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How to Cut Costs on a Home Renovation: 10 Useful Tips

couple planning home renovations

Are you planning to renovate your home? From crafting your dream kitchen to creating a cozy sanctuary in your backyard, home renovations can breathe new life into your property and enhance your living experience.

At Power Finance Texas, we understand that transforming your house into the perfect living space can be an exciting yet daunting journey. Embarking on a renovation project often comes with a significant price tag, leaving many property owners wondering how to cut costs on a home renovation.

Fear not; we have practical tips and strategies to help you save big on your home improvement endeavors. Whether you’re a first-time renovator or a seasoned DIY enthusiast, we’re here to show you that achieving your dream home doesn’t have to be a financial burden.
We cover the average renovation costs, the time it takes to complete different projects, and, most importantly, smart and creative ways to cut expenses without compromising quality. With our expert advice, you’ll be well-equipped to transform your living space into a haven that reflects your unique style and taste, all while keeping costs in check.

What Is a Realistic Budget for a Home Renovation?

Setting a realistic budget is essential when planning a home renovation. According to HomeAdvisor, the average home renovation project can cost anywhere from $17,808 to $80,433, depending on its scale and complexity. It’s crucial to assess your needs and prioritize renovations accordingly.
To help you better understand the potential costs, let’s break down the average expenses by room:

  • Kitchen: $6,000+
  • Bathroom: $3,000–$25,000
  • Living Room: $5,000–$10,000
  • Bedroom: $10,000–$15,000

Keep in mind that these figures are approximate and can vary based on factors such as location, materials used, and labor charges.

When creating your budget, we recommend making one for household expenses too. Creating a household budget will help you save more, so you can renovate your home sooner and build a reserve for unexpected expenses or unforeseen financial disasters. There are even some incredible online tools for creating a budget you can use to get started.

Additionally, you can save more money on your current expenses, such as downgrading or removing unnecessary services, improving your debt management, and making your home more energy efficient.

What Part of Your House Is the Most Worth Remodeling?

The best part of your home to remodel depends on your goals. Do you want to renovate to improve your living space, enjoy upgraded appliances, or gain access to features currently lacking? Or would you prefer to complete renovations that will add the most value to your house first?

If it’s the latter, you’re best off completing renovations focused on maintenance, such as replacing outdoor siding, installing a new roof, or upgrading your insulation. You could also tackle home improvement projects like kitchen upgrades, bathroom renovations, installing or refinishing wood flooring, or adding more living space.

10 Ways to Cut Costs on a Home Renovation

Wondering how to cut costs on a home renovation project? Here are 10 valuable tips.

1. Plan Ahead and Look at Options

Before diving into your home renovation, take the time to plan meticulously and compare options. Define your priorities and allocate funds to the aspects of the project that matter most to you. Research costs for materials, labor, and any additional expenses. Staying organized and informed will help you avoid overspending and keep your finances on track.

2. Buy Your Own Materials

While some contractors offer to source materials for you, purchasing them yourself can help you save a lot of money. Look for sales, coupons, and special offers at local hardware stores. Consider buying materials online or at building supply stores in bulk.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices or explore alternative, budget-friendly options. By taking charge of your material purchases, you’ll have better control over your expenses and potentially save a substantial amount on your renovation project.

3. Wait for Sales on Appliances

Consider waiting for seasonal sales or holiday promotions if your home renovation involves updating appliances. Retailers often discount expensive products around Black Friday, Memorial Day, and other major holidays.

Being patient and strategically timing your purchases can lead to considerable savings on appliances without compromising your desired quality or functionality. Keep an eye on local advertisements and online deals to catch the best opportunities for upgrading your home at a fraction of the regular cost.

4. Refinish Hardwood Floors Instead of Installing New Flooring

If your home features hardwood floors showing signs of wear, consider refinishing them rather than opting for new flooring. Refinishing hardwood floors is a cost-effective alternative that can breathe new life into your home’s interior. Sanding and re-staining the existing hardwood saves money on material costs and reduces labor expenses compared to installation.

5. Compare Local Contractors

When seeking professional help for your home renovation, comparing quotes from multiple local contractors is essential. Request estimates and thoroughly review the scope of work, pricing, and references. Don’t solely focus on the lowest bid; consider the contractor’s reputation and experience. By conducting thorough research, you can find skilled professionals who offer competitive rates, ultimately ensuring you get the best value for your investment.

6. Take Home Renovations One Project at a Time

While completing multiple home renovations simultaneously might seem appealing, taking on too much at once can lead to financial strain. Instead, focus on one project at a time.

Prioritize renovations based on urgency and budget constraints. This approach allows you to allocate funds more effectively and complete each project with the desired level of attention and quality. By pacing yourself, you’ll have the satisfaction of accomplishing projects one by one while maintaining control over your finances.

7. DIY the Simple Things

Not all aspects of home renovation require professional expertise. Consider tackling some smaller tasks yourself to save on labor costs. Painting walls, assembling furniture, or handling basic landscaping can be rewarding DIY projects.

However, be cautious and assess your skills honestly—complex tasks may require professional help to avoid costly mistakes. Strike a balance between DIY and hiring experts to achieve cost savings and excellent results.

8. Consider Keeping Your Home’s Layout the Same

Significantly altering your home’s layout can quickly escalate renovation costs due to structural changes and additional labor charges. Consider working with your existing layout and focus on cosmetic updates instead. You can refresh your living space without requiring extensive construction by changing elements like color schemes, decor, and fixtures.

couple selling their appliances9. Sell Old Appliances, Fixtures, and Furniture as You Replace Them

When upgrading your home with new appliances, fixtures, or furniture, don’t let the old items go to waste. Consider reselling them to recoup some of your renovation costs.

Online platforms like Craigslist or social media marketplaces are excellent places to advertise and find potential buyers. You can also check with local secondhand stores or consignment shops for selling options.

10. Use Reward Credit Cards for Extra Savings

When making purchases for your home renovation, consider using reward credit cards to maximize your savings. Many credit cards offer cashback, rewards points, or discounts on specific purchases, including home improvement expenses.

While using reward credit cards for extra savings can be beneficial, paying the balance in full and on time is crucial to avoid interest charges. Interest on credit card balances can accumulate quickly, eroding any savings gained from reward or cashback programs. Paying off the balance promptly each month ensures you can fully take advantage of the rewards without incurring additional costs.

Power Finance Texas is Here to Help

Turning your home renovation dreams into reality is entirely achievable with the right strategies, and now you know how to cut costs on home renovations. But if you find yourself in need of quick cash to help cover renovation costs, a personal loan may be an ideal solution. At Power Finance Texas, we can support your aspirations with installment loans of up to $1,250.

Our fast and convenient online application process ensures you get the financial assistance you need to tackle repair expenses and bring your vision to life. Don’t let budget constraints hold you back—explore our installment loans today and take the next step toward transforming your home.