Everyone wants to save money when renovating a property, even those with a substantial budget for a home renovation.

People who have a limited budget aim to maximize their savings in order to get the best value for their money.

If you are looking to give your home or investment property a makeover but have limited funds, consider these budget-friendly renovation ideas. They will transform your property into something you can be proud of without exceeding your budget.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR HOME RENOVATION

Before starting a project to increase the value of your home or investment property through renovations, there are a few things you can do.

  • Create a firm budget you know you’re going to stick to
  • Build in a 15-20% cushion to your budget for those “just in case” moments
  • Do some research when it comes to your supplies
  • Figure out what is a realistic DIY task and what is not
  • Consider using the design and remodeling services that Halcyon Remodeling offers

In order to save money on a significant home renovation project, it is essential to prepare beforehand. Prior to searching for a dependable home remodeler in Atlanta to undertake your home improvement task, allocate some time to ensure that you are fully prepared to accomplish all necessary tasks within your desired budget.

BUDGET-FRIENDLY HOME RENOVATIONS IDEAS

1. NEW COUNTERTOPS

It is a fact that a complete kitchen renovation will require a significant amount of money from your wallet. In reality, the average cost for a major kitchen makeover will probably exceed $100,000.

If your appliances, flooring, and cabinets are in good condition, one option to consider for giving your kitchen a fresh look is upgrading the countertops, without needing to redo the entire kitchen.

Although countertops can be costly, there are several affordable alternatives worth considering, such as:

  • Laminate
  • Paint (yes, this is a real thing!)
  • Concrete
  • Tile
  • Wood

When it comes to countertops, there are options to cater to everyone’s preferences. You can opt for traditional choices such as quartz, marble, laminate, or granite, or go for more unconventional options like recycled glass, wooden butcher board, or futuristic stainless steel.

The total cost of new countertops will vary depending on the material you choose and the amount of counter space in your kitchen. For instance, marble is considerably more expensive than granite. When calculating the expenses, make sure to factor in an additional $10–$30 per square foot for installation.

2. REPLACE YOUR CABINETS

After deciding that your kitchen cabinets require attention, despite the expensive cost of replacement, what should you do next?

Why not consider contacting a professional design team for expert advice. Whether you have a clear vision or require assistance in discovering the appropriate style and layout, designers can offer you guidance throughout the process.

We have experience working with individuals who have varying budgets, and we possess the expertise to adhere to those budgets. Our area of expertise lies in replacing kitchen cabinets, and witnessing the joy on our customers’ faces following the process is our ultimate satisfaction.

Paint your cabinet pulls for $10

If you choose to install custom cabinetry in your kitchen, the cost can reach up to $30,000. However, simply painting your cabinet pulls can be a great solution to enhance the appearance of your dull cabinets.

If you want to remove the cabinet pulls and spray paint them, you can do it yourself. You can do it outside or in your garage. If you don’t have the skills to uninstall and reinstall the pulls, you can still do it. Just use painter’s tape to tape up a large area around and between the pulls. Make sure to use plenty of tape to protect the cabinets from getting any pigment on them.

3. UPDATE THE FLOORING

For those who are on a tight budget, they are most likely not interested in replacing the flooring for their entire property since it would be a costly endeavor even with affordable materials.

If you’re interested in upgrading a room or two and want to save money, there are numerous options available.

  • Use a peel-and-stick option to cover up existing flooring
  • Install a floating floor system (in hardwood, laminate, cork, or more) and DIY
  • Consider vinyl for those rooms that are shaped like simple squares
  • Purchase some high-quality tile and lay it yourself (it’s easier than you think!)

If you are considering replacing old carpet in your home’s most frequently used rooms, you should consider using pre-cut carpet squares. However, keep in mind that it will be extremely challenging to install wall-to-wall carpet in a complex room requiring precise cutting. If you prefer carpeting but lack the confidence to do it yourself, consider hiring a local home remodeler for assistance.

You might be astonished to discover additional affordable options that are comfortably within your budget, such as hardwood flooring or luxury vinyl planks.

Refinish hardwood floors: $350 (for one average-sized living room)

The cost of installing new hardwood flooring can exceed $10,000, however, your current flooring may only require some minor care.

When you choose to employ someone for the purpose of refinishing your hardwood floor, they will begin by relocating your furniture. Next, they will sand the wood in order to eliminate any leftover varnish and minor flaws. Finally, they will apply a coat of varnish to restore the floor’s shine and character. It typically takes approximately 24 hours for the varnish to dry, so you will need to either section off the area to keep it safe for your pets or find alternative sleeping arrangements for the night.

The appearance of the floors will be impacted by the type of varnish used. Water-based varnishes provide coverage and shine, while preserving the original color of the wood; oil-based varnishes, on the other hand, will give your floors a deep amber color over time.

New carpet: $1,320

Your feet will thank you for trusting us. If you are a fan of wall-to-wall carpeting, placing a new shag carpet in your bedroom will provide it with a fresh, clean, and comfortable appearance.

The cost of synthetic carpet ranges from $3 to $6 per square foot, and the installation adds an additional $1 to $2 per square foot. This implies that replacing the carpet in a standard 220 square foot primary bedroom will cost around $880 to $1,760.

4. FRESHEN UP THE WALLS

Changing up the paint can have a significant impact on an Atlanta property, so it is important not to underestimate its power. Whether you aim to renovate your home or enhance your investment property for future sale, a fresh coat of paint can work wonders.

When considering the color for a room, it is advisable to choose light and neutral shades such as tan or gray. This is because these colors have the ability to create an illusion of more spaciousness in a room. Additionally, it is wise to opt for light and neutral colors, especially if you do not intend to reside in the space, as vibrant and bold colors are generally not favored by most individuals. It is strongly recommended to avoid white entirely, and it would be beneficial to conduct some research to ensure obtaining high-quality paint at an affordable price.

Add a wallpaper accent wall for $200 

You can bring personality to your living room by adding fun and easy-to-install wallpaper. Online platforms such as Etsy, Flavor Paper, and Minted offer a wide range of wallpapers to choose from.

By measuring the wall, finding the pattern of your dreams, and peeling, you can achieve an almost immediate transformation.

5. INSTALL A MEDICINE CABINET

By utilizing the available wall space or replacing the dull wall-mount mirror, you can enhance both the style and storage of your bathroom with the addition of a basic medicine cabinet.

If you dislike installing a traditional medicine cabinet, consider attaching small containers to the rear side of your bathroom door to store small beauty and grooming items. You may also incorporate a magnetic memo board or whiteboard for including daily affirmations.

As part of your bathroom remodel, you have the option of including slim shelves on the walls, along with a medicine cabinet. Alternatively, for a more rustic appearance, you can consider investing in off-the-shelf storage options such as tiered carts, leaning ladders, or apothecary cabinets.

6. REPLACE LIGHT FIXTURES

It is undeniable that you or your homebuyers will frequently observe light fixtures. That is why replacing light fixtures is a straightforward, inexpensive, and efficient method to renovate your property.

It is common to find outdated light fixtures in most rooms, which is often overlooked by investors and homeowners when they renovate properties. Nevertheless, replacing these fixtures with the appropriate ones can enhance the appearance of a home, giving it a more inviting, modern, and stylish look. It is worth noting that expensive options are not necessarily required for this upgrade.

7. MAKE YOUR SPACE BIGGER

Even though it may seem like a daunting project, creating more space in your house can be an affordable idea for home renovation that gives a fresh feel to everything.

To ensure that removing a wall in your Atlanta home is not a costly and complex project that requires a professional, the crucial step is determining whether the wall in question is load-bearing. If it is, your cost-effective endeavor could become expensive and necessitate expert assistance. Conversely, if the wall’s removal does not impact the overall structure of your home, it can be done safely.

One possibility for creating additional space is by utilizing the unused space in your incomplete basement. Were you aware that it’s unnecessary to completely finish your entire basement? Should you prefer or require it, you can choose to solely finish a singular room or a smaller section in your basement.

8. UPGRADE THE FRONT DOOR

Within 38 seconds of entering, individuals establish their initial perception of your home or property. In simpler terms, from the moment someone arrives at your front door and proceeds inside, they have already made up their mind regarding their preference towards the appearance.

The outcome of a home sale can be determined by this critical factor.

If you’re looking to renovate your home on a budget, upgrading the front door is a highly effective method. This can result in the creation of an inviting and contemporary entryway for individuals entering your home. Whether you decide to completely replace the front door or simply give it a fresh coat of paint, it will undoubtedly enhance the curb appeal and generate a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

9. INSTALL CROWN MOLDING

By adding crown molding, it is simple and budget-friendly to transform a seemingly ordinary room into something remarkable. With just a few supplies and either wood or plaster molding, you can effortlessly enhance any room by incorporating a stunning trim, greatly improving its appearance.

Crown molding, a trim between walls and ceilings that adds elegance and structure, has been a stylish choice since ancient Egyptian times. Various materials such as PVC, wood, metal, and plaster are commonly used for crown molding, while foam crown molding offers a more affordable option.

Crown molding serves the purpose of tidying up the area where the wall and ceiling meet, while also directing attention towards the ceiling and creating an illusion of increased room height.

10. REPLACE YOUR TOILET

Shouldn’t the best seat in the house get an upgrade?

To find a suitable make and model that suits your taste and meets the planet’s environmental requirements, you could consider a high-tech Japanese toilet equipped with heating, music playback, a built-in bidet, and illuminating features, which may be priced at $10,000. Alternatively, opting for a fully functional compost toilet would cost you more than $1,000, but choosing a low-flush option could help you save money while contributing to environmental conservation. In addition to reducing your total toilet water consumption by approximately 20%, a low-flush toilet can potentially save you around $100 per year on your water bill.

11. INSTALL A CEILING FAN

A ceiling fan is a pleasant and energy efficient alternative to ice-cold AC, as there is nothing better than a gentle breeze soothing you to sleep on a hot summer night.

The cost of a ceiling fan and its installation ranges from $150 to $350. However, installing a ceiling fan might actually save you money in the long term because it reduces air conditioning expenses. Operating an air conditioner costs approximately $0.36 per hour, while a ceiling fan only costs about $0.01 per hour.

Jonathan
Author: Jonathan