How To Renovate on a Small Budget

Renovations don’t have to break the bank. 

Find out how to make smart choices that keep your remodeling project affordable! Using our tips below, you’ll be able to save some pennies and still enjoy a stunning, revamped home.

Exterior
Traditional Entry by Novato General Contractors Rasmussen Construction

It’s like couponing: prepare before you splurge.

Check out sales and deals in the months leading up to your renovations. There’s nothing better than getting the premium products you’ve been eyeing on major sale. Being patient and waiting for them to go on sale can save you a few pretty pennies.

Consult the experts before taking on any endeavor.

Have you met ibby? Ibby is a design/build firm with a twist, and the newest member of the Case family. Ibby strives to make bathroom remodeling easier than it’s ever been before, and they do that through their revolutionary software. You can visualize your bathroom remodel with their 3D renderings, and then find out exactly how much it will cost to put that bathroom in your house! As you select materials from their curated collection, both the rendering and fixed price change in real-time. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes, you can do it from anywhere, and it’s totally free.

Kitchen
Contemporary Kitchen by Bethesda Kitchen & Bath Remodelers Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.

Leftovers don’t only make for easy meals.

Scout out yard sales, buy materials at auctions, or ask your contractor if you can snag leftover materials.

Get creative—the scraps may not be quite what you’re looking for, but the art of getting thrifty means seeing the world (or the very least, your renovation options) in an open-minded way.

Interior
Modern Living Room by San Francisco Architects & Building Designers John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA
Interior
Contemporary Basement by Other Metro Home Builders Homes by DePhillips

We love mahogany flooring as much as the next person—but remember you don’t always need to go for the real McCoy.

Swap the expensive wood flooring for affordable alternatives, like a hardwood natural eucalyptus hybrid. Check out Lyptus for an example. Inexpensive flooring can look just as nice.

Interior
Contemporary Staircase by Honolulu Architects & Building Designers Lapis Design Partners

Be smart about lighting.

Really think about the number and type of light fixtures you install. By choosing fixtures that emit the perfect amount of light for a particular space, you won’t have to buy additional lamps. LED light bulbs often emit a brighter light and longer-lasting light. Also, make the most of natural light when planning your remodeling project and light fixtures.

Kitchen
Traditional Kitchen by New York Architects & Building Designers DF Architect PC
Bedroom
Contemporary Bedroom by Minneapolis Interior Designers & Decorators Design By Lisa

Deliver your own goods.

Rent a trailer for the day or, if you foresee the project extending over several months, buy a trailer. Keep in mind: it’ll save money and time in the long run.

Renovate the home, but leave major plumbing alone.

When considering a bathroom renovation, money can be saved if you install the new sink and toilet in the same locations as the existing. Reworking the plumbing system can add significant costs to your project.

Bathroom
Eclectic Bathroom by New York Interior Designers & Decorators moment design + productions, llc

Have you renovated without splurging? Let us know your tips in the comments below!

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