Creating a budget can be tough but sticking to it can be even harder, especially when it comes to home renovations. Whether it’s a simple change of paint or a complete overhaul of your kitchen or bathroom, one thing remains the same in that you need a plan and money to complete the project. If you’re ready to get started, below are a few tips on how to set your budget and stick to it for your next home renovation.
Wanting to redo your bathroom is quite different than needing a new bath or shower due to malfunctioning plumbing. Start by making two lists; one of your wants and the other of your needs. It is fine, and common, to want to design the home of your dreams but the reality of achieving this is layered. Think about what you want to achieve, and which parts of the project are most important. You should think about what you’re willing to compromise on if you run into any structural issues or your budget doesn’t cover the cost.
After you define your goals, you need to crunch the numbers. Create a financial plan of the expected and unexpected costs. You should also create a spreadsheet of how much money you have available for the renovations and how much you’ll need to complete the project. If the renovation is large, you could consider taking out a personal loan, or you could tap into your home’s equity. Depending on how long you’ve been paying on your mortgage, you might be able to acquire a line of credit based on your equity. If you’re not familiar with the process, there are a variety of guides you can review online that explain how a home equity loan works and whether you have enough built up to apply.
Once you finalize your budget, it’s time to find the right person for the job. Before heading to Google, ask friends and family for recommendations first. Word of mouth referrals typically yield the best results, especially when it comes to home renovations. Write questions from most to least important prior to the interview process. This will keep your thoughts organized and allow you to use your questions as a checklist.
You should also meet with at least two to three contractors prior to getting started. Make sure you’re clear about your vision, expectations and your budget. You also need to ask how they handle unexpected problems and how it could adversely affect your budget. In addition to getting quotes in writing, you should inquire about previous projects each contractor has completed. Reputable contractors are always happy to share the details of past jobs, before and after photos as well as a list of references.
There are plenty of ways to save money when renovating your home. For example, if you’re giving your kitchen a complete makeover, you can gut your kitchen by removing the cabinets yourself and pulling up old flooring. In the bath, you can also remove the vanity and old fixtures to help lower the cost.
When designing or upgrading a kitchen, selecting the right appliances is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. A well-chosen suite of appliances can enhance your cooking experience, increase your home’s value, and provide a cohesive aesthetic that ties your kitchen together. Achieving the perfect balance between functionality and design might seem daunting, but […]
Got a small space and big dreams for your living room? You’re not alone. Many face the challenge of finding living room furniture that fits tight spots but still oozes style. It’s like trying to squeeze into jeans from high school—tough, but not impossible. Here’s a cool fact: you can have chic and functional spaces […]
When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]
A thoughtful U shaped modular kitchen design can enhance functionality, and aesthetics in your kitchen, as well as in the dining and breakfast areas. With the various modular kitchen options available in India, the following ideas can help you envision your customized U shaped modular kitchen design. 1) Explore Neutral Color Palette The kitchen’s neutral […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]
Gate Design is an important feature of any home. Numerous scopes for experimentation open up when delving into the design possibilities. Materials like wood and black steel are popular options in Indian homes. At the same time, designers also experiment with a combination of materials that suits their aesthetic. Buying mass-produced Sydney automated gates has […]
Hyderabad is a city that boasts a rich and diverse architectural heritage that has been shaped by its history and cultural influences. The city has been ruled by various dynasties, including the Qutb Shahis, the Mughals, and the Nizams, who have all left their mark on its architecture and influenced young architects in Hyderabad. The […]
Should I study architecture or Interior Design? This is a question every high school graduate comes across. Moreover, the difference is not as commonly clear as it seems. Students often end up getting wrong advice like ‘they both are very similar’ and ‘you only need to be good at drawing’ etc. Well, that’s not true […]
The magic of creating a Space is the end-users ultimate urge to wish and spend all their time and grow old in it! This might just be the biggest success of an Architect, who is responsible for turning the client’s requirements and designing an aesthetically pleasing livable space. The Architect’s Diary has carefully curated a […]
Turning an empty plot and executing an entire design from plinth to top is like taking a blank canvas and painting an entire story on it! Architects are creators; creators of spaces, giving life and meaning to them. The Architects not only represent their city, but are also extraordinarily responsible in shaping the city’s skyline.The […]