Whether you have a small or big budget for your home renovation, the cost can quickly get out of control. If you want to have a budget-friendly kitchen renovation, then the following tips can help you in achieving and managing a renovation that is ideal for your home and budget.
Create a Budget and Stick to It
First, let’s talk about the meaning of budget renovation. The word “budget” is not the same as cheap. Every time you spend money, you have to consider how much you will be taking from your savings or income, regardless, of whether it is a big purchase or a small one.
If you are planning to have some renovation on your home, then it is highly recommended that you should determine the amount that you can afford to spend before you start choosing the design. Then you can compute the number of materials and fixtures so you will know what can work with your budget.
When you start your project, it would be great if you could create a spreadsheet and add all the things that you want to buy. For instance, you can add lighting, flooring, faucet, countertops, paint, electrical supplies, cabinet hardware, appliances, grout, tiles, etc.
To know the prices of the labor and materials, you can get quotes. If you want, you can even add the tax to your sheets. When done, you will be able to see clearly what areas are eating up your budget. Afterward, you can make some adjustments by opting for the less expensive ones, or you could cancel these things altogether.
When creating a budget for your project, it would be great to allocate those unexpected expenses. Some people suggest that adding 10% to your budget is already enough for more flexibility, however, it is all up to you.
Take Some Time
It’s not always a good idea to wait for the money for your renovation. This is because when you are planning a renovation, time is your friend. If you have the money, then you can easily get tempted in renovating your house all at once.
However, it can be difficult to make good design choices when there are a lot of things that you are considering. You should avoid rushing things so you won’t have any regrets about the decisions that you make.
You could start with one or two rooms, then you can move to the others after finishing these first. Some people find it hard to finish a project before going on to the next thing. The best thing to do is to give priority to the most intensive projects and be sure to do them first so they won’t drag you down.
By forcing yourself to finish one project before starting another, you can assure yourself that you won’t be living in a house filled with unfinished rooms.
Furthermore, starting with one or two rooms would be a smart choice based on a budget standpoint. This is because in case there are any unexpected expenses, then you can manage them without the need to halt the project, make compromises in other areas, or get a loan.
Planning for your project can be fun, so you should take your time and get all the details. In this way, you won’t be wasting your money and time when making doubtful decisions.
Pay on a Cash Basis
If you pay in cash for your project, then you are using the money that you already have. This means that you don’t have to pay any interest in case you decide to get a loan or charge them to your credit card. If the purpose of your renovation is to sell your home, then it might make sense because you will be getting a return on your investment.
Additionally, you can immediately pay off your loan. But generally, the best method is to pay in cash. If you think that you can’t afford it now, then try to think of ways in which you can reduce your household budget so you will be able to save some money for your renovation.
Reuse Materials
One of the best ways that you can save some money for your kitchen renovations is to reuse some appliances and cabinetry. If you want something other than the new hardware and new paint for your kitchen cabinet doors, then you can still save some money by changing the style or refacing the doors, or you could replace the doors but keep the cabinet body in place.
If you can’t reuse anything, then you can still save money by buying your materials and fixtures from salvage yards. You could also buy them from websites that offer trade, buy, or sell. Or you could get them from building material auctions.
You could find lots of lumber left over from a certain project or find somebody who wants to move and sell their fine appliances immediately. Hunting for salvage materials can be fun. Additionally, it can add character to the project. Aside from saving some money, you are also helping the planet.
Do It Yourself
One of the most efficient ways that you can save money on your renovation is to do it yourself. However, you might be thinking that you are not handy.
Well, think again! Although you might not be able to lay tiles or put-up drywall, nevertheless there are some simple things that you can do to prepare your space before the crew arrives. Keep in mind that you are paying these workers per hour, regardless of what is the task on hand. You could prepare the surfaces, clean up the space, and do some painting.
On the other hand, if you have moderate skills, then now is the best time to show them off! The best resource is YouTube. If you have the determination and the time to learn a new skill, then do it. If you don’t have the tools that are needed, then you could rent them out from a local hardware store.
This can help you to save some money rather than hiring somebody to do the task for you. Additionally, rental due dates can help you in getting motivated to finish the job.
If you are interested in doing a lot of work by yourself, then you should know that there are some tasks that you should not do since you are not licensed to do them. For instance, moving utility lines or doing some electrical work.
However, if you have the skills to do certain tasks such as installing load-bearing beams and breaking down walls, then you should get a permit. This can prevent you from getting yourself into trouble. Additionally, it can also provide protection to the occupants of your home.
Keep the High- and Low-End Materials Well-Balanced
You can get the most out of your money by allocating more funds to statement items such as a statement stove or quartz countertops. However, you should also save money for the less impactful things. This is something that you need to figure out since this can vary from one project to another.
Sometimes it also depends on the style. But generally, you should spend more on hardware rather than on cabinets or doors. You should figure out your own balance but avoid going too fancy. The key is you should figure out the balance and not the extremes.
Casci Design Works Inc. can help you with your kitchen and bathroom renovations as well as any projects. If you have some inquiries, then you can contact us at (916) 216-2786 or send us an email at sfcasci@gmail.com.