Thinking about moving? Or you are just thinking about remodeling your old home? It is the perfect time to make some simple, yet affordable home improvements. These improvements will not only add value to your home, but will make it more comfy for living. Where to start? We have some home improvement tips that will help you remodel your space without spending a lot of money.
DON’T THROW MONEY AWAY
Don’t waste money by building something that you don’t like. The most expensive mistake you can make is to remodel any room in your home that you don’t like when everything is finished. Hire a designer or architect for at least an initial sketch that will help you during the remodeling stage. Sometimes it takes only one or two details to turn your room into a very comfy and beautiful space. Gather some visual materials that you find attractive to illustrate your ideas.
DO PARTS OF THE PROJECT YOURSELF
The best way to save is to do the entire project yourself. But, if you don’t have the time or skills, try to do what you can to reduce the costs. For instance, you can clean up the space, move the needed materials, dig, paint, etc.
SHOP SMART
Shop for appliances and finish materials to take advantage of sales. When it comes to lighting fixtures, countertops, faucets, appliances, carpeting and other finish materials – your own footwork will pay off. If you start collecting these items well in advance you won’t only get what your home needs, but you will also find bargains. You can even plan to reuse distressed hardwood flooring, old stove or other items that add a creative touch to your space. But, keep in mind that installation costs might be higher for such unusual requests.
SHOPPING ONLINE
If you want to save time and money shop over the Internet. Can’t find a mesmerizing lamp for your bedroom at the nearest home center? The Internet offers a wide selection of lamps, lighting fixtures and everything else you need for your home at your fingertips. You can also find some hard-to-find items at competitive prices.
ADD LOW-VOLTAGE OUTDOOR LIGHTING
Think lights along your walkways, driveway and patio. To improve the ambiance in your entire home, choose the proper lighting fixtures for every room. Keep in mind to illuminate the yard with low-voltage low lighting.
ADVANCE PLANNING PAYS OFF
If you try to find a contractor to start your porch design in March and have it complete by Mother’s Day, you will have much higher offer. January is the ideal time to get the best contractor deals, because contractors aren’t so busy.
Most building trades have slow seasons and busy seasons. So plan ahead everything and you will get more competitive bids during the slow seasons. Here are some tips for best times to schedule:
- project design – fall and winter
- chimney cleaning – spring, summer and winter
- air conditioning – early spring or late winter
- heating – late summer
- indoor renovations – during rainy months or winter
- roofing – rainy or cold months
PLAN FOR FUTURE UPGRADES
You don’t have to remodel all your home all at once. You can get started immediately and gradually add as your finances allow. But if you don’t want to upgrade what you’ve already done or go back and tear out make a good plan. For instance, consider:
- rough framing for future windows and doors
- wiring for future lighting fixtures
- rough plumbing for a future hot tub or half bath
- in-the-wall wiring for electronics in every room
- French doors that open to a future deck
- an electrical service with capacity for the future hot tub or workshop
