Updating your kitchen or bathrooms can bring you as much as a 100 percent return on your investment when it is time to sell your home. If you are considering a kitchen or bath remodeling project, you probably have many ideas in mind for what you want the rooms to look like when you are done, but may be concerned about the damage to your wallet. These simple DIY tips can help you get the look you want and still stay within your budget.
Don’t Replace Cabinets
Instead of replacing cabinets completely, consider resurfacing them in some way. Cabinets can be painted to match the décor you are seeking. You can also refinish them in a lighter shade if you are trying to lighten the room or a darker shade for a luxurious look. It may also be possible to remove the cabinets and rearrange them for better functionality and a different look.
Grab a Paintbrush
One of the easiest things to do in your kitchen or bathroom is to slap on fresh coats of paint to give the rooms a more updated look. Consider painting stripes or other patterns if you want to create a bold look. You can even paint appliances and other fixtures in order to give your rooms a makeover.
Shop Around
Too often, homeowners wander into a cabinet or home renovation store to choose cabinetry. However, if you want to save money on your remodeling project, you need to shop around in various locations to get the best deals. Look for showrooms that are remodeling or relocating as they may have excellent deals on cabinetry and other items. Check online for special deals that may be offered through a company website or for “liking” a page on social media. You may also find good deals at online sites like eBay or Craig’s List as well as in your own classifieds. Don’t forget to scour secondhand stores, thrift and antique shops who often have furnishings that work well in kitchens and bathrooms.
Be Flexible
If you are on a strict budget, you may need to be flexible about what you can install, but that doesn’t necessarily mean skimping on quality. If you are using a contractor, talk to them about leftover materials from other jobs to see if they can offer a deal. You may have to switch color schemes depending on what they offer, but the cost savings can be significant.
Think Retro
If you have sturdy, high-quality fixtures in your bathroom or kitchen, such as an old claw foot tub or metal cabinetry, consider a retro décor that will allow you to keep the fixtures but still update the room. You can paint metal cabinets and refurbish an old clawfoot bathtub. Add natural wood or marble flooring in the bathroom. Stainless steel sinks and faucets along with old-fashioned subway tile around refurbished meal cabinets is a great way to create a throwback look in your kitchen at minimal cost.
Sweat Equity
If you have any DIY talent, you can do a lot of the work yourself instead of hiring a contractor. Hire experts for the things in which you are inexperienced, but do the bulk of the work yourself. For example, you could hire a plumber and electrician for those areas of the remodel, but do the painting, tiling and refinishing on your own, saving a significant amount of money.
These are just a few ideas that can help you give your kitchen and bathroom a new look without breaking the bank. For more ideas on money-saving remodeling tips, contact us today by calling or filling out the simple form online.
