day.
Create an illusion of space. Instead of paying out for a larger property, consider rearranging furniture to make the most of the space you already have. Use mirrors to create depth and focus on the positives of rooms.
Choose the right materials. Don’t make the mistake of buying cheap materials for home improvements. Good quality materials that last a long time, such as insulation and roofing, can save you money in the long run.
Pick your floor wisely. Tiling can get expensive, so choose the right type of flooring that suits your budget. Wood, vinyl, and tile are just a few of the flooring materials to choose from.
Go for mini updates. Aim to make several mini updates, rather than one big renovation. Smaller projects like updating kitchen hardware and fixtures can make a big impact on the overall look.
Add character. Repurposed furniture and vintage pieces can bring a certain charm to a room – what’s more, you generally don’t have to spend a fortune on these items.
Reuse where you can. If you’re doing structural work, there’s no need to buy all new materials. Try to repurpose and rejuvenate existing fixtures. For example, sanding down your floorboards and varnishing them can create a totally different look at a fraction of the cost.
Let creativity be your tool. Impressive design solutions don’t have to cost the world. All you need is a bit of creativity. See the options you have and make the most of them without breaking the bank.
Follow trends. When it comes to investing in luxury pieces for your home, consider the latest trends. If you can keep up with them, you’ll be surprised at how much you can improve things without spending much at all.
Spend wisely. For most home remodelling projects there is an easier, less expensive way to get the job done. You just need to spend some time researching the market.
Think outside of the box. Again, looking outside of the box gives you the opportunity to come up with unique solutions. You can take starting points for your projects from unexpected sources.
Be thrifty. Thrift stores can be great places to source decorations, furniture, and artwork. They often have some real gems.
Ready, set, rent. If you need a ladder, power tools or heavy items like cement mixers, it may be worth your whileleasing them, rather than buying them.
Let nature do the work. Landscaping can be expensive, but there are things you can do that will cost you next to nothing. Planting trees or shrubs can help to reduce your energy bills, and doesn’t need to be done by a professional.
Remember maintenance. Don’t forget to factor in maintenance costs when making changes. In the long run, this will save you money, as regular maintenance prevents costly repairs.
Include plants. Plants can bring a sense of warmth and coziness to any home, and they can improve air quality. Putting plants around your home can also make it feel bigger without having to spend a dime.
Use paint to update surfaces. Re-painting is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to transform your home’s look. Consider investing in an all-in-one paint that can be used in multiple rooms.
Light up your living space. The right lighting can make a huge difference. Spend time finding the right balance of fixtures and natural light.
Go digital. There are some great apps out there to help you design your home’s interior. You can save money by experimenting with different layouts before spending any cash.
Think about function. Focusing on practical, rather than just aesthetic needs, can help you to get the most value from a renovation.
Be proud of your projects. Lastly, show off your new projects or skills to family and friends. You worked hard to make it happen; you should be proud of your creations.