Looking for a way to update your home? Whether you’re hoping to sell your home or make it your own, explore these cost-effective ways to tackle renovation projects. Pick up your construction tools and pipe locator for a successful DIY project or your construction calculator and phone for an efficient professional project.
Create a Renovation Budget
It’s easy to spend money on gorgeous interior design features and handy appliances for your home. Unfortunately, it’s harder to save money on these projects. Balance excellent investments with cost-cutting features by creating a budget. Once you have a good idea of the amount you’re prepared to spend on a particular room, you can make the necessary arrangements.
Focus on Valuable Renovations
You may have always wanted a personalized closet organizer or a comfortable porch, but consider focusing on renovation projects that have a proven track record of improving the value of homes in your area. The most popular renovations are bathroom and kitchen projects.
Look for ways to add a bathroom or include luxury features in your existing bathroom design. A soaker tub, natural stone shower or elegant tile floor can improve the value and comfort of your bathroom.
A kitchen remodel can be as complex as a full renovation or a minor paint job. A full kitchen renovation requires electrical, plumbing, flooring and cabinet experience, but you can do some of the demolition and designing yourself if you don’t have these professional skills.
Lighting is another cost-effective way to improve your home. Many homes are poorly lit, particularly in the living room, dining room and kitchen. Work with an electrician to update your light fixtures. LED lights improve the illumination of your home while reducing your energy usage. Most lighting updates are virtually mess free, so you don’t have to pay for cleanup services or avoid rooms while the project is underway.
Prepare Your Worksite
Even if you’re working with professional contractors, it pays to prepare the worksite. Talk to your contractor about any preparations you can make to ensure the project is quick and convenient. Removing furniture, performing minor demolition or checking for buried lines are a few ways you can prepare for a renovation project.
A pipe locator is a great tool to have if you’re preparing for a home addition or exterior project. A landscaping project that damages a buried water line or electric cable can become delayed and over budget, so prepare for a hassle-free project using your own pipe locator to mark buried utilities.
Look for DIY Projects
Many projects require a professional, but there are some great renovation projects available to you as a homeowner. Painting your bedroom, replacing kitchen cabinet doors and updating landscaping are all easy DIY projects for most individuals.
These projects may require an eye for good interior and exterior design, but the actual work is fairly easy and requires minimal construction tools or experience. Put a little elbow grease into your renovation project to save money and avoid hiring a professional.
Pay in Cash
Most contractors allow you to finance your renovation project. This may seem like a great idea, since it prevents you from spending your savings on a home investment, but it typically costs more to finance than to pay in cash.
Try to pay up front for any professional service. Ask about a cash discount to see if you can lower the bill even more. Paying in cash gives your contractor immediate working capital to invest in another project, so it’s typically the most affordable way to hire professional services.
Consider Used Materials
Everyone wants the newest technology and the latest interior design features. However, used or leftover materials may be significantly discounted. Check your local used materials store or ask a contractor about any scrap materials. Leftover carpet, wood siding and paint from another project may be significantly discounted. If you’re renovating a small room, these leftover materials may be enough to cover your project for far less cost.
Invest in Quality Tools for a Successful Renovation
Shop for tools today to prepare for a DIY renovation. Save money by swinging a hammer, wielding a paint brush or using a pipe locator from Engineer Supply. Use these tips to enjoy a cost-effective home renovation project to make your house feel more like home.