Remodeling on a Budget
This guest blog post was written by Tracy Tesmer, founder of Tracy Tesmer Design • Build • Remodel • Repair, a Gainesville, GA bathroom remodeling company specializing in bathroom renovations. Tracy has over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry and hosts a weekly home improvement radio show in WDUN in north Georgia.
Remodeling your home can be as costly as you make it. There are certainly ways to remodel a room in a stylish way while staying on a budget. Before you decide to plunge into a full-scale renovation, consider an update or refinishing a room. This can save a good deal of money. If storage and construction is an issue, then a remodel may be the solution. It is a good way to revamp and complete recreate a whole new room. The following offers a few smart ways to remodel a room on a budget.
Set a Budget
It is important to first determine what you can afford to spend. Think smart when choosing a budget, you will want to make the room a place to enjoy but you don’t want to get in over your head in trying to pay for a remodel. Next you can decide what definitely needs to be fixed, what could be fixed, and what can wait. Your budget will determine whether your room will be getting a new facelift or a complete overhaul. Allow some wiggle room for unseen costs such as plumbing or structural issues. Setting a budget ahead of time can help the planning and implementation of the project to run smoothly. It will also give you peace of mind and cause much less stress. Remember that projects can be done in stages. You can delay certain things until later and focus on the important things now.
Hiring Contractors vs. DIY
In most remodeling and many refinishing projects you will need a contractor. Taking on a project such as a remodel can be extremely difficult and very overwhelming. Hiring a professional can ensure your idea will come to life and it will be done correctly. A contractor can also save you time and stress. Your contractor can also help determine how your budget is best allocated, educating you on items for splurging and areas for saving.
What’s your Style?
Knowing beforehand a general style or inspiration you would like for your room can help you and the contractor select the right materials. Maybe you want a more modern theme? Or maybe you want a classic, traditional theme? Either way, the furniture, flooring and hardware you choose will need to favor this idea that you have. Good remodelers can help you steer your ideas towards styles and finishes that complement each other. Look through the internet and flip through magazines for ideas if you aren’t quite sure. There are literally thousands of blogs devoted to interior design and home improvement!
Choose the Materials
This will be one of the hardest stages if prior research isn’t done. While we may flock to those things that are less inexpensive and more budget friendly, using cheap materials may not be the best idea. Cheap materials could end up failing or not holding up well in the long run. On the other hand, the most expensive materials don’t have to be selected either. You can always find materials that provide a nice look at a reasonable price. A good contractor will be able to assist you in making these decisions.
Accessories and Lighting
Tearing down walls and ripping up the floors doesn’t have to be a part of every remodel. Changing the walls coverings, appliances and fixtures can change a room greatly. One big way to liven up a room is by using natural light, rather than overhead lights. You may want to consider adding new windows or skylights, however, that can sometimes be a big expense. One recent innovation is a light tube. This comes through roof rafters and brings sunshine into the room you are trying to light. Adding shelves and storage to a room can also maximize its space. Decorative baskets can keep a room organized and add a punch of design.
You may start out with the challenge of having a small floor plan or inadequate storage. This doesn’t have to be a road block, rather an opportunity for creativity. Remodeling can be overwhelming and at times stressful. Make sure you choose a style that suits you and your personality. A room says a lot about a person and you can make yours unique and stylish no matter the budget. You don’t have to spend thousands and thousands of dollars to have a successful remodel. Be money-savvy and you will be able to enjoy your remodel while staying on a budget.
