Have you decided to renovate your home? It’s a big goal, but it’s something many homeowners choose to do every year. In fact, pre-pandemic, about 90 percent of homeowners indicated they planned on doing some kind of renovation to their home, according to researchers. No matter how big or small, a home renovation costs money. Of course, the total amount varies on a variety of factors, but many homeowners don’t realize just how expensive it can be to renovate their home until they’re in the thick of it. There are ways you can cut costs without cutting corners, though! Here are some of the best ways to save money during your home renovation.
- Install your cabinets yourself. There’s a lot you can DIY during your home renovation, but in bigger price tag spaces like the kitchen, installing your cabinets yourself can be a huge price saver. Known as RTA cabinets, ready-to-assemble cabinets are simply cabinets that come with all the pieces, just without installation. And, even pre-assembled cabinets still need installation — all the parts have just been assembled beforehand. RTA cabinets can easily be assembled with a few tools and a few hours of time. Of course, doing it wrong can ultimately cost you money instead of saving, but it’s still one of the main areas you can save some funds without feeling like you sacrificed quality.
- Assess for foundational issues first. Foundational issues can cost a lot of money. But, if you focus only on the design and aesthetic areas of your home instead, you’ll only cost yourself or future homeowners dollars. Consider it like putting a band-aid on a wound that actually needs stitches. The wound never properly heals, causing issues later on. The same is for your home. If you don’t address the cracks in the foundation, remove the lead paint from outside or you only patch the roof when it really needs replacing, you could cost yourself lots of money in the long run.
- Paint your walls the same color. Some homeowners like the idea of painting each room a different color or adding unique touches to each space. And, while that can make for an interesting layout, it can add up to a big cost. Instead, using the same paint color for all the walls will ensure that you can easily patch up spots in the future and don’t have to spend money on more gallons of paint than you need. Instead, you will have a cohesive space without needing to add in extra and unnecessary design features to tie it in together. Instead, it’ll be a great look!
Source: N_Sakarin/Shutterstock.com - Order directly from the supplier. Sometimes, homeowners get so caught up in the design that they forget ways to save money that are well-known. Going directly to the supplier of a product, like when ordering wholesale kitchen cabinets, can really help you save money without sacrificing quality. The supplier can provide you with the most accurate information and help you decide which of their products is best for you and your space. If you aren’t sure what suppliers to use, a contractor or neighbor might be able to give you a good recommendation!
- Try not to destroy things during demo. Of course, demolition is the time when you get to take all your frustrations out so you can bring in the new things. But, sometimes having whole pieces of wood, such as shiplap or beadboard, can actually make you money! Many other renovators or salvagers will pay you for your non-destroyed wood that you don’t plan on using. In fact, you might even be able to save those pieces and use them in an area of your future renovation. Sometimes all a faucet needs is a bit of white vinegar and some elbow grease to make it like new again!
Source: Pedal to the Stock/Shutterstock.com - Paint, don’t replace. Not everything needs to be replaced, especially if it was put in recently. Sometimes, adding a fresh coat of paint on a piece in your home that’s in great condition can up the value and overall aesthetics. This is especially true for siding, shutters, staircase railings and even walls. It’ll go a long way to ensure that your space feels modern and updated. However, that doesn’t mean you should hold onto something that’s seen better days just to save a buck. Letting go of something that’s broken or potentially going to lead to other issues is worth spending the money to replace.
- Think long-term. Even if you’re just flipping the home you’re renovating, you should still be thinking long-term. Whether you’re the next person to live in the space for 20 years, or you’re building a weekend vacation rental, the long-term solution should always be at the forefront of your mind. Some expenses will seem costly at first, but they’ll really save you money and give you a great return on your investment, also known as an ROI. This is especially true for installing solar panels, adding an outdoor entertaining space or finishing an attic or basement.
- Practicality over convenience. Some homeowners like things to be convenient, but even more homeowners like things to be practical. The main thing to consider here is that convenience is subjective. What’s convenient to one homeowner might not be convenient to another. Rather than focusing on convenience features, think practically. No matter what age, income bracket or lifestyle, every homeowner likes things that are low maintenance, so replacing the current floors with luxury vinyl flooring is just one of the ways to prioritize practicality over convenience.
- Use plants already blooming. Instead of spending money on seeds, just buy the plants that have already bloomed. Curb appeal is an important part of every home, and using plants that have already bloomed won’t make much of a difference in your budget, but it will save you time! You don’t have to worry about cultivating a space for them to grow; instead, you’ll just have to maintain them.
