When it comes to home renovations and improvements, the UK can be an expensive place to be. With the cost of labour, materials, and then the added cost of professional contractors, it can often feel like you'll never get anywhere near the finish line unless you're ready to shell out big money.
However, the truth is that you can save money on home renovations and improvements in the UK, if you know what you’re doing. Here we’ll give you five top tips to help you save money:
1. Do Your Research
Before you make any decision about home improvements, it’s important to do your research first. Compare quotes from different contractors, shop around for material and labour prices, and compare the cost of DIY versus hiring a contractor. Doing this will allow you to make a better-informed decision when it comes to the overall cost of your project.
2. Look for Free or Discounted Materials
You may be able to save money on materials by looking for free or discounted materials. Check your local classifieds for items that homeowners may be giving away, search online, or contact building contractors who may be able to offer you a discount.
You could also search for flooring, tiling, or furniture that’s been used, but is in good condition. You could find a great bargain this way.
3. Do As Much Work Yourself As Possible
DIY is a great way to save money on home renovations. A lot of the work can be done by yourself, if you have the basic skills and tools. Many tasks such as tiling, painting, laying laminate flooring, and laying ceramic tiles can easily be done by a beginner.
Another great way to save money on home renovations is to do the research and plan the project yourself. You can then hire a professional contractor to do the actual work.
4. Rent or Borrow Tools
If the renovation project requires specialized tools, it’s worthwhile renting or borrowing them from friends or family to save money. You can find most tools for rental online these days. You could also join a local tool-sharing initiative.
5. Maximize Your Space
Rather than adding extra space, if you’re trying to save money try to maximize the space you already have. This could include making better use of storage, or simply rearranging the furniture to make the space more functional.
You could also look into expanding vertically, such as building an attic extension or a loft conversion. This is a great way to take advantage of unused space and it’s usually less expensive than adding a ground floor addition.
By following these five tips, you can save money on home renovations and improvements in the UK. Do your research, look for free or discounted materials, do as much work yourself as possible, rent or borrow tools, and maximize your space. All of these things can help you save money and still get the beautiful and stylish home that you want.