5 Tips for Keeping Renovations Within Your Budget

Have a home renovation project, or two, on your mind for this year? Whether you want to save some money, or stretch your budget to get more done, try following some of the tips below.

Tip #1: Set Priorities

Create a clear plan of what you want to have accomplished when your renovations are completed. Knowing a plan of action can help you to keep your renovations on track, and ensure that you don’t stray far from your budget. Creating a list of priorities will also help if you need to trim your wish list later on!

Tip #2: Take Account

Have a look at the existing or hidden features in your home, and think of small ways to achieve what you are looking for. Think installing larger windows, removing interior walls, or refinishing existing/hidden hardwood floors if you are looking for a large impact with a small budget.

Tip #3: Ahead by a Century

Thinking long term about the fixtures and systems in your home can save you money in the future! High-efficiency systems in your home can help impact your water, power, fuel, or heating costs. Pro Tip: Find rebates, and see what is available for free! Research provincial efficiency initiatives to see what programs are available in your area.

Tip #4: Step by Step

Can you break your renovations into stages? Breaking the overall renovation into stages will help ease the burden of a large renovation. If you plan on living in your home during a large renovation process, stages will help to keep your home liveable during the renovations.

Tip #5: Get to Work

After planning or getting started on your renovation, there may be some unexpected expenses. If you quickly need to trim your overall costs, check your list for some items that you would be able to complete yourself. Technical projects are best left to the professionals, however, painting or tackling small finishing projects are easy targets to reduce your renovation expenses.