Whether you’re building a new house or simply renovating your existing home, trying to stay on budget without cutting corners can be a challenge. However, there are ways to compromise that won’t leave you feeling like you had to make huge sacrifices. Here are some home renovation ideas for how to cut costs without reducing the impact of the overall scheme.
Avoid non-standard windows and doors
Custom-made doors and windows are much more expensive than standard off-the-shelf versions. By sticking with standard sizes you could make savings of as much as 20%. Windows also come in a range of standard colours so choose a colour that is off standard and the cost will go up. It’s also cheaper to go for the same colour inside and outside.
Dual-colours, where there is one colour outside and a different colour inside will be more expensive. Also look at the amount of glazing that you are going for. You may be able to pull back slightly or reduce the number of opening sections, which again will reduce the cost.
Re-think your wet room
Wet rooms are a lovely feature but they are more costly to install than a standard shower enclosure. To save cost without compromising on style opt for a low profile shower tray. This will create the same effect without the additional cost. Shower trays also mean that you will have an enclosure of a standard size, meaning you can go for an off-the-shelf shower screen rather than a bespoke version.
Paint your woodwork
Opt for painted doors, skirting and architraves. This way you can select soft-wood or MDF rather than hardwood. Timber doors are also more expensive than the versions sold to be painted. Not only is this a great way to make savings without pairing back on style but painted woodwork will give you greater flexibility with your decor in the long run.
White sockets, switches and light fittings
This one really is worth considering and will have absolutely no impact whatsoever on the look of your home. By opting for white sockets, switches and downlights you could save as much as 50% on the cost of these fittings. In fact, in ceilings I think that the white versions look better as they tend to be less noticeable. Look at the number of fittings that you have in general.
With sockets, it’s good to be generous but with lighting bear in mind that in the majority of rooms you will rely on lamps for lighting and not your ceiling lights so you can afford to pull back.
Consider a combi-boiler
Consider installing a combi boiler. These boilers provide space heating as well as water on demand. A combi boiler doesn’t produce and store hot water meaning that you don’t need a hot water cylinder. This is great in smaller homes as it frees up valuable space for storage etc.
Not only are combi boilers less expensive to install – unlike a regular boiler, which typically produces hot water twice a day usually in the morning and again in the evening, regardless of if it gets used or not. Combi boilers only produce hot water when it’s needed making them much more energy efficient, saving you money on your heating bills.
Fibreglass roof finish instead of a metal roof.
Metal roof finishes have become more and more popular in recent years. They are a low maintenance finish that offers a contemporary look, but they are an expensive option.
Fibreglass however, is a fantastic alternative that’s really worth considering if you love the look of metal but are looking to save on cost. Not only is the material less expensive but the installation costs are a lot lower too. Typically you could save as much as 60% on the overall cost of the roof by making the change.
Avoid cowboy tradespeople and contractors
The cheapest quote might not actually be the most affordable. It can be tempting when getting prices to go with the cheapest contractor but it’s really important that you look into what they are actually pricing for. Unfortunately, there are some builders who will vastly underestimate home renovation costs — through inexperience or perhaps deliberately to secure a job.
The issue here is that once you’ve committed to working with them and the job has started they may start to ask for more money. To avoid making this kind of mistake, always ask for references and most importantly, check them.
Try to get at least one comparison quote and agree a price upfront with the contractor. Go through the price before you start to ensure everything you want is included. Never pay for work in advance, only pay for work that has been completed and that you are happy with.
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