Cost-Saving Remodeling Tips

Looking for a low-budget way to spruce up your home and give it a new look? There are lots of ways to save money on home improvement projects. Here are just a few tips to help get you started:

In the Kitchen:
When planning a kitchen remodel, consider refacing the cabinets versus buying and installing new ones, if you like the general layout and the boxes are in good condition. This can save you a LOT of money, and also conserves waste (a benefit for the environment as well!). Simple updates like adding wood medallions, trim mouldings, and new hardware to your existing cabinetry can also be a great way to give it a custom look on a budget. If your cabinets are real wood, consider sanding and refinishing with a new stain, or custom paint or glaze. These looks are very popular and will give your kitchen an instant update for minimal cash investment.

You can also re-laminate existing laminate counters to save money while getting a whole new look, for just a few dollars a foot. If you are looking for an upgraded look, consider buying reclaimed or discount tile at an architectural salvage store, wholesalers, or even the clearance section in your local Lowes or Home Depot. You can also find great deals on "remnants" of stone slabs at many local quarries- if you have shorter sections of counter top, or an island, this can be a GREAT way to get a high-end, high-impact look on a tight budget.

There are many options for low-cost flooring upgrades, resilient flooring being by far the cheapest to purchase and install. This is not always the easiest do-it-yourself project, but new products like vinyl tiles can make this a bit easier- just be sure to prepare the floor properly and follow all installation guidelines. Again, you can also find great deals on ceramic tile in the clearance sections of your local home stores as well as tile retailers and salvage stores, like the Habitat Re-Store and the Friendship Home Stores.

For the Bath:
You can find great deals on many bathroom fixtures by doing a little online research. Visit local bath showrooms for ideas, jotting down names and model numbers, then plug that information into your favorite search engine and your bound to come up with a few discount retailers who are selling the exact same item for less.

Upgrading your vanity can be a fairly inexpensive way to get a whole new look, and many retailers now stock vanity and top combos for less than $400 to give your bath a quick, updated style. Changing out lighting fixtures can be another great way to give your bath a new, modern look and you can definitely find these items on clearance and online from discount retailers as well.

For the Home:
No matter what room you are planning to re-do, a fresh coat of paint or some new trim molding is bound to make a big impact. Adding a few new pillows, towels, or updating the window treatments are all low-cost ways to change the entire look and feel of a room- and savvy shoppers can find great deals on clearance, or at places like TJ Maxx and Ross that routinely offer great deals on designer items for well below retail price.

Artwork is also a GREAT way to revive a room- finding a nice, big focal piece can have a dramatic impact, and shopping discount retailers and thrift stores or yard sales can be a great way to find beautiful pieces for next to nothing. Remember, you can always paint or change out the frames.

With a little time and some thrifty shopping, you can invest minimal money into your home and get big returns from your remodeling dollars. And don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Just remember, not every project needs to be a complete "gut and remodel" to give you a new look and add design and value to your home.

Happy remodeling!