A home renovation can be your ticket to bump your property’s market value. But it can also be expensive. Converting your loft alone could already cost you £20,000, according to Barclays.
On the bright side, you can explore many ways to cut back on your spending without compromising aesthetics and function. Check out the list below for some ideas:
1. As Much As Possible, Do Not DIY
DIYs are one of those things paved with good intentions. In many cases, though, they can do more harm than good, especially if you’re trying to remodel a home:
- Your lack of expertise or knowledge can increase your chances of committing costly mistakes. You’ll end up spending twice or more than your allotted budget.
- The changes you introduce might not be according to your local council’s recommendations or building codes. In the end, you need to redo a part of it or everything.
- A do-it-yourself home remodeling takes a lot of time. You might never get to complete it when you start becoming busy with something else.
- You increase your risk of injury.
If you want to save money without risking limbs and wasting time and money, hire contractors instead. Contrary to popular belief, working with professionals can be cost-effective in the long run.
Take, for example, working with a flooring company. If they can already provide the materials, you can decrease the cost of supplies. They can also do installations, so you can forego spending more on labor.
Moreover, you can guarantee the materials they provide are top-notch and are more likely to last for years. Some of them can even extend a flooring warranty or even cover their work with liability insurance.
2. Focus on the Big Things Too
Often, when we think of home renovations, we set our sights on upgrading the kitchen, bedroom, or living room. Perhaps we want to spend more on landscaping because, well, curb appeal sells.
However, all these efforts are a waste if you ignore the big things, such as roofing, foundation, and flooring.
A leaky roof invites moisture into your home, and it increases the risk of mold and mildew. It can seep into your walls and damage the timber or concrete. Replacing a roof because it’s damaged beyond repair can also be extremely costly.
Meanwhile, a weak foundation can affect many parts of your home, from flooring to basements. Of course, it doesn’t make your house safe anymore.
3. Start with High-Value Projects
These are projects that won’t cost a lot but could already give you the best returns:
- Change the color of your main door to something to black, gray, or deep blue. Anything that pops enhances curb appeal immensely.
- Improve the energy efficiency of your house. Add a thermostat or install double-glazed windows.
- Introduce automation from lights to surveillance.
- Add cladding. Not only does it make your home prettier, but it also extends its lifespan.
When you take up costly projects like a home renovation, every way to save counts. These tips can help you do that.