Home improvements are big business with many of us choosing to ‘do up’ our homes rather than go through the stress of moving. Whether you are looking to add a large-scale extension or refresh your current space, read these six budgeting hacks before starting to save money!
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Look for Offers
There are always deals out there so look for ways you can save money on materials such as paint, plaster, and wallpaper. If you are looking to save a little while sprucing up your home check out voucher sites, multibuy offers and the sale section – you never know what you might find!
Recycle
Save money during your project by recycling items such as furniture. With vintage and retro showing no sign of going out of fashion, older items needn’t be dated. Make a statement by creating a full-on 70s style room with blow-up furniture and orange and yellow curtains or a Mad Men inspired office with mid-century furniture from thrift shops. Online selling sites are great for picking up bargains and you can also give yourself a pat on the back knowing you are doing your bit to help the planet. Sell on your unwanted items to make money, too!
Repurpose
Upcycling has become a major trend over the past few years but when you look at the money you can save from repurposing, it is easy to see why. Easy ways to update your old furniture include painting wooden items or decoupaging tables to give a fresh, individual look that will make your unloved items feel brand new. Check out Pinterest and Instagram for ideas and get inspired!
Make Do and Mend
If you are undertaking a larger project such as updating a bathroom, consider alternatives to replacing the whole suite to save money. If the tiles are dated, could they be painted with tile paint rather than being replaced? If the fiberglass bath has a crack, could just that be replaced rather than the whole suite? Stick-on flooring tiles are an affordable way to change the overall look of a bathroom with very little work. Think of ways to cut back on expenditure to reduce costs.
Do It Yourself
Labor is expensive so if you are considering paying a professional, decide whether it is necessary before shelling out your hard-earned cash. There are some jobs you should never do yourself unless you are trained – gas and electrics are dangerous so always hire an expert for these – but if it is plastering, decorating, or putting up a summerhouse, consider if it’s something you could do. Ask friends to help and make it a fun social event with a pizza party as a thank you – even if you are getting takeout for a group, it is likely to be a huge saving compared to paying a professional for their services.
Pure and Simple
Think ahead when decorating a room and don’t be tempted to follow fashion when painting walls. Regency colors may be in vogue now, but the trend will soon change, and you will want to update your room again. Instead, choose a neutral shade for your walls (white, cream, grey). You may find that neutral shades are cheaper to buy and if you want to add depth and a modern look to your room why not use remnants of neutral paints from previous projects? Each wall can be a slightly different shade which is a clever way of using up the half-empty tins of paint that are cluttering up your garage.
Bring the personality to your room through accessories and soft furnishings so when you want to change the look you don’t need to redecorate. You’ll be surprised at what a difference changing throws, cushions, rugs, and art can make! Swap with friends who are also after a fresh look so you don’t need to buy new or pick up items at yard sales to curate your own eclectic collection that will get people talking.
These are just some the ways you can save money when updating your home. With a pinch of ingenuity and a lot of imagination you can create your dream home without breaking the bank. Have fun!
