In tough economic times, the need to save money often trumps important home repairs and renovations, but . It is possible to perform these tasks in an affordable manner, simply by following these six simple tips:
1. Purchase your own building materials
When you purchase your own building materials for your renovation, you control the costs from your vantage point. For example, you can spend time shopping around for discounts, and you can also purchase clearance or remnant items the stores are trying to get rid of in order to make room for different stock.
There are times, too, when people return materials they no longer want for their remodel and the store features these items at rock bottom prices. These materials could be anything from a special order counter top to a gallon of paint they changed their mind about. Speak to the manager on staff to find out the largest possible discount you can receive. If it is not a price you’re absolutely happy with, don’t make an impulse decision. Take your time to find the best possible deals.
2. Be your own contractor – Affordable Renovation Ideas
If you are an experienced do-it-yourself remodeler, then it’s possible a lot of the renovations can be completed without the need for a contractor. There are opportunities to take classes at home improvement stores periodically throughout the year, as well as through adult education courses through your local high school.
Never attempt to work on anything that you are not completely sure you can handle. This holds true for plumbing and electrical work, as well. These jobs should be completed by licensed professionals in order to ensure each job is completed accurately and safely.
3. Start small
Work on projects that are the most inexpensive first. For example, if the renovation is something simple like patching a few small holes in the drywall and giving the room a fresh paint job, start there. There are also opportunities to give cabinetry a facelift with paint, rather than ripping them out and starting from scratch.
Additional inexpensive changes include shampooing rugs, rather than ripping them up and replacing them; replacing old plastic switch plate covers with decorative ones; and changing out curtains and other window treatments that are damaged or worn out.[easyazon-image align=”right” asin=”B00375LN1A” locale=”us” height=”300″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51K3HctQAoL.jpg” width=”234″]
4. Reuse and repurpose
If you are tired of the way a room looks and it doesn’t necessarily need repairs or heavy renovations, then simply reuse or repurpose items throughout the living space. For example, try rearranging the room to see if that’s enough to make the room feel and look changed. Another example is to purchase pillow covers, rather than replacing them, and moving lamps from one room the next. Make sure you’re addressing any broken lampshades or dirty light bulbs, as well, because that will also make dramatic changes to the room.
An example of repurposing items includes hanging small baskets from the ceiling for plants, kitchen items, fruits, vegetables, or small fabric remnants. Another example includes using old suitcases stacked up on top of each other as a cross between a storage solution and a side table.
5. Downsize – Affordable Renovation Solutions
Sometimes a renovation could be as simple as downsizing your items. While it might seem like you need to knock out a wall in order to maximize space, it might behoove you to reduce the amount of items held within the space instead. The same holds true if you’re interested in adding something like a fireplace or woodstove to a room. If it feels like the room is too cramped or too small for this renovation, consider removing items before knocking down walls.
6. Buy second hand
If you’re tired of the furnishing that are in your living space, there are lots of opportunities to make affordable second hand purchases that add a lot of class, style, and charm to the home. For example, if someone is trying to get rid of their distressed leather sofa and you’ve always wanted one, this is a perfect situation.
Other opportunities include secondhand desks, nightstands, and dressers that can easily be fixed up if they just need new knobs, drawer pulls, or a fresh coat of paint.
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The above article comes as a donation from the 1cabinfurniture, an online retailer of rustic log furniture, distressed leather sofa and more.