Home Improvement
Home improvement can be costly, but doing your research and planning carefully for the future can save you big bucks when it comes to the final price tag. If you're looking to remodel or resell your home, here are seven tips for making changes without breaking the bank.
1: Decide What Matters
Why are you renovating in the first place? Is it to remove the ugly tile in your kitchen or re-do the wiring in your home office? Establish your priorities early so you won't have to cut any important corners later.
2: Rearrange Before Renovating
Before you drop thousands of dollars on permanent changes, see if a few simpler ones won't do the trick. A new paint job might make you realize that you don't hate the living room at all, and adding a little feng shui to the bedroom could change your mind about knocking out that wall.
3: Get Creative
You can save a lot of money when you think outside the box. For example, instead of splurging on stainless steel fixtures, just cover them with one-sided contact paper that has a stainless steel finish. You'll achieve the same look for a quarter of the price.
4: Don't Underestimate The Little Details
When's the last time you changed your shower rod? How about the weather stripping on your windows? These small things can actually make a big difference in the overall atmosphere in the room, because your brain is hard-wired to notice and categorize changes. Before you re-panel the whole door, see if changing the doorknob makes it feel like new.
5: Consult the Professionals
It might cost a little extra upfront, but once you've had your house evaluated by the professionals, you'll have a much clearer idea of what can and can't be done on your budget. Try sites like KnockoutRenovation.com as a starting point.
6: Don't Buy New
You don't need new and expensive appliances just because they'd look good against your sleek new countertop. You don't need a new couch to match the new carpeting when a slip-cover will do.
7: Hold Yourself Accountable For All Purchases
In a happy haze of renovation, it's easy to get carried away with thoughts like "Oh, but I'll only have to replace this once" or "I'm spending so much money already, a little more won't hurt." This is how you wind up over-budget! Before your swipe your credit card for anything, ask yourself if you won't regret it on the other side of the bill.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.
1: Decide What Matters
Why are you renovating in the first place? Is it to remove the ugly tile in your kitchen or re-do the wiring in your home office? Establish your priorities early so you won't have to cut any important corners later.
2: Rearrange Before Renovating
Before you drop thousands of dollars on permanent changes, see if a few simpler ones won't do the trick. A new paint job might make you realize that you don't hate the living room at all, and adding a little feng shui to the bedroom could change your mind about knocking out that wall.
3: Get Creative
You can save a lot of money when you think outside the box. For example, instead of splurging on stainless steel fixtures, just cover them with one-sided contact paper that has a stainless steel finish. You'll achieve the same look for a quarter of the price.
4: Don't Underestimate The Little Details
When's the last time you changed your shower rod? How about the weather stripping on your windows? These small things can actually make a big difference in the overall atmosphere in the room, because your brain is hard-wired to notice and categorize changes. Before you re-panel the whole door, see if changing the doorknob makes it feel like new.
5: Consult the Professionals
It might cost a little extra upfront, but once you've had your house evaluated by the professionals, you'll have a much clearer idea of what can and can't be done on your budget. Try sites like KnockoutRenovation.com as a starting point.
6: Don't Buy New
You don't need new and expensive appliances just because they'd look good against your sleek new countertop. You don't need a new couch to match the new carpeting when a slip-cover will do.
7: Hold Yourself Accountable For All Purchases
In a happy haze of renovation, it's easy to get carried away with thoughts like "Oh, but I'll only have to replace this once" or "I'm spending so much money already, a little more won't hurt." This is how you wind up over-budget! Before your swipe your credit card for anything, ask yourself if you won't regret it on the other side of the bill.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.
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