INTERIOR REMODELING: LEARN TO BALANCE YOUR RENOVATION BUDGET LIKE A PRO
Almost every household has a part that could use a major revamp. On the other hand, financing a renovation might look like an invasion on one’s savings. So, one often tends to procrastinate the project until water drops from a leaking ceiling woke one up few mornings in a row.
Jokes aside, remodelling is always going to affect your budget - no one can deny that. However, knowing how to manage finances like a pro will play a huge part. The balance is everything: if you splurge here, you need to save there.
While creating a renovation spending plan is a very personal endeavour, getting a big picture perspective from contractors can certainly help. Here’s what experts have to say on when it is better to keep your hands in pockets and when you should feel free to treat yourself.
Let’s Cover Kitchen
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The appliances you choose for your household have an enormous job, and the cost of operating them is significant. We are not exaggerating when we say that they are the most important features in your kitchen. In order to save some bucks in the long run, it is crucial to invest in quality, energy-saving devices whenever your budget allows. However, if you need to balance your finances, an excellent solution is to prioritise energy efficiency in appliances that are on all day long (fridges, for example).
High-caliber drawer and hinge hardware are also worth the extra cash, especially if they carry a lifetime warranty (some hardware brands do). After all, they should stand up to use and abuse on a daily basis. Plus, if hardware looks cheap or dated, the entire place can get a similar vibe. When acquiring for a drawer hardware, aim for the greatest load capacity you can afford. Mark our words - you will thank yourself later.
Furthermore, countertops should be made of quality material that is easy to clean, carries a good warranty, and is water, heat and stain resistant. Oh, and they deserve to be gorgeous since they are highly visible. Nothing beats a quality stone countertop, so engineered stone and natural granite are quite satisfying options.
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Kitchen cabinet handles do not have to carry a big price tag in favour of looking stylish and being of a decent quality. Also, stainless steel is not necessary, unless corrosion is an issue in your area. Zinc aluminium alloy is a much more cost-effective material and can be finished in various ways. Custom cabinets are a perfect choice if you can afford them, but there is no logical reason to go crazy here. They consume more than 75% of your kitchen space, and that is, ladies and gentlemen, saving potential too high to be ignored.
There is no need for blowing your cash stash on the fronts of new kitchen cabinets either. The most important thing with the cabinets is to ensure that both, cabinet internals and doors are hard-wearing and will defy the marching years. You can later change the cupboard door fronts whenever you desire and can afford it.
Similar, quality and classy tiles can be found on a budget. If you want to add up some luxury, you can use expensive ones in a small area.
What About Bathroom?
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Do not tighten your belt on bathroom cabinets. On a scale of good, better and the best, choose better option at least. You will be opening those drawers and doors all right, and if they are made of low-cost particle board, they will not last in wet surroundings.
Once again, countertops can truly make a statement. But these surfaces can genuinely cost you much. So decide whether this will be a focal point of your bathroom. If the answer is yes, splurge on the material here.
Heated floors are becoming more and more popular, and they are a smart solution for a bathroom that has no other heat source. The chances are that you will not regret investing in in-floor heating system
Now, ventilation might not be a fancy topic, but it definitely is a necessary one. Namely, when poorly done it has a domino effect. It can cause pervasive mould or mildew all over the place. Today's ventilation fans are quiet, powerful, and efficient. There are quality options out there, and it is essential that you install one. That way you can keep calm knowing that you have made an excellent decision.
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Yes, the floor in your bathroom must stand up to water and humidity, while being low-maintenance and slip resistant. Yes, your bathroom flooring is exposed to water daily, and over time it can cause mould and long-term damage. And yes, you could go with expensive bathroom flooring styles and materials. However, this is often not recommended for ROI related reasons. In the majority of cases, porcelain or ceramic tiles in a standard layout are the best bet. These materials are economical, practical and they will not be damaged by water if it comes to a leak.
Like with kitchen, it is possible to achieve a fun, eye-catching tile design in your bathroom on at a bargain price. Ceramic or porcelain tiles are decent competitors to their pricier alternates, like marble or limestone. It is similar with vanities and tubs too. You can find affordable yet chic models nowadays. When you are not in a situation to splurge - acrylic and fibreglass ones will serve you well.
Changing plumbing lines can cost you a lot. When planning renovation project, shape the new design around the area where plumbing lines already are. This is a cost-effective approach since you will not have to devalue your bathroom.
Living Room and Bedroom, Anyone?
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One word, four letters - sofa. A sofa is a workhorse of your living room. Quality often does not come cheap with this and the chances are that you will have to give more money on a good couch. Otherwise, prepare for replacing it in a few years. Fabulous sofa is fantastic, but what lies inside matters the most. Search for the one with quality fabric and foam that holds its shape.
Equivalently, a bed is the first thing you see when walking into a bedroom, and the bedding you choose sets the pace for the entire space. So, these two are worth splurging on if they will suit your style and be of a high-calibre. While we are here, let us not forget mattress. Out of all the pieces in your home, this one is probably the most splurge-worthy. After all, mattress plays a significant role in your physical comfort, sleep quality and therefore your health and well-being.
Unlike small ones, large area rugs need to be of a good quality, and that usually means a bit of a splurge. Cheap rugs tend to decay quickly and they definitely do not feel good on bare feet.
Wall paint is relatively inexpensive to begin with, so do not try to save additionally here while sacrificing quality. Shortsighted thinking is not a good attitude when purchasing paint for your home, no matter what the project is. High-quality paint provides a smoother, more-uniform look and it can end up lasting twice as long as a cheap one.
Finally, you might want to consider a good set of custom window treatments, to ensure the best fit for your space.
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Trends come and go, but knocked out wallet will take a long time to heal. If you desire to have the an in vogue piece in a living room, buy it on Black Friday. There is no need to go into spending frenzy here. Splurge on classics, but save on trends.
Sure thing, you do need comfortable, supportive and chic pillows. What you do not need is to waste a fortune on them. Plus, this way you can easily switch them out from time to time and give your room a fresh, modern look.
When shopping for furnishings that are meant to be decorative or that will be used lightly, feel free to choose less expensive items. Rest easy, table destined to be jazzy, or eventually hold a magazine and a cup of coffee will not come apart pretty soon.
Luckily, modernistic lamp or ceiling fixture that adds a wow factor to space is not hard to found at a discount price too. Bear this in mind when searching for them.
In the end, whatever you do - never ever save on contractors. Hiring cheap ones can actually be a mistake you will pay off for many years to come. If you have found your perfect remodelling company, breaking the budget is totally reasonable. They are about to build some of your dreams, so you might as well pay them in the same manner.