Achieving the perfect home improvement project without breaking the bank may sound like a complicated puzzle, but the reality is, it’s not as hard as it sounds. With a little preparation and forethought, almost anyone can have a successful project in which their home looks amazing without having to take out a second mortgage. Here are some tips to get started.
Set Aside Money Monthly. One of the most important tips to follow when it comes to home improvements is to start setting aside funds each month for the project. Once you have a predetermined amount saved up, you can decide how best to use it towards your goal. This way, you won’t be scrambling at the last minute to pay for materials or services; plus, it can give you more leeway to really make the changes you want without overspending.
Shop Around. Having a budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for second, sub-par materials or services. Shop around for the best deal so you can get the quality products or services you need. You might be surprised by the options available when you start comparing prices on materials and even hiring professionals to finish certain projects.
Be Meticulous with Measurements. Before going to the store to purchase any materials, be sure to take careful measurements. Accurately knowing the dimensions of the space or area you’re working with will help you calculate how much materials you need in advance. This way, you don’t overbuy, which will save you money, and it will also allow you to pick out materials and fixtures that will fit perfectly in any space.
DIY, if Possible. Anyone can take on home improvement projects on their own, and this is a great way to save money. If you’re not sure you have the skillset for specific projects, do some research and YouTube tutorials; you’d be surprised by how many DIY projects can be done with just a few basic items, less than a full day, and a little know-how.
Start Small. Don’t try to tackle huge projects in one go. Start by doing small, simple projects that can be done in one or two days and still make a huge impact. This can also be done on a budget and, as a bonus, can also be done by yourself. Some simple projects you can get started on are painting your walls, adding cabinet knobs, and changing light fixtures.
Rejoice in the Little Wins. Home improvement projects are time-consuming and labor-intensive. It’s easy to get overwhelmed or discouraged during the process but don’t forget to stop and celebrate all the little accomplishments. Rejoicing in all the milestones is a great way to stay motivated and keep pushing forward.
Work with What You Have. Although it’s great to look into new items or textures, furnishing your home is all about working with what you already have. Take a good look at the items you already own, and edit out the ones you no longer need or use. This is a great way to take something you may think of as “old” and give it a fresh, new look. Plus, it’ll save you from having to buy something new.
Embrace Secondhand Shopping. As previously mentioned, it’s certainly not wrong to buy new. But if you’re on a tight budget, there are some great deals to be found when it comes to secondhand shopping. Websites such as these often have a variety of items at a fraction of the cost compared to buying something new. From one-of-a-kind vintage furniture to hidden gems like wallpaper, you never know what kind of creative home improvement projects you may come across when you hit the thrift shop.
Think Outside the Box. You don’t need to break the bank to make a major impact on your home. Stop and think outside the box. Try adding a few pieces of vibrant artwork to the room, switching out window treatments, or introducing plants and greenery to the space. You’d be surprsied at the drastic transformation this simple tip can bring to your overall project.
Give it Time. Don’t rush the process. Everyone wants to have a perfect home, but that doesn’t happen overnight. Give yourself the time to find deals, shop around for quality, and work with what you have. Plus, by waiting patiently, you may find yourself some great steals that will make your project far more affordable.
Transform with Color. When it comes to home improvement projects, a simple secret that can transform any space is color. Color ties a room together and can be used to really pull the entire look together. If you’re feeling a bit hesitant to change the shade of your walls, start small by adding some colorful linens, curtains, and rugs which can be switched out if you don’t end up loving the look.
Move Things Around. Changing the furniture around your home is an easy and inexpensive way to mix up the look of any room. Moving pieces around will also give you a better idea of arranging furniture in a way to maximize natural sunlight or shadows.
Check in with Professionals. If you’re completely stumped or unsure of how to make the best changes for your home, don’t be afraid to reach out to someone who knows the ropes. A professional in addition to much-needed expertise may have a vast array of ideas that can help guide your project in the right direction.
Make Things Yourself. It’s easy to find different home improvement projects that you can take on all by yourself! Put a spin on classic DIYs by making them a bit more modern. For example, if you’re looking to refresh a space, don’t immediately head to the store. Rather, find a DIY version of something you found there such as a rug or wall decor.
Lighting Does Make a Difference. Don’t underestimate the impact of lighting when it comes to updating a space. Try playing around with light fixtures, dimmer switches, and even items that will fill the room with natural light. Any of these strategies will be sure to spruce up your home in no time.
Be Open to Painting. One of the most inexpensive ways to update a space is to paint. By just changing the color of the walls, furniture, or even the flooring, you can completely makeover the look and feel of a room. The best part is, you can also easily re-paint surfaces to switch back to a previous color if the one you chose isn’t quite what you expected.
Be Resourceful. Thrift stores, yard sales, and flea markets can all be invaluable resources when it comes to home improvement projects. The items you find may not look like much when you stumble upon them, but with just a little sprucing up, these items can take on a whole new life. Plus, it’s much more cost-effective than buying something brand new.
Go Green. Opting for organic products and even eco-friendly ways to spruce up your home. Not only are these items healthier for us and the environment, but they can also save you as you spend less to maintain and last longer.
Know When to Splurge. Finally, although it may be counterintuitive, it’s ok to splurge on certain items if you know it’s going to last. Investing in quality materials such as high-grade wood or fabrics that will hold up well can save you money in the long run. Look at this purchase as long-term rather than for the short-term gain and you will most definitely see the return of your investment.