Home improvement costs can add up quickly and spiral out of control. No one wants to blow their renovation budget and be left with outstanding invoices and debt. Sticking with a renovation budget can be a challenge, but you can plan for a cheaper remodel and stay within budget. Here are some ideas to help you keep house renovation costs low.
Budget for unexpected expenses
Failing to plan for unexpected costs is one of the top reasons why homeowners go over their renovation budgets. You could find that your chosen tiles are out of stock and you need to order a more expensive design or you could knock down a wall and discover that electrical work needs doing. Make sure that you plan for surprise expenses and factor this into your budget.
Experts at houselogic.com suggest that you add a 10% buffer to your budget to cover unexpected expenses. It is always better to overestimate your budget and then come under rather than going over your budget and being left with outstanding expenses.
Use second-hand building materials
Using second-hand building materials can save you heaps of money when you are planning house renovations. Plus, using recycled materials is much more eco-friendly and sustainable than buying new items as it reduces the volume of waste going to landfills.
Visit your local recycling center to look for building materials and fixtures. Most pre-used materials are in excellent condition and roughly half the price of their store-bought counterparts. Keep in mind that some contractors will not work with salvaged building materials, so make sure you check the terms of your agreement first.
Maximize your floor space
Many home remodeling projects involve creating additional living space by adding an extension to the property. According to Home Advisor, adding an addition to a house home typically costs between $20,854 – $72,593. Maximizing the floorspace you already have is a much more affordable way to create extra living space without the cost of adding an extension.
Reorganizing your rooms is a simple way to maximize your floor space. This can be achieved by removing bulky shelving units and unused furniture, for example. Converting an unused space in your home such as the attic or basement is also usually less expensive than adding an extension.
Take a DIY approach
Taking a DIY approach will significantly reduce your renovation costs, but you must have the skills and tools to do the job safely and to a high standard. Think about what remodeling projects you could do yourself, for example painting, laying carpet, putting up shelving units and so on. Visit your local Farm and Fleet store to find a huge range of home improvement tools and equipment.
More technical jobs may require the help of a professional contractor, especially if they involve electrics or plumbing. Get quotes from several different contractors and shop around to find the best deals. You can ask family and friends if they can recommend any quality building contractors in your local area.
