Renovating your home seems like a great idea, but you can’t really do that without spending money. Looking to do it, but you’re on a tight budget? Here is a guide to home renovating without breaking the bank.
Is there a need for an architect?
Employing the service of a professional is usually the best route to take when doing certain renovation projects. However, some projects do not necessarily require their service, like small-scale renovations.
If you’re running on a tight budget, here are some alternative options for you:
- Draw the plans yourself
- Employ the service of a draughtsperson
- Ask your building contractor to come up with a set of plans
The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) has remarked that there’s just a small difference between architectural technologists and architects’ fees. The location of the property and the project determines what you are quoted, in addition to the professional’s experience and size of the practice.
Big-scale suppliers are not always the best
Although a tradesperson or a supplier with a large number of employees and impressive sales literature seemed like the better choice, it’s not always the case. Don’t be tempted by their stylish websites and fast-talking sales representatives. Being big doesn’t really mean they would do a better job than small-scale suppliers, and they also charge more.
Get at least three quotes
What many renovators commonly fail to do is get more than one quote for work. There are cases where prices quoted vary by hundreds. Thus, never hesitate in getting at least three quotes, and keep in mind that the cheapest quotes don’t always mean the best value for your money. Also, try getting some recommendations from credible sources.
Stand as Your Own Project Manager
The best route homeowners take when they are renovating on a tight budget is to manage the project themselves, doing tasks as required. Taking this role is definitely not easy and shouldn’t be underestimated. You will have to make decisions that will take up a lot of your time and energy. Looking at the positive side, being your own project manager means you are aware and in control of your expenses. It also allows you to choose which jobs you can help in.
Shop Around
You might comfortable buying from the one supplier you already have, but doing it this way isn’t really cost-effective. Buying materials or an entire suite from a single supplier might be the quickest and most convenient route, but shopping around trying to choose from various suppliers can definitely help you cut down on your expenses. You don’t have to buy all your appliances and furniture from one company, searching for different alternatives doesn’t just help you in saving money, it’s also a good look for your home renovation as you would have more choices to choose from.
Do-It-Yourself
Putting on your work clothes setting off to work on your home renovation is the best way to save when home renovating on a tight budget. If you are confident enough in your skills as a home renovator, that the Do-It-Yourself method is good for you. Although, if you still doubt your skills in more difficult jobs like plastering and electric work, then you are better off leaving it to the professionals.
You can also do more simple jobs like painting or even some tiling. This way, you can enjoy doing something and even save thousands!
Do-It-Yourself projects don’t always turn out perfect, though. There are occasions when these projects lead to more damage than good such as ruining expensive materials that would require a professional to fix.
Reuse Old Materials
Another great way to cut down on the cost is to reuse old materials. Many renovation projects require the demolition of parts of the property, and reusing the salvaged original materials definitely helps you save more. It’s not just saving more money; and you can also reuse these old materials to blend in with the new additions.
Mix High End and Standard Products
Nowadays, you can find high-quality materials for a reasonable cost. You don’t have to spend a great sum of money on a high-quality product anymore. There are cheap products that offer great value for money if you only know how to look for them.
Buying standard units and combining them with more unusual products offers a budget-friendly alternative to designer products.
Consider an Unfinished Look
When you’re on a tight budget, anything the aids in cutting down labor costs is good for you. Try considering finishes that create an unfinished look, such as exposed brickwork or a birch-faced ply. With these, there will be no need for a plaster finish.
For internal walls, exposed brick walls are more suited rather than exterior walls since the latter needs good insulation.
Home renovation, while on a tight budget, is definitely not an easy feat and needs more planning than normal, but if you follow at least some of the tips in this guide, then you’re good to go.