Making a low budget renovation look like a million bucks doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little ingenuity and some creative thinking, you can achieve a high-end look without spending a lot of money.
Are you planning to renovate your home but don’t have a large budget? You’re not alone. Many homeowners are facing the same dilemma. But don’t worry, there are ways to make a low budget renovation look like a big one.
For starters, there’s a lot of preparation that needs to be done. Be it the mental or logistical preparation. For example, there are so many things that you need to know before you start your renovation project. Firstly, you need to understand whether your house actually needs a renovation or not. You must know your goals for the renovation too—whether you want to actually renovate for yourself or to uplift the resale value of your house.
There are some other aspects too, that you should know before starting a home renovation project:
- Paint is your friend. A fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference in any room. It’s an inexpensive way to brighten up a space and give it a new look.
- Focus on one area at a time. Trying to do too much at once can be expensive and overwhelming. It’s best to focus on one area of your home and renovate it slowly over time.
- DIY when you can. There are many things you can do yourself if you’re willing to put in the work. This can save you a lot of money on labor costs.
- Shop around for deals. Don’t be afraid to shop around for the best deals on materials and appliances. You may be surprised at what you can find if you look in the right places.
Table of Contents
Tips to make low budget renovation look like a big one
Planning your budget
Carefully planning your budget for your home renovation is key to completing your project successfully without breaking the bank. Use the tips below to create a budget that works for you and make sure you stick to it.
- Sit down and work out what you can afford to spend on your renovation. Remember to factor in the cost of any materials, labour, permits and other fees that may be required.
- Create a realistic timeline for your renovation, taking into account the time needed for planning, sourcing materials, construction and any necessary repairs or touch-ups.
- Research the market to get an idea of the average cost of similar renovations in your area so you can price out materials and services accurately.
- Speak to experts in the field (such as architects, designers, builders or suppliers) to get advice on how to achieve the look you want within your budget constraints.
- Make a list of all the things you want to do as part of your renovation, then prioritise them according to importance so you can focus your spending where it matters most.
- Once you have an estimated cost for each item on your list, start looking for ways to save money – such as by shopping around for cheaper materials or labour, or opting for DIY solutions where possible.
- Stay flexible and be prepared to compromise on certain aspects of your renovation if it means staying within budget – remember that the most important thing is getting the job done without going overbudget!
Hiring a contractor
Hiring a contractor can be a great way to get a high-quality renovation on a low budget. But before you hire someone, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re getting the best possible value for your money.
Here are a few tips for hiring a contractor:
- Get referrals from friends or family members who have had similar work done.
- Check online reviews before you hire anyone.
- Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured.
- Get everything in writing before work begins, including a detailed estimate of the total cost of the project.
- Pay by credit card so you have recourse if there are any problems with the workmanship.
Saving money on materials
There are a few ways you can save money on the materials you’ll need for your renovation:
- Reuse materials: Once you’ve demolished existing features in your home, see if any of the materials can be reused in your new design.
- Choose cheaper materials: If you can’t reuse anything, look for cheaper alternatives to the materials you had originally planned to use. For example, instead of granite countertops, you could use laminate.
- Do it yourself: If you’re handy and have some time on your hands, you could save a lot of money by doing some of the work yourself. However, make sure you know what you’re doing before taking on any major projects!
Finding low-cost furniture
Many people think that a low budget renovation has to look cheap, but this doesn’t have to be the case! With a little bit of creativity and elbow grease, you can make even the most inexpensive furniture look like a million bucks. Here are some tips on how to find low-cost furniture that looks great:
- Start by visiting your local thrift stores. You’d be surprised at the hidden gems you can find for a fraction of the price.
- Once you’ve found some potential pieces, give them a good once-over. Look for any damage such as scratches, stains or water marks. These can often be easily fixed with a bit of TLC.
- If you’re still not quite sure about a piece, try giving it a new coat of paint or reupholstering it in a new fabric. This can completely transform the look of a piece of furniture and make it unique to your home.
- Lastly, don’t forget about accessories! Adding new knobs or pulls to dressers and cabinets can give them an entirely new look without breaking the bank.
Getting creative with wall treatments
Wall treatments are one of the easiest ways to add character and dimension to a room without breaking the bank.Try using wall treatments to:
- Create an accent wall: Use one wall as the focal point of the room by covering it with a bold color or an interesting wallpaper.
- Create texture: Use paint or wallpaper with interesting patterns or textures to add visual interest to your walls.
- Add architectural interest: Use molding, wainscoting, or other architectural details to add dimension and interest to your walls.
Adding personal touches
It’s all in the details when it comes to making a low budget renovation look like a million bucks. Hardware is often overlooked but plays a big role in the overall look of your space. Splurging on high-end hardware for your kitchen and bathroom cabinets can make a big difference without breaking the bank. Adding simple hardware to dresser drawers and windows can also add a touch of luxury without going over budget.
Another way to add upscale details on a budget is through millwork. Incorporating wainscoting, crown molding or decorative beams into your design can give your space an instant facelift. If you’re not ready to commit to these changes, try adding some simple trim details around doors and windows or frame out your Rough Electrical with inexpensive 1x4s to give it that built-in look.
Lighting is also key when trying to elevate your space on a budget. Ditch the builder grade lighting fixtures and install higher end pieces that make a statement. Pendants, chandeliers and wall sconces can all be found at a variety of price points to fit any budget. And don’t forget the power of good ol’ fashioned elbow grease! A fresh coat of paint goes a long way in making any space feel new again.
Finishing touches
Once you’ve completed all your major renovations, it’s time to focus on the finishing touches that will really make your home stand out. Here are a few ideas:
- Paint: A fresh coat of paint can make any room look new. If you’re on a budget, try painting just one wall in a bold color as an accent.
- Hardware: Updating your hardware is an easy and inexpensive way to give your home a new look. Just be sure to choose hardware that coordinates with the style of your home.
- Lighting: Lighting can make a big difference in the look and feel of a room. Try adding some accent lighting or changing out your light fixtures for something more modern.
- Window treatments: Curtains, blinds, and shutters can all add character to your windows. If you’re not sure what to choose, try looking for inspiration online or in magazines.
- Accessories: Finally, don’t forget the accessories! Throw pillows, area rugs, and wall art can all help to tie a room together and give it that final touch of style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many ways to make a low budget home renovation look like a million bucks. With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can have the home of your dreams without breaking the bank.