If you’ve ever renovated a house, you know how quickly the costs can add up and the budget can blow out. If you’re new to renovating or simply looking to refresh your home, here are a few tips to save some money on your home renovation.
Reuse and refresh
If you’re on a tighter budget but you want to transform the look of your space, then using what you already have on hand can save you thousands. Large surface area items such as kitchen cabinets, backsplash or benchtops can be costly to replace but can easily be resurfaced or painted and will instantly make the space feel more modern.
Flooring can also make a huge difference to the feeling of your home. If you’re in an older home, such as a Queenslander, you might have some beautiful floorboards hiding under your old carpet. Depending on the flooring you have, you could polish these up, paint them black for an edgy sophisticated look or whitewash them if you prefer a coastal vibe.
Keep the plumbing in place
The kitchen and bathroom are easily two of the most expensive rooms in the house to renovate. If you’re dreaming of completely changing the layout or moving these rooms to different areas of the house, then you might also need to prepare yourself for the cost that comes with it.
Changing the location of your plumbing, including sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers and even stoves can be incredibly expensive depending on how much work needs to be done and whether your house is on a slab or raised foundation. Often the cost to move plumbing is not worth the outcome unless the current layout is completely impractical.
Mix high end with affordable pieces
If your budget and mood-board are telling two very different stories, try putting your budget towards a few high-end statement pieces that will have a big impact, and choosing more affordable options for items that don’t need a ‘wow’ factor or are in low-traffic areas.
For example, you might choose to install a flatpack kitchen but put more of your budget towards a statement stove.
Or if you’ve been dreaming of a freestanding tub in the bathroom, you might choose a classic tile that only goes halfway up the walls (painting the rest of the way) rather than floor to ceiling.
Keep it classic
Most homes often need sprucing up after 15-20 years. Not only to replace things that have seen some wear and tear, but trends that were once popular might now be dating your home and costing you more in the long run to frequently update.
If you want your renovations to stand the test of time, try opting for neutral colours, natural materials (such as stone and wood) and simple clean lines. If the architecture of your house has design aspects typical of a particular era, then leaning into that design will also help give it a timeless feel.
DIY versus the professionals
When renovating a home, there are some tasks that should be left to the professionals such as plumbing, electrical and re-stumping. However, if you’ve got the time and you’re looking so save some money, jobs like painting, tiling, landscaping and ripping up carpet just require a little research, some patience and a few helping hands.
Wait for a sale
Whether it’s appliances, cabinet handles, light fixtures, tiles, or furniture, if you can wait until the big mid-year or end-of-year sales you could potentially save yourself hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Whether you’re looking to refresh your home or give it a complete makeover, learn more about Auswide Bank Personal Loans.
Auswide Bank Ltd Australian Credit Licence 239686 is the credit issuer. This is not an offer to lend – approval is subject to credit assessment criteria. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply – full details on application. This information provides general advice only. We do not provide advice about this product based on any consideration of your personal objectives, needs or circumstances.
