Monday, April 18, 2011

Home Renovations on a Budget

So you've either purchased a home that needs some updates, or you'd rather give your current place some TLC instead of giving it up. Do you have to blow the bank to get the renovations done? Of course not! Whether you are doing it yourself or hiring professionals, here are some tips to stay within budget while getting the look you desire.

Work with what you’ve got. Unless you’re dealing with structural issues or water damage, it’s likely that not everything needs to be replaced. If you’ve got a good set of cabinets, why trash the boxes when just replacing the cabinet doors will do?

Leave appliances, fixtures and outlets in the same locations. Running new lines drives up costs. Only when you’ve planned for such changes is it the right time to go to the trouble of rewiring and plumbing so that a range can sit where the fridge once stood.

Stick with normal colors. By that we mean choose standard color wheel options or neutrals, which are manufactured in the greatest numbers, and the efficiency is passed on in the price.

Opt for factory finishing. Cabinets, floors and even entire houses are now available factory finished, allowing for faster installation.

Make decisions based on quality, not just price. It’s still cheaper to have the same item over a longer period than to replace it a few years later—and pay for labor again, too.

Prioritize and don’t budge. Once you have your list, refine it by dividing it between what you want and what you need. Ask yourself again why you are doing this project. Do you crave a more efficient space? An attractive and up-to-date room? Are you doing it for yourself or for resale? If the latter is the case, consult with your designer and a REALTOR® to see where your money will count the most.

For even more money saving tips, you can read the full RISMedia article here.

2 comments:

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  2. Thank you for making the effort to explain the terminlogy for the learners!

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