Although the factors concerning our economy at the moment mean that many of us have to tighten our belts, it doesn’t mean that we still can’t enjoy the finer things in life. Renovating a home is a costly expense for anyone, but with the right skills and resources under your belt, you can transform your property without breaking the bank. In turn, this article will offer you a plethora of effective tips and tricks to help you improve your beloved home on a budget.
1. Create an Ideal Home Working Environment
Because of circumstances related to the Covid-19 pandemic, many of us have been forced to work from home for the past few years. Though this can be associated with many benefits, such as flexible working hours and a less stressful commute, without adequate working conditions, your day job can seem very stressful. As such, if you’ve spent the last few years working at an uncomfortable dining table with a lackluster chair, consider using some home additions to help you create the perfect work-from-home space. A range of experienced contractors can help you transform an old space into a hub of learning and productivity, or they can even help to add another room to your home. This is also a useful resource for those who are fortunate enough to have very large backyards, as you could also consider adding a home office outdoors. Therefore, you’re free to gaze out at the amazing sights that sit before you as you get started on your morning emails. Rocket Loans explains that the average home addition typically costs $80-$200 per square foot, which may sound pretty pricey, but it’s a suitable option for those looking to make some long-term investments in their home.
2. Transform Your Old Garage
Garages are teeming with potential and are a great asset to keep in mind when striving to improve your home on a budget. Though many people use these spaces to help keep their vehicles safe and dry, a lot of homeowners see them as storage units and tend to pack them full of junk. Therefore, a lot of garages are deemed useless and are unfortunately left to rot. However, you could also benefit from transforming this unused space into a recreation room like a home gym or entertainment suite. This is a great way to make the most of your assets and also offers you a new space to create a range of timeless memories with your loved ones. If you’re concerned about keeping your garage safe from potential criminals or trespassers, consider reaching out to some local shutter companies for some more advice. These establishments can provide you with a wealth of sturdy electrical doors, meaning that you can control your shutters with a simple remote. As such, this is useful for those who want to add some tech upgrades to their home but also want to rest assured that all of their most prized possessions are kept safe and dry at all times. Roller Up notes that these doors tend to cost $300-$1,000, making it a relatively affordable upgrade for those looking to renovate their property without going over the confines of their usual budget.
3. Give Your Backyard an Upgrade
One of the most affordable ways to improve your home on a budget is to place a lot of focus on your backyard. Although you may try to mow the lawn once a week or water your plants every once in a while, if you don’t keep up with a regular maintenance schedule, this space can appear distressed and unattractive. Plus, if you don’t try to give your garden an added boost of style and flair, you risk creating a very uninviting space. For those that have a patio on their exterior, you’ll understand the benefits of this asset. Many people love using their patio area to kick back and relax after a long day, but can only enjoy this space during certain seasons. So, if you’re eager to use this space to the best of its ability, you may also benefit from adding some patio screens. These assets are commonly made from a mesh-like material and help to create a cohesive barrier between your patio area and the outside world. Therefore, you can continue to use your patio during the colder months or even during harsh weather conditions. According to The Spruce, contractors can install a new patio screen for around $3-$5 per square foot, meaning for just a small investment, you can use your patio area whenever you please, regardless of the weather.
4. Use a Variety of Energy-Efficient Resources
We’re all trying to do our bit to save the planet, but some of these green strategies can be easier said than done. Not to mention, a lot of these tactics can be quite expensive, which is not very helpful for those eager to improve their home on a budget. But, by using an array of energy-efficient appliances and services, you can cut down on your energy usage, whilst also saving money on your next utility bill. Solar panels are a great way to save money on your bills and keep the planet safe, as these panels tend to harness their power from the sun, rather than a collection of harmful fossil fuels. Thus, you can now use one of the earth’s most powerful resources to keep your home running and no longer have to worry about your looming carbon footprint. Although solar power installation can set you back anywhere between $18,000 to $36,000, some governments offer a selection of initiatives to help subsidize these costs. In turn, it’s good practice to research whether these policies are available in your local area as this could significantly reduce the cost of your next electricity bill.
If you’re really eager to make your neighborhood cleaner and more environmentally friendly, consider reaching out to an environmental remediation service. This process focuses on restoring and rejuvenating the physical environment by removing a plethora of contaminants from key locations such as the soil, water, and foliage. Therefore, this is a comprehensive way of giving your area a new lease on life and a prime opportunity to start again. It should be mentioned that this process can only be carried out by authorized bodies as it tends to cost $50,000 to $5,000,000, depending on the size and scale of the site. Yet, you could always reach out to your local governing body if you feel like your area could benefit from a detailed remediation service.
5. Ensure Your Electrical Network Is Up to Date
Electricity powers a vast majority of appliances and processes within our homes, so it’s imperative that we ensure that it’s constantly in good working order. Since this network is mostly internal, we usually cannot see a fault in our system until something occurs in our home such as a shock or a blackout. If you experience any of these conditions, be sure to get in touch with an electrician as soon as possible. This contractor is trained to assess the overall condition and quality of your electrical system, meaning that they can quickly diagnose any issues. Though it may not seem like the most cost-effective way to improve your home on a budget, working with a qualified electrical contractor on a regular basis can help reduce the chances of you needing to call out an expensive 24 hour emergency electrical service if you lose power in the middle of the night. Angi explains that these workers tend to charge $50 to $100 per hour, making this a relatively affordable way of maintaining your essential electrical network.
6. Upgrade Your Flooring
Though there’s nothing better than coming home after a long day and sinking your feet into a plump carpet, this type of flooring can be extremely difficult to clean and maintain. As such, your once pristine carpet can end up looking for wear. Though, you may benefit more from installing some sleek tile flooring in your home. These tiles come in an abundance of different colors and styles, so you’re sure to find an item that best suits your needs and budget. Plus, a lot of these tiles are a lot more affordable than their carpet counterparts, so they are a fantastic resource for those striving to renovate their home on a budget. It should be noted that the cost of this process can vary greatly depending on the type of tile you choose as well as the size of your space, but Forbes explains that homeowners can expect to pay between $15 and $20 per square foot.
7. Don’t Forget About the Exterior of Your Home
Many homeowners will place a great deal of their efforts on the interior of your property, but considering the outside of your home is the first thing that guests will see when they arrive, it’s a good idea to focus on these parts too. Siding is an immense part of any property as it helps to keep your home safe and secure from any unpleasant conditions and also works to make your home stand out. But, just like any other essential part of our home, over time our siding can show common signs of wear and tear. So, if you’re keen to transform the exterior of your home on a budget, try to get in touch with some local siding contractors. These workers can help to install a series of new siding, giving you the chance to restore the security of your home, whilst still maintaining its attractive look and feel. Plus, this asset is available in a range of different styles, which is a useful thing to note if you’re looking to make some big changes as part of your wider home renovation plans. Angi highlights that this service typically costs anywhere from $5,564 to $17,560, but the national average is a lot more reasonable at just $11,468.
8. Keep an Eye Out for Mold
Mold usually occurs in damp and dark environments such as behind a wardrobe, on a windowsill, or even on your roof. Though this fungal growth is fairly common, it can lead to a wealth of serious health conditions, especially if it’s left to multiply exponentially. Excessive mold infestations are often linked to respiratory viruses, cognitive delays, and in extreme cases, can cause cancer. Thus, if you’re looking to get rid of your mold for good, it’s advised that you get in touch with a local roofer for more advice. Usually, these contractors will begin by assessing the inside of your roof for mold, highlighting key areas of activity and working to get a plan of action in place. A lot of the time, the roofer will apply a diluted bleach solution to the affected areas and replace any infected pieces of insulation with new ones. Though many homeowners believe that they can complete these steps by themselves, it’s always best to consult professionals, especially when dealing with high-powered chemicals. Nerd Wallet notes that roofers tend to charge around $60 per hour for their services, which is a pretty cheap solution for those looking to gain control over their mold infestations.
9. Make Sure Your HVAC System Is in Good Condition
An effective AC system is considered to be a lifeline for those living in hot climates, so it’s imperative that you work to take good care of it. If you tend to use your HVAC system on a regular basis, it can be easy to forget to keep it clean or to have it regularly serviced. Unfortunately, frequent episodes of neglect can lead to your system experiencing high levels of decay and loss of function. So, if you start to notice that your HVAC unit is pumping out cold air or is making a series of uncomfortable noises, it’s best that you contact a selection of local AC contractors. Normally, these technicians will help to clean out your dusty vents and work to repair any faults within the AC units’ internal mechanism. According to Home Guide, AC repair services tend to cost $150-$650, which many would agree is a small price to pay in order to enjoy a cool breeze during the sweltering summer months.
