Remodeling your home doesn’t need to be an expensive, time-consuming, or confusing process. With a few simple updates and upgrades, you could drastically change the form and function of your home. Here are some tips and tricks that you can use to carry out your next remodeling project on a shoestring budget.
Do the Demo Yourself
Carrying out the demolition on your own is a great way to save some money, but you must fully understand all of the potential drawbacks before you remove any materials. Even though you might be able to cut your costs by quite a bit, it is important to remember that demoing is physically draining. At the very least, you should be able to do some basic demolition tasks such as pulling out old fixtures and removing unwanted tiles. Those tasks can easily be completed with nothing more than a few basic tools. But remember that once the demo is complete you still have to dispose of the materials you remove. Many residential trash companies specifically prohibit putting construction waste into the trash. So you might need to get a special “roll away” or dumpster to remove the waste.
Focus on Simple Cosmetic Projects
If you are trying to increase the value of your home without spending very much money, then you need to focus on simple cosmetic projects. Adding a fresh layer of paint to the walls doesn’t require any special tools or permits, and that project can add a tremendous amount of value to your home. Some other simple cosmetic renovations that you might want to consider include replacing the doors, updating the window treatments, and installing new hardware in the kitchen.
Don’t Forget the Upgrades That Will Save You Money
In addition to increasing the value of your home, some remodeling projects will also reduce your utility bills. Upgrading your washer, dryer, and refrigerator could save you hundreds a year on your energy bills. As a general rule, you should replace most major appliances once every five to ten years. After ten years, some of the major components in those appliances will begin to break down. Homeowners also need to replace their HVAC systems once every 15 or 20 years.
Be Flexible with Major Structural Changes
Those who want to save a significant amount of money on their home renovations need to be as flexible as possible when it comes to major structural projects. An example of this would be placing a carport on your property instead of adding an attached garage. Carports are much cheaper to build, and you won’t have to worry about acquiring any special permits. Instead of spending weeks working on a new garage, a good contractor should be able to build a freestanding or attached carport in just a few days.
With a little bit of planning and some elbow grease, you might be able to save thousands on your home renovations. You also need to make sure that all of these projects are carried out by experienced contractors who are fully licensed and guarantee all of their work.
You might also like:
