Home renovations breed perceptions of stacking bills like Jenga blocks and being elbow-deep in drywall dust for months on end. And that makes homeowners put off long-awaited projects.

But you can’t leave the walls peeling and the floors sagging forever. Whether it’s for the sake of adding layers of comfort or increasing the value of your home, you need to renovate. You could start small with a fresh coat of paint or new light fixtures or make a bigger impact with steel windows and doors.

But where do you find the money for a full-blown renovation? And how can you do so without taking out a second mortgage or selling a kidney?

Here are some tips:

1. No Budging from the Budget:

You don’t just wake up one day and announce that you’re renovating. That’s impractical, and it’ll only mean more debt. You need to start small by setting a budget for the entire project. Factor in everything, including:

• Labor
• Materials
• Permits
• Inspection fees

The ideal scenario is finding someone who can do everything for you, but that’s not always possible. And that’s okay. You can space the project by working on one room at a time. But the key is sticking to the budget.

2. Empty Your Space:

Renovation days are busy. There is a lot of movement, and the last thing you want is to trip over boxes or step on nails. Oh, and you don’t want your recent sofa splurge to get ruined by paint stains, especially if you live in an area like Grand Prairie with a higher-than-average cost of living.

So, before the workers arrive, make sure to empty the space. For instance, you can rent one of the many storage units Grande Prairie offers or ask a friend if you can store some of your things in their garage. It’ll save you from spending money on fixing furniture or buying new pieces because the old ones are no longer presentable.

3. Bring a Professional On-Board:

We know it’s a commonly believed misconception that DIY is always cheaper. But that’s not always the case, especially when it comes to complex home renovations. Take electrical work, for example. One small mistake and you could be putting your family at risk.

So, it’s best to hire a professional rather than try to save a few bucks. It’ll save you your appliances, your money, and your family.

However, you must always take your time before hiring anyone. Take multiple quotes and read reviews to avoid burning a hole in your pocket.

4. Get Creative with Materials:

“Renovation” doesn’t necessarily have to mean “new.” You could get creative with the materials you already have. For example, if you’re planning on re-tiling your kitchen backsplash, you could use old CDs or recycled glass. And, if you want to add a pop of color to your living room walls but can’t afford new paint, you could always frame some old artwork or photos.

These are all creative and edgy, but what if you want a sophisticated look? Well, in that case, you can pick your new material wisely. For instance, opt for laminate instead of hardwood; it’s cheaper and gives off the same look.

5. Keep the Same Layout:

What’s your motive for renovating? Is it to increase the value of your home, or are you simply bored of the same old space? You don’t need to change the entire layout if it’s the latter. Instead, you could simply rearrange the furniture or even add new pieces that complement the existing ones.

If you need to do something bigger, consider installing new flooring or knocking down a wall. But, that’s as big as you should go because any significant changes like moving the kitchen could result in higher costs. Plus, you might need permits for such things, which could further increase the price tag.

6. Refurbish Your Furniture:

Are you tired of your five-year-old mustard-colored couch? Do you want to achieve the farmhouse look without spending a fortune on new furniture? Well, in that case, you could always refurbish your existing pieces. For example, reupholstering your couch or chairs is an excellent way to change their look without buying new ones. Try to find a pattern or color that compliments the rest of your décor. You can also mix and match fabrics. Like, a cotton couch with linen pillows.

As for the rustic furniture look, get hold of a chalk paint pot and tune in to YouTube for some step-by-step guidance.

You can also transform an old dresser into a bathroom vanity or turn an old door into a coffee table. The possibilities are endless.

7. Upgrade Cabinet Doors:

If your cabinet doors look a little worn out, it’s time for an upgrade. You could either replace them or simply repaint them; it’s cheaper and easier. If the paint isn’t your first choice, wallpapers are also an excellent way to add some personality to your cabinets without spending much money.

You can also remove the doors on some of the upper cabinets to transform them into easy-to-access, open shelves. They’ll look great and save you the hassle of searching through everything whenever you’re looking for something specific.

8. Replace Light Fixtures:

Light fixtures are one of the first things people notice when they enter a room. So, if they’re outdated or damaged, they’ll leave a bad impression. But you don’t need to buy all new ones; you could simply replace the shades. If you want to go a step further, you could unscrew the entire thing and give it a fresh coat of paint. Of course, ensure you’re using the right paint; otherwise, it’ll chip off easily.

And, if you’re aiming to enhance the sustainability of your home, then you could opt for LED bulbs. They use very little energy and last much longer than regular ones.

Final Thoughts:

It’s natural to want to speed up the process by doing everything at once. However, this is usually not the smartest move when working with a limited budget. So, take your time, do your research and make a plan. It will help you save both time and money in the long run.

You must also try and be as flexible as possible. Then, when everything comes together in the end, it might surprise you with how good it looks.

So, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it! After all, it’s your home.