Are you looking to remodel your home soon? Home remodeling can quickly become an expensive and overwhelming endeavor if you’re not adequately prepared.
To avoid this, we researched and tried the best money-saving hacks for a home remodel. Read on to learn the ten smartest tricks and tips to save money on your next home improvement project.
Create a Budget
Starting with no financial plan is the fastest way to spend too much money on your home improvement project. To prevent this, take a critical and realistic look at your finances. Take into account any debt you have and how much money you can spend without compromising your current quality of life or credit score.
Talk to a financial advisor if you’re unsure. Take your time and do not rush this first step. You must set a well-thought-out, realistic, and manageable budget.
Note the Improvement Areas
It is very tempting to want to gut your whole house and build your Pinterest dream home. However, this isn’t realistic for many. Instead, write down a list of everything in your house that needs improvement. These are areas or sections you must redo or upgrade to ensure the safety of those living in the house. Roof, walls, foundation, fireplace, and drainage are among the most common areas that need improvement. You will start your home improvement project in these areas.
You’ll then list what you want to improve. These are areas that you want to aesthetically upgrade but do not require fixing to remain functional. Bathrooms, living rooms, tiling, flooring, etc may not require improvement. You’ll use these lists to guide your home improvement purchases and process. In the end, you should get a safe and functional but aesthetically pleasing home.
Consult a Professional
With a basic idea of where you need improvement, your aesthetic and design goals, and a solid budget, find a home improvement professional. Look for a roofing contractor, interior decorator, architect, bathroom and kitchen renovator, or general contractor depending on what work needs to be done. A professional has training and experience and will provide you with infinite value. They usually also have cost-saving and safety tips and know how to source materials. Ensure you stick to skilled and affordable professionals.
Don’t Demolish but Deconstruct
One of the primary ways to save money on a home remodel is to keep most of what you take off. The only time you should completely demolish is when you have termite or mold infestation, too much water damage, or structural and safety concerns. Whether you’re redoing your bathroom or reinstalling your roof, take the time to deconstruct each piece. The more you salvage, the less you will need to replace.
Repurpose, Reuse, and Recycle
It is not just eco-friendly, but pocket-friendly as well. When working with a strict budget, you need to save money for the big and required purchases. To do so, choose to use what you take off. For example, you can repurpose old kitchen tiles for the bathroom. Or, reuse old roofing tiles after you replace the water-damaged decking or repurpose them for the new shed.
DIY
Working with professionals is a great way to ensure safety and accuracy. However, your entire home improvement project doesn’t need a professional. Cut costs by taking on some or most of the work. The internet has numerous resources including videos and articles that can help you do it yourself. You can take on tiling, decorating, building a shed, and more.
Go Thrifting
Flea markets and thrift shops are fantastic places to find affordable home improvement pieces. They are particularly great for home decor pieces and furniture but you may occasionally find tiles, timber, paint, and even roofing options. Find out where the nearest flea market to you is and regularly visit it. Do the same for thrift shops and other open-air markets.
Balance High and Low End
For everything you must purchase, consider its longevity, function, and purpose. You may want to spend more on quality and durable pieces to ensure you don’t need to fix or replace them in a few years.
It is best to get the best quality you can afford for roofing materials, bathroom tiles, flooring, and sometimes furniture. For some items like decor pieces, you can choose cheaper options. This balance of low and high-end items is critical to sticking to the budget. Look for deals on high-end items to truly get some bang for your buck.
Repaint and Reupholster
You would be surprised what a little paint and a new finish can do for your home. For any improvement that is not required but wanted, you can choose to save money by redoing what is already there.
Kitchen cabinets, closets, walls, furniture, and even tiles can all look ten times better with little touch-ups. Instead of buying new ones, repaint, reupholster, and refinish what you have. Use resources like YouTube to help you get the perfect finish that makes it look brand new. This will save you thousands of dollars and you’ll still get the home of your Pinterest dreams.
Take Your Time
Don’t rush your home improvement project. Not only will it be more stressful, but it will also cost you more. The best way to stick to your budget is to take it one step at a time. Start with the parts that must be done to ensure your safety such as roofing, drainage, and fixing water, fire, or weather damage.
Once the must-do projects are complete, start taking on the rest slowly. Take your time looking for deals, learning DIY tricks, and finding affordable professionals. There is no deadline to having the home of your dreams. Give yourself the time to find resources and change your mind.
Conclusion
Home improvement projects do not have to be expensive and draining. You also don’t have to lose out on the home of your dreams to save money. You can have the home you want and save money during remodeling. Consider hiring affordable professionals, doing some things yourself, thrifting items, and repurposing, repainting, refinishing, and reusing old items. Don’t rush the process, and ensure you stick to your budget. If you use these tips, we’re sure you’ll save a good amount of money.
