Renovating can be a powerful way of making your home feel more comfortable, and adding to its value in the long term. You might suppose that making improvements will involve a major investment of time, energy, and money. But, as we’ll see, it’s possible to get great results on a limited budget – provided that you’re willing to abide by a few simple principles.
Plan and Prioritise Your Renovation Projects
It’s worth starting with what really matters. Are there any parts of the home that need urgent attention? If the seal is broken in your living room double-glazing, then you’ll want to prioritise addressing that before you think about cosmetic concerns, like the colour of the walls.
You’ll want to devise a budget that’s realistic, and that won’t push you into making financial decisions that you later regret. In some cases, it’s possible to obtain the cash you need, even if you have a patchy history when it comes to debt. Think about a credit card for bad credit if you need extra money in an emergency – but make sure that you have a good plan to deal with the debt.
Smart Shopping and DIY Tips
When you’re sourcing materials, it’s worth shopping around. Make sure that you factor in the cost of transporting the stuff you need, and that you have the skills you need to actually get the work done to a high standard. Safety-critical work, like wiring, plumbing, and structural change, will need a professional involved.
It might be that you can enjoy good results if you’re willing to look at the second-hand market for furniture. This is particularly so if you enjoy a creative project, and you’re willing to upcycle. Take a look around your local charity shops, and see what’s available.
Avoid Costly Pitfalls and Plan for Contingencies
A number of homeowners have fallen into costly traps during the renovation process. It’s worth making yourself aware of some of the more common and expensive of these.
At the top of the list is a failure to budget properly. If you don’t know where your money is going, and for what purpose, then it’s close to a certainty that you’ll end up overspending.
Make sure that you understand when to involve a professional, and that you have a backup plan, for when you run into unforeseen difficulty, and need to either change direction, or seek more money. The more regularly you review your financial situation, the less likely you’ll be to have problems.
