Renovating your home or condominium does not have to be expensive and costly. You can upgrade most rooms and often do not need an entire renovation. When you are on a budget upgrading your rooms instead of doing an entire remodeling of your home can help you save money.
1. Remodeling Your Kitchen
You can upgrade the kitchen by working with what you have and upgrading some features. If you have kitchen cabinets that are in good condition, you can hire someone to paint them or do it yourself. A fresh coat of paint will give your kitchen a new look. There are many unusual colors, from neutral to bright, from which you can choose. Some contractors will upgrade the cabinets you have by adding new features and sanding and staining the wood. You can add organizers, hardware, and other tools to your cabinets to help you store kitchen equipment easily.
Look for new energy-saving appliances to replace the ones that are outdated. New appliances will last many years and save you energy on your purchase. Some nonprofits, like Habitat For Humanity and St. Vincent De Paul’s, sell used appliances for less to customers that have a tight budget.
Consider adding new countertops using cost-effective materials like quartz, granite, Formica, tile, coria, and recycled glass. Countertops are often considered the focal point of the home.
2. Bathroom Remodeling
One of the simplest ways to freshen up your bathroom is to paint the walls or use new wallpaper. Use can use a new color to brighten the interior and provide more light in the room. Instead of replacing your tub, you can have it refinished or glazed and it will look brand new. This takes a few days, so you may have to do without your bathroom or shower if that is the only one you have in your home.
Put in some new energy-saving faucets and low-flow toilets that save on water. A rain shower can provide you with a luxury shower but reduce the cost of putting in a spa or whirlpool. Many of these showerheads have different settings and provide a spa-like experience. Add some new accessories, storage racks, plants, bathmats, towels, face cloths, rugs, or anything that adds some amenities to your bathrooms.
3. Ways to Save Energy
Using your current air conditions and heating system, you can save by changing the filters every few months. You can control the temperature in your home with a programmable thermostat. This will save you money by controlling the temperature throughout the house. Turn off the lights when you are not using a room. Use power strips with on and off switches for TV, computers, and phones. Switch to CFL bulbs, which cost more but overall will save you energy as they last longer and do not burn out as quickly. They are safer because they generate less heat daily.
You can fix leaks around your window and doors by buying caulk and filling in small leaks around windows and doors. Adding weather stripping to exterior doors is another way to save energy. According to the US Energy Department, heat loss and gain through windows are responsible for 20-35% of energy use. Installing new vinyl windows with treated glass is another energy-saving idea.
Adding new storm doors and exterior doors in your home will provide added insulation and save on your heating and cooling bills. According to Remodeling Magazine, a new entry door has an average of 74.9% return on your investment. Ways to save on water are taking shorter showers, running a dishwasher only when it’s full, and installing low-flow faucets and showerheads.
4. Looking For A Reasonable Contractor
Look for a reasonable contractor to work with and one that has insurance and is certified. With sales tax rising in Florida to 6% and in other areas, a contractor that works within your budget is a good option. Contractors starting out or during slower seasons like winter may give you a break on the price. Smaller businesses are often a viable choice.
These are some ways to lower expenses when you renovate your home. Another suggestion is to do some work yourself if you have the skills or learn to do some projects yourself.