How to cut costs in your home renovation

Are costs spiralling in your home renovation? Who knew a kitchen sink could be THAT much??! Let me take you through the areas you can save some cash whilst still getting the project done and the house sealed for winter! Let’s break it down – there are certain things that have to go in right away. I’m talking kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, windows and doors but there are many ‘finishing touches’ that can be left for later (you will get the dream one day but perhaps at a time when you’ve saved a bit more.) These tips are also really good for the when you’re just tired of making decision after decision on your project, I’m looking at you reno fatiguers. So let me help you save some cash and push things down the road a bit.

1.        Joinery.

OK, OK we all want the built-ins done in the lounge, walk-in wardrobe sorted and under stairs storage but you should be asking are they essential for NOW. Can I make do with my old wardrobe until I can get the dream or can I leave the lounge built ins for a year until money is more on track? If the answer is yes, this is where you can make a massive initial saving by leaving it out for now. Always so proud to showcase work I’ve designed for clients and the below media unit is one of my favourite examples. Click here to see the whole project page.

2.        Fancy switches and sockets.

You know the ones, like the jewel on the crown to any room and cost the earth? It pains me to say it as I do loath the white plastic cheapies but if things are spiralling you could leave them for a bit. If you just can’t, perhaps prioritise the pretties for the most visible and add as time goes on. Even if spends weren’t an issue I’d still advise putting plastic ones behind furniture if it’ll never be seen which seems sad in my opinion. Linked are some of my favourite lovely switches and sockets.

3. Coving.

Now, why I wouldn’t miss skirting I’d certainly forgo a bit of coving at this stage to save a bit of cash. Skirting is really important initially as it may wreck the floor/walls if you have to subsequently replace it so definitely seek out this in the first stage but coving, you can leave that and save for it. It doesn’t matter as much initially not to have it so worth considering if you need now or it can wait a bit.

4.        Light fixtures.

I would ALWAYS recommend planning a lighting scheme in time for first fix as this is something that it’s costly and messy to go back and redo. However, you don’t need to add the most expensive fixtures right away. You could leave the wires (check with an electrician that it is safe to do so) or put a more cost effective one there for now. Perhaps prioritise getting the nicer ones for most used areas or places that people see when they visit and do the other ones later. Link to below wall light.

So that’s just a few ways to bring the costs down and I bet if you think about it for your own projects this can spark a few ideas unique to what you’re doing. If you are reading this still feeling overwhelmed by your next home project and would like me to help you get from overwhelm to clear plan for a beautiful home then click here to arrange a call with me.