7 Wallet-Saving Tips for Home Improvers

Whether you recently bought your house or have had it for years, there are doubtless some changes you’re itching to make. What you probably aren’t looking forward to is spending the amount of money it will take to realize your vision. 

Fortunately, creating your dream home doesn’t have to leave you struggling with finances. Although saving money while improving your home can be difficult, it’s not impossible. This article will outline a number of ways you can improve your home without breaking the bank.

1. Do It Yourself

The No. 1 way to save money on home improvements is to do some of the work yourself. Are you unsure of your DIY capabilities? While you might not be able to replace your floors, think about tasks you can do. Since most service workers are paid by the hour, save on labor costs by ripping out the old tiles in advance. Or you can arrange delivery of needed products and do clean up afterward. 

If you are able to complete more complex tasks, you can save even more. Painting walls and even doing light carpentry are within the capabilities of many homeowners. Your local home improvement store can rent you any necessary specialty tools so you won’t have to buy items you’ll use only once.

2. Stick to a Planned Budget 

Creating a home renovation budget is an excellent way to keep your finances in check. A budget doesn’t mean you have to cheap out on all your fixture and decor choices. Rather, it’s a way of setting priorities. If you splurge on hardwood floors, your budget will help you hold the line on other materials. Don’t trust yourself? Track all the spending by using the same debit card for all your expenses and make sure it aligns with your budget.

Start planning your budget by creating a list of all the supplies and services required for your renovation. After writing down everything you need, see which projects are the most expensive and find ways to cut back. Getting bids from several companies is a great way to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.

3. Reuse Materials

Instead of trashing your current setup, see how you can improve what you already own. If you dislike your kitchen cabinets, consider keeping the frames and simply replacing the doors. Or perhaps the doors are fine, but they need a fresh coat of paint. A simple switch of color or rearrangement of appliances could be all you need to satisfy your eye.

If you don’t have items you can repurpose, you still needn’t pay full price for the replacements you want. Seek out materials from thrift stores, salvage yards, and other discount outlets. Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore might have the tile you’re looking for, and you’ll be supporting a worthy organization besides. 

4. Sell Your Old Furnishings

You know the saying “One person’s trash is another one’s treasure”? You might not love the ornate clock your great-grandmother gave you, but chances are, someone else will. Try selling unwanted items on buy/sell sites such as Facebook Marketplace or organize a neighborhood garage sale. You can then use the proceeds to buy the fixtures you’d really like to live with.

If you don’t get any takers for what you’re selling, think “scrap” instead. Metals of various kinds can net you cash from your local scrapyard. You may be able to fund your new kitchen backsplash by selling your old sink or refrigerator.  

5. Shop the Sales 

Sometimes it’s not where you shop, but when. You can score big deals for a small price during certain times of the year. On U.S. holidays such as Memorial Day and Labor Day, many furniture stores offer discounted prices on their sofas and recliners. If you’re in need of some updated electronics, shop early for Black Friday sales to secure the yearly bargains. 

Are you looking for a new patio set? Shop toward the end of summer while stores are transitioning their seasonal materials. Don’t let your impatience cost you money. Research deals ahead of time to save some extra cash. 

6. Splurge on Cost-Saving Opportunities

Although this may seem like contradictory advice, some expensive items are worth the investment. There’s no question a new roof will cost you a pretty penny. But if it will stop the leaks that are creating water damage to your interior, it’s definitely worth ponying up for. 

Energy-saving appliances are another purchase that may have a hefty initial price but can end up saving you hundreds over time. High utility bills can add up quickly, potentially putting your long-term projects out of reach. Spending additional funds on better doors, windows, and insulation can prevent your money from seeping out of your house’s seams. 

7. Don’t Rush the Process

When starting a home improvement project, make time your ally. If you have the money to do so, it can be tempting to launch all your projects at once. However, this can lead to rushed decisions, which could ultimately drive you over your planned budget. 

Instead, prioritize which rooms are most important to complete first and start there. If a half-dismantled room stresses you out, try starting with a bedroom or bathroom instead of a central living space. That way you’ll have a place to escape during the other renovations. 

Happy Renovating!

Your home makeover doesn’t have to be tainted by mountains of piled-up debt. The key to renovating your house beautifully yet inexpensively is to create a vision and a budget. Take each renovation one step at a time and have fun with the process. Following the tips above can not only save you extra cash, but can also make your home improvement projects more fulfilling. Start budgeting for your renovation today, and your dream home will become a reality before you  know it.