Your home should be a sanctuary where you can relax and forget about your everyday worries. However, in order to do that you need to make sure it provides the right atmosphere.
A renovation could help you to achieve that. According to Santander research, 39% of Brits plan to renovate their home within the next year. However, it can be a really expensive process.
The cost of paint, furniture and soft furnishings all begins to add up. So, if you’re on a tight budget but want to renovate, here are a few tips that can help you along the way.
Planning ahead
One of the top tips to help you to cut down the costs of home renovation is to plan as far ahead as possible. Without adequate planning, you could end up making a few mistakes along the way.
There are numerous things you need to consider before you start the renovation process. Which rooms are you going to be focusing on? What is your ultimate goal? You can compare the different prices of paint and anything else you need for the renovation to ensure you pay the best price.
Borrow any Equipment you Need
No matter what home renovation project you are focusing on, you will need some equipment such as basic tools, paint brushes and possibly ladders. If you don’t already have what you need, consider borrowing it instead of buying.
After all, unless you plan on doing regular renovations, you’ll only need to use the equipment once. If you can borrow from friends or family then that could save you a little money.
Realise Gloss Potential
Gloss is one of the most cost-effective ways to give your home a fresh feel. It’s fairly cheap and you can use it on skirting boards and doors to provide a sparkling new feel. It’s often the small details of a house that make it feel like a home and this little tip will help to make a big difference.
Move the Room around
Before you even begin deciding what needs to go, it’s a good idea to change the room around. Move furniture and experiment with how things look in a different part of the room. You may just find that it’s enough to provide a completely new style. It may even provide you with inspiration for new things you need to buy to complete the look.
Take part in competitions
Sometimes in order to save money you need to think outside the box. You’ll find that many top stores host regular competitions where you can win household goods. Entering these competitions is free and simple thanks to the internet. For just a few minutes of your time every day, you could be in with a chance of winning everything you need to update your home.
Make the most of Sales and Discounts
Many home and DIY stores hold frequent sales on Bank Holiday weekends. You’ll also find many stores offer exclusive online discounts. By keeping an eye out for these discounts you could save a small fortune.
Focus on the Essentials First
If your budget really won’t stretch across everything you want to get done, focus mainly on the essentials. What needs to be done right away? For example, painting a wall in a new colour may only cost a minimal amount but could make a real difference.
You can always save money towards the things that you don’t necessarily need until later down the line. Focus on what you actually need to do and prioritise your budget accordingly.
You really don’t have to break the bank to renovate your home. The key is to think outside the box and plan as far ahead as you can. Take your time and avoid making impulsive decisions.
Hank Williams is an interior designer who is keen to spread the message that creativity can be the key to making savings. Hank writes for a number of online magazines and websites such as Vita property investment.