Budget-Friendly Ways to Renovate Your Home

When you hear the words “home renovation,” your immediate response might be to think “too expensive.” While it’s true that remodeling can cause the dollar signs to stack up, with a little planning, it is possible to renovate on a budget. So whether you’re looking to make your home more comfortable this summer or are planning to sell, check out these tips to revamp your space without breaking the bank.

 

HAVE A PLAN

Renovating is exciting, but before you spend a single dollar on it, make sure you have a plan in place to help you create a realistic home renovation budget. To keep you from accidentally overspending, sit down ahead of time and determine your priorities. Maybe you want to update your kitchen over the bathroom or remodel the master bedroom before the laundry room. No matter what, you’ll thank yourself in the long run for planning ahead. 

 

UPDATE YOUR KITCHEN

The kitchen is notoriously known as the heart of the home, but remodeling it from top to bottom can be a pricey undertaking. New cabinets and countertops alone can equal a five-digit renovation. Don’t fall into this trap! You don’t need “brand new” to refresh your space. Instead, think about the aspects of your home/kitchen that are most important to you, and invest your money there.

 

If your cabinets are in decent shape, consider giving them a fresh coat of paint and some updated hardware. Saving money here will allow you to indulge in some new countertops or swap out a tired backsplash for something that better suits your style. The frugal key here is to think of these renovations in terms of square footage. The less real estate you need to cover, the cheaper it will be, so don’t rule out installing a backsplash only where it protects the most — like behind a sink. 

 

If you’re looking to fix and flip to increase your home’s value or just want to be conscious of how much you’re spending on smaller projects, consider a home improvement loan to fund your remodel. 

 

FRESHEN LIVING SPACES

There are plenty of ways to save money on your renovation in other areas of your home too. Freshly painted walls can have a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your house. If your living space has worn or dingy carpet, get rid of it. You might get lucky and find hardwood floors underneath, but if not, you can install your own flooring for cheap. Peel-and-stick flooring is an easy way to DIY this project. To open up your space and improve the flow of your home, merge rooms by removing a wall. Just make sure to check that the wall isn’t load-bearing first. 

 

New pillows, curtains, or a combination of both can give an updated look to any room without the mess of renovation. Adjust colors for the season or stick with neutrals for a style that lasts year-round. You might also rearrange the furniture. You’ll be amazed at how fresh your space can feel by switching up the norm.  

 

UPGRADE THE EXTERIOR 

The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior, or even more so when considering curb appeal. To bring the outside of your home back to life, try adding some potted greenery or implementing some light landscaping like trimming shrubs and adding mulch. You could even redo your front walkway for cheap with flat flagstones and repaint your front door for a pop of color. 

 

Pull out your trusty pressure washer to refresh your deck and driveway. And to brighten things up, hang some outdoor string lights. Classic bistro lights or lanterns will help set a calming atmosphere. If you’re interested in going green this summer or saving on energy bills, you might also consider investing in a solar panel. Renewable energy might look pricey upfront, but if it fits into your renovation priorities, can be a great way to shrink your carbon footprint and increase your home’s value. Because you won’t be consuming as much energy, they also have a long-term return on investment. Be sure to take the time to learn about solar panel costs, weigh the pros and cons, and factor price into your renovation budget.

 

And if you’re really eager to transform your outdoor space, install a sliding glass door, add a pool, or even landscape a fire pit. 

 

BOTTOM LINE

You don’t need a full remodel to make your space feel brand new. Small tweaks could satisfy both your home and your wallet! With proper planning, priorities, and a confirmed budget, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying summer.