8 Quick Tips on Home Remodeling on a Budget

Have you set out to remodel your home, but feel that your budget might not allow it? A new home renovation project can be very exciting. However, with the cost of remodeling soaring year after year, it can also be overwhelming and costly if you don’t know where to begin. With so many factors to consider during any home remodeling project, it is quite common to face a lot of unforeseen challenges and expenses. Having the right tips on home remodeling can save you tons of expenses on your next remodeling project.

Home Remodeling Tips

If you are looking for home remodeling tips to save you money and get you the perfect results, then this article is for you. Home renovation can be stressful - but it doesn't have to be. Here are some ways to achieve a successful remodeling without breaking the bank.

1.     Work with a Fixed Budget and Timeframe

Having a fixed but realistic budget in mind will help you avoid getting over budget, which can happen easily when you're tempted by more upgrades than you had planned. Ensure you work out a fixed-price contract, detailing the scope of work to avoid any cost overruns. Lay out clearly the process for handling changes and variations.

Additionally, set up a schedule to help keep you on track. Delays are common in home remodeling projects. Therefore, set realistic expectations upfront by accommodating any possible delays in your schedule.

For a low budget house remodel, avoid changing floor layouts, pulling down walls to create an open floor plan in your living room, or making a home addition

2.     Prioritize the Essentials

When you're working with a limited budget, prioritize the features and elements of your home that are most important to you, and save more decorative upgrades for later. Create a list of the priority items that may affect the functionality of the space, such as plumbing and electrical works where necessary. 

3.     Plan for the Unexpected

No matter how well-planned a home improvement project is, there will always be those tiny items that take longer than expected or cost more than anticipated. This can range from contractual delays to hidden structural issues that aren't obvious until a wall has already been torn out. When you see a problem coming up in your budget, don't overlook it. Instead, talk it out with your general contractor and immediately account for it in your budget.

4.     Hire the Right Home Remodeling Contractor

Do your research on any company before you hire them, ask lots of questions, check references, and interview multiple companies or individuals before making a final decision. Make sure whoever you hire has experience with similar projects before signing any contracts - especially if they require payment upfront! 

You'll also want to make sure they're licensed to work in your area. If they're not licensed, it could cost you in repairs not covered under warranty from manufacturers, since there was no permit obtained at the time of installation. Do not take any shortcuts when it comes to labor. Hire a professional modeler or an interior designer skilled in the remodeling industry, whenever expert opinion is required.

5.     Success Lies in the Details

The success of a remodeling project will depend on how well you plan out the details. Make sure that you specify every single detail, leaving nothing to chance. Think about where the kitchen cabinets will go, what kind of flooring you want, what type of lighting fixtures will be used, among other factors. Doing this prior to your renovation project will ensure that everything runs smoothly.

6.     Never Compromise on Quality
 

When it comes to home renovations, never compromise on quality. Go for high-quality low-cost alternatives. Make sure you're working with reputable suppliers who provide quality materials. Quality does not necessarily mean expensive. There are many ways to approach a remodeling project and get the best quality for less money. One way is to buy materials at a discount store or outlet store. Another way is by buying second-hand items from thrift stores or garage sales, or even freecycle networks.

7.     Reuse and Recycle Materials

While buying new materials for your dry project might seem like an easy option, it is important to remember that used materials can save you lots of money in expenses! Repurposing items in your home will help reduce waste and keep costs down, allowing you to save money on shipping and manufacturing costs.

8.     Get All Required Permits

Each city has different requirements and regulations on permits, so be sure to check with your local building department before you get started. Ensure your project meets local building codes to avoid any issues if you later decide to sell it. Most contractors take care of this for you, but it is good practice to ensure compliance in time. If an inspection is required for rot, dampness, and any repairs, make sure to carry them out as per the due process, following all the required standards.

Easy and Affordable Home Remodeling Improvements to Do Today

Home improvement is a great way to substantially add value to your property, but where can you start? Well, if you need to carry out a home renovation project, it’s important to determine the best cost-effective improvements you can make to suit your budget and needs. This ultimate guide covers the ten most affordable remodeling ideas to instantly elevate your home without breaking the bank.

1.     Modernize Your Appliances

Modernizing appliances is the fastest way to make an old house look updated and modern. If you are on a tight budget, consider only replacing two or three appliances instead of the whole set. Try swapping out that old fridge for a modern stainless steel model, or switch out those old light switches for more streamlined versions. 

These simple changes will not only make a huge difference in the look and feel of your home, but will also make your home more energy-efficient. Furthermore, you can invest in water-saving fixtures and renewable energy sources such as solar panels to minimize your operational costs.

2.     Increase Storage Space
 

Simply increasing your storage space can considerably increase the value of your home without spending a ton of money. Free up floor space by adding shelves or installing cabinets above eye-level, such as above kitchen counters or below your staircases. You can also add more storage space in form of shelving units or cabinets in the entryway, as well as overhead storage in other living spaces too.

3.     Declutter Surfaces
 

One of the free ways you can instantly face-lift your home is by decluttering. Ensuring that everything has its place and getting rid of items that no longer serve a purpose in your home, will create a more airy feel in your space. Embrace the negative space and avoid replacing old clutter with new purchases.

4.     Brighten With More Lighting

It's amazing what lighting in interior design can do to make a room look and feel more open. Consider adding three layers of light to your living spaces. Install ambient lighting for general illumination, task lighting for carrying out specific tasks such as reading, and accent lighting to set the mood and highlight unique features in the room. Track lighting can be used in multiple areas and can be a great budget enhancer.  Moreover, introducing art lighting quality in your home will significantly upgrade it to a more luxurious space.

As always, we recommend starting with the basics. If you're looking to add light on a budget, consider adding lamps in key places, depending on the ambiance and functionality. Add track lighting or multiple lamps to dark corners to brighten up your room and add a new sense of style. Always ensure that all your lamps come with dimmers that allow you to adjust the lighting levels according to the desired mood.

You can also maximize natural daylight by decorating with mirrors in the room, which in turn will reflect more light into the room.

5.     Repaint Your Space
 

Changing the color scheme of an entire room with a new coat of paint is the easiest way to make a big impact in your interior spaces with little effort! Give your home an instant face-lift by choosing a new color palette and making a trip to the paint store. Alternatively, you can pick up one can of paint in your favorite color and simply switch up your accent walls.

6.     Boost Your Curb Appeal
 

About 80% of home buyers judge the quality of a house by its first impressions. Curb appeal is everything when it comes to the resale value of your real estate. Improve yours by mowing the lawn, adding potted plants near the porch, working on your landscaping, and installing new porch lights. Repainting the exterior of your house, particularly the front face, will go a long way toward increasing your property value.

7.     Renovate Your Kitchen 

The kitchen is the heart of your home, hence there's no better time to spruce it up. You don't have to take on an entire kitchen remodel; just a few adjustments can breathe new life into your space.

First things first, repaint your kitchen cabinets. A fresh coat of paint on your cabinets can make a massive difference in the look of your kitchen. Next, you can regrout the tile and replace the counters where necessary. Consider investing in a butcher block for your island or refinishing your current counters instead. Add some flair with a backsplash, and don't forget to hire a good cleaning service to help you get your tiling and kitchen fixtures looking their best! These principles work just as well for bathroom remodeling.

8.     Upgrade Your Flooring

Flooring covers one of the largest surfaces in your home. Therefore, upgrading it will have a transformative effect on your interior spaces. If your floor is carpeted, consider ripping it up and staining or refinishing the wood underneath. It can save a ton of money compared to installing new flooring and make your home look more expensive than it actually is. 

Alternatively, install carpet tiles, or replace old carpeting or linoleum with inexpensive laminate flooring. Laminates look amazing and give your home a whole new feel, but cost just a fraction of carpeting costs. Always consider what kind of "base" would work well with your furniture and fixtures before installation.

9.     Reupholster Furniture and Window Treatments
 

Make your home feel newer and fresher with new upholstery on furniture or window treatments. Do not forget about décor items such as throw pillows and decorative rugs which are easy ways to spruce up any tired space with little expense.

10.  Hang Art

Hang art in all your living spaces to crown your interior design. Art can make any space go from dull to dazzling in no time, but buying art can be expensive. Instead, create your own by making abstract pieces or framing any beautiful family photographs, portraits, and prints, and hanging them on your gallery wall.

Accentuate your wall art by installing picture lights, drawing all the attention to the piece, and creating a focal point. Perfect Picture Lights offers a wide range of hand-crafted, sleek picture lights and track lighting options with different finishes from which to select. Whether it’s for your living room or bedroom art lighting, there is a design to fit every space.

Bottom Line

While home remodeling can seem unattainable due to the possible costs, a sensible approach can still achieve a beautiful remodeling outcome while staying on budget. It is all about taking the time to plan, ensuring that each addition will add value to your home, not drive you into debt!

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Winny Okoth is a practicing Construction Project Manager and Interior Designer. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Construction Project Management. Winny Okoth has a great passion for every form of design as well as 3D visualization skills for architectural and interior design.