Dos and Don’ts of Renovating a House on a Budget

Does your space need a refresh? Home renovations can be a great way to build equity while enjoying the benefits of elevated living.

As many homeowners know, the cost of repair and maintenance can add up fast. The same is true when renovating for things like better use of space, nicer finishes, and a different aesthetic.

If you’re ready to renovate, consider these do’s and don’ts for staying on budget.

When it comes to home renovation projects, the concept of DIY is subjective. It will depend on the time, resources, and knowledge you have – as well as your physical capabilities. When considering updates to your house, be realistic about what’s feasible for you to do yourself versus what you should probably outsource to a professional.

For starters, any project that potentially involves toxins like asbestos, mold, or lead should be left to a specialist. And for many homeowners, larger projects involving water or gas should likely go on that list as well.

From there, it’s important to think about cost. If you’re going DIY, make sure you’re prepared to do the job properly so you don’t have to spend money later to bring an expert in to fix or finish the job if it goes awry. Depending on the space within the house being renovated, plans may involve a combination of DIY work and contractor work.

Quick Tip: Overestimate the cost of a DIY renovation to leave room for unexpected expenses that are bound to pop up along the way.

Changing up the style or flow of your home may be achievable simply by rearranging what you already own. Try a new layout for your furniture in any given room – or see if you can swap something from one room to another. Every now and then, finding a new home for an item can breathe life into it.

Sometimes, people find that implementing a few new furniture or décor pieces can call attention to the older items that don’t match the vibe. Conversely, adding a new item or two helps might also make existing pieces shine.

Quick Tip: Reframe pieces of art or photographs hanging around the house to make them feel revitalized – and don’t forget you can surround either of these items with larger matting if you’d like to turn them into statement pieces that take up more wall space. Check out hanging frames, too, which compliment maps and posters nicely.

They say one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Before you get rid of things, try bringing this philosophy to life when it comes to potential cosmetic upgrades throughout the house! Can kitchen cabinets be repainted instead of replaced? Can a wood table be stained to better match the color palette of the room? Ask yourself questions like these before donating any given item and replacing with a new one.

Quick Tip: Hardware may be small, but it makes a big impression. A kitchen, bathroom vanity, or chest of drawers can look fresh with new handles.

For bigger plans that involve tasks like removing walls, creating bedrooms, or adding bathrooms, make sure you have permits in place. This will vary town by town, as each community upholds their own rules and regulations based on local zoning laws.

Quick Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to make sure you’re all set for large-scale renovations. The sooner you get the process going and ensure you’re set up for success, the sooner you’ll be able to create a timeline and plan next steps.

One of the best parts of homeownership is the ability to customize the look and feel of your house, so keep this fun factor in mind when renovating. A few budget-friendly ways to get creative with your space: implementing colors that make you happy, trying peel-and-stick wallpaper, and playing with texture to bring certain spaces or pieces to life.

Quick Tip: Unleash your creativity outdoors by planting flowers or re-imagining the design of your yard. Look into xeriscaping, too, which makes for a unique appearance and can even help save on water.

Would you rather skip renovating and search for a different place to call home instead? If so, connect with a local RE/MAX agent who can help be your trusted guide through the homebuying process.