Renovating a house can eat a significant portion of your budget if you don’t approach it correctly. In the US, these costs can range between $15,000 and $200,000, depending on the size and scope of the project.

Of course, your state’s cost of living plays a role too. For instance, if you’re in Memphis, Tennessee, you can expect to pay less than most places. It is because the national average housing expenses are 21% lower here.

But you can’t leave your home renovation budget at the mercy of fate. You must plan and budget according to how much you can realistically afford.

Here are some tips to help you renovate your house efficiently and economically:

1. One Portion at a Time:

Are you DIY-ing the renovation? If so, break the project down into smaller chunks. Start with one room and move on to another when you’re finished. You can also prioritize tasks. It will help you focus your energy and resources on the job and ensure you don’t go overboard.

Start with the most urgent ones and then move on to other areas in order of importance. For instance, if you’re hosting a grand dinner next month, focus on the kitchen renovation first.

2. Make Enough Room for Renovation:

One rule of renovating with ease is to have enough space for movement. Move all the furniture out of the house to make it easier for your workers to move around. You will also be able to save your precious belongings from getting damaged. Imagine a giant blob of oil paint on your designer sofa! Not a pretty sight, right?

So, to save yourself from misery (and extra money), clear the area before starting to work. If you’re in Southwest Tennessee or the Mississippi River, consider renting Memphis storage units to declutter and keep your valuables secure for as long as you’d like.

3. Reuse and Recycle:

As highlighted, renovations can cost a lot of money. If you’re on a budget, reuse and recycle should be your two buzzwords. You can buy secondhand furniture, use old wood planks to make shelves and cabinets, or recycle broken tiles into mosaic art pieces.

You can use recycled material even for more significant projects. For instance, use recycled asphalt and concrete for patios and driveways.

You can even use ones from your own house, like bricks from old pathways or an old concrete slab.

4. Go for Affordable Materials:

Of course, the classic hardwood floors look amazing, but they will also drain your budget quickly. Instead of going for expensive and exotic woods, opt for cheaper alternatives like laminate, vinyl, or linoleum.

These materials are much more affordable, easier to maintain, and can provide a similar look to hardwood floors. Similarly, you can also look for cheaper tiles instead of marble or granite.

It’s worth mentioning that for kitchen fireplaces, many people traditionally choose heavy and expensive bricks for their construction. These bricks can significantly drive up the costs of your kitchen renovation project. However, there are more budget-friendly and equally appealing alternatives available. Instead of investing in traditional, full-sized bricks, consider renovating or building your kitchen fireplace using veneer bricks. I-XL brick veneer, for instance, offers the look of traditional bricks without the bulk and weight, making them an ideal choice for adding a rustic or classic touch to your kitchen fireplace without overspending. With a wide range of styles, colors, and finishes to choose from, brick veneers can transform your kitchen, giving it a stylish and cost-effective makeover. 

You can find cheaper versions if you still have your heart set on a luxurious material. For instance, quartz countertops are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a similar look to granite but at a much more affordable price. Or buy at an auction.

5. Hire the Right Professionals:

Homeowners mistake DIY as the cheapest way to renovate. But that’s not always the case. What if you don’t have the right tools to do the job? What if you end up making costly mistakes? In such cases, it is better to hire a professional.

You can find contractors who offer quality services at a lower price by researching online. Ask them for written quotations and compare those with other companies. Make sure you ask for references too. That way, you can get an idea of the contractor’s work quality and trustworthiness before signing a contract.

The right contractor will be accommodating, communicative, and helpful. They should also be able to provide you with a timeline and a budget for the project.

6. Be Compliant with the Law:

Whenever you plan to make structural changes to your house, check with local building codes and get a permit. It is a legal requirement, and you may have to pay a fine if found violating the law. So, get all the permits in place before beginning your renovation project.

You may need standard permits for electrical, plumbing, and gas-related work. Even building extensions will require a license in most countries.

If you’re working with a general contractor, they should be able to help you with this process. Otherwise, you can contact your local building commission for assistance.

7. Invest in the Right Insurance:

Insurance is usually the last thing people consider when renovating their homes. But it is one of the most important things to do. Invest in the right insurance policy to cover any damages incurred during the renovation process.

Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover accidental damage like water damage or fire. However, some policies may not cover certain types of renovations, like building extensions. So, read the insurance policy carefully and get additional coverage if required.

Your insurance policy should also cover any injuries that may occur during the renovation process. That way, you can be sure you are protected from mishaps.

8. Let Natural Light In:

Natural lighting is not only aesthetically pleasing but also energy-efficient. So, you’ll be saving on energy costs in the long run. But you don’t have to dig holes in the walls to cover them with framing and glass.

One of the simplest ways to let natural light in is to remove some barriers blocking it. It could include changing the curtains or drapes to ones with a lighter hue and texture. Installing light tubes is another excellent way to use natural light in dark and cramped areas. These are placed between roof rafters, allowing natural light to enter the room.

You can also repaint your walls in reflective colors like white paint and lighter shades of gray and beige. These colors can create the illusion of larger spaces by reflecting more light.

Final Thoughts:

We hope you’ll be able to eliminate some of the stress associated with renovating your house by using these tips and start believing that home renovations can be carried out while staying within the budget.

Planning everything and assessing the project from all angles before deciding is critical. Always remember to start early and research extensively. It will allow you to make changes and give you enough time to find suitable materials and contractors. Want to learn more DIY things then bookmark this site.