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- 7 tips to get the biggest bang for your buck on your next renovation - December 5, 2012
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Renovating is one of my top 10 favourite things to do. There are very few things I enjoy more than to transform an ugly duckling into the prom queen.
Whether you are looking at renovating your own home because you’re tired of living in bleakland or you’re renovating to make a profit, the 7 tips below should add a bit of ‘chic’ to your next project.
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you twice how important it is to work out your budget and plan your renovation before diving right in, especially if you are on a budget. Like everything else in life most of us can’t have absolutely everything we want so we have to learn to prioritise and compromise.
Now that the serious stuff is out of the way, let’s get down to the fun already.
Here are my top 7 cosmetic renovation tips to give you the biggest bang for your buck:
1. Fresh paint
Painting (inside and out) will give you the biggest and the most noticeable transformation. The paint itself is relatively inexpensive and if you DIY you’ll save a tonne of money. So from a cost benefit perspective, this one is a no brainer.
If you choose to DIY, ensure you put in the time and effort into the prep work like wiping down the walls, taping up the edges and putting down drop sheets. I know it’s painfully boring but it’s necessary if you want a good finish. Also invest in good quality rollers, I use either wool or micro fibre rollers. They are more expensive but you will get a much more professional looking job – trust me it’s worth it.
2. New flooring
During your planning phase you would have determined if new flooring was necessary. If the existing floor coverings are smelly, disintegrating under your feet or have bright orange and brown flower patterns, it’s a good indication that it’s time for an update.
If you have hardwood floors underneath the old floor coverings my advice would be to sand and polish them. If not you have an array of options available these days – bamboo floors, engineered timber floors, vinyl (in many designs), tiles or carpet. Make your selection according to the style of your house, budget and taste.Depending on how many rooms you have to re-do, this will likely be the most expensive item on this list.
3. Clean until everything sparkles
Don’t over look cleaning, it is one of the most under estimated and most effective techniques to transform your place. And the best part – it costs next to nothing if you DIY. When I say cleaning that includes tidying up outside too, so mow the lawn, trim the shrubs, rake the leaves and take any rubbish away.
4. Lighting
Update your light fittings with ones that are more modern and suited to the style you’re going for. You might not think so but it makes a difference. Shop around to find a bargain.
5. Window coverings
Window coverings can really transform a house. However, yours may just need freshening up. Curtains can be washed or dry cleaned, and blinds dusted and wiped down. If you do need to replace your window coverings, look to see if ‘ready made’ curtains or blinds will fit your window sizes as this will be your cheapest option. If not, you can get them custom made online. Request for fabric samples to be mailed to you first. Ordering online is easy as picking the fabric, deciding which side you want the draw cord on, entering your window measurements, putting in your delivery instructions and paying with a credit card.
6. Taps, mixers and shower heads
Replace old drab taps, mixers and shower heads with shiny new stainless steel ones. Nice accessories will make a huge impact on the perceived value of your property and it doesn’t have to cost the earth.
There are a number of eBay stores I regularly buy from who sell good quality sexy bathroom accessories at a fraction of in store prices.
7. Knobs and handles
Uupdating your door, cupboard and draw handles is another way of modernising your place without breaking your piggy bank. Again make your selection according to the style of your house, budget and taste.
Bonus tip
Don’t be afraid to shop online as this is where you will find the best bargains. Do your research and be discerning but don’t be afraid. Here are my 9 tips to avoid getting ripped off online.
The tips above are for a cosmetic renovation only. Structural renovations on the other hand are more complicated and costly but your returns maybe far greater. But that’s another story.
Until next time….
Angel
Twitter: googlai
says:
Hi Angel thank you for sharing a nice tricks. i appreciate your contribution.
Googma Sansar recently posted..Social Media campaign of Barack Obama in Presidential Election 2012
Thank you
Angel recently posted..Landscape time
Twitter: googlai
says:
Welcome Angel for your Response. Keep in touch. it will fruitful.
Googma Sansar recently posted..Korean Gangnam Style
Nice one, Angel, really interesting tips.
ZaccshegzyBlog recently posted..Tips You Must Know When Buying Clothesline for Outdoor Use
Twitter: primejuicers
says:
Hello Angel,
All of those are very good tips and thank you for the article. I am in the process of doing some renovating around my house and you have it right (7. Knobs and handles). The door knobs are very important too! I replaced all of mine throughout the house and it really does make a difference. Nicely done! Thanks you and Happy Holidays!
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Twitter: TechAndTeaching
says:
Yes. Simple things like door knobs make such a huge difference. Old ones can look tarnished and dingy, and cleaning might not help. For $10 or $20, you can get a shiny new door knob and make the door look fresh and new. Nice investment.
Brian Rock recently posted..Did the FBI Really Lock Down My Computer?
I tend to prefer handles as I tend to use my elbows to open the door when I have lots of stuff in my hand which is often. I love to shop
Angel recently posted..No tech to so tech with biometric finger print access controlled doors
I just finished with the renovation of a part of my house, so the kids have a nice part for themselves. Like you said, the floor was the biggest expense. I chose nice hardwood floor, installed it myself and saved some significant cash that way. Installing the floor is not as complicated as it seems, I would say any clever person can do it
Hardwood floors nice! We went with engineered floors as we couldn’t afford a full hardwood floor.
Angel recently posted..Living room reveal
Renovation is one job that I really hate. I used to travel a lot with my husbands job in UN. I never really had to invest time in gettng a house renovated as they all were temporary homes. Last year we shifted our base to Edmonton and now I am facing all the issues.. Trust me renovation is one of the toughest jobs in the world..
!
No arguments from me about it being hard work but I love it. I so love being able to transform an ugly duckling or a plain Jane into a prom queen.
I guess it helps because my bf is a builder.
Angel recently posted..Living room reveal
Hi Angel,
Almost at the end of the year i got few tips for improvements and trust me sometime I doesn’t care about knobs and handles, but this time i’ll ; and of course for shopping my favorite place is my home PC.
Thanks for sharing.
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Totally agree about the best shopping being from your home PC. I’ve gotten quite a few bargains online for our house – some materials as well as fit outs and soft furnishings. I highly recommend it.
Angel recently posted..How to build a privacy screen
Twitter: salman1507
says:
Angel, You shared some really useful tips to be implemented while renovating our homes. I agree that just cleaning itself can bring a lot of transformation to how the house looks ! No doubt after painting, lightning ..etc. the house looks better than a 7-star hotel room
Salman recently posted..LG Optimus L9 launched in India for 23,000 INR
Cleaning is one of my least favorite tasks during a reno but unfortunately it must be done as it makes such a huge difference and cost close to nothing.
Angel recently posted..No tech to so tech with biometric finger print access controlled doors
Nice tips and tricks Angel, i agree with you, by following these steps we definitely transform our houses/ work places more prosperous, auspiciousness and attractive, like inside different coloring in paint, flooring with marble/ wood etc and out side the greening is also a better way…By the was stay bless.
Regards.
I agree outside is so important too.
Angel recently posted..How to build a privacy screen
nice tips for house construction when i build my house i will keep in mind theses points
thanks
Thanks Rahul, feel free to email me when you build your house and I’d be happy to point you to some excellent forums on building and renovations.
Angel recently posted..Man Cave
Twitter: sweetlou2689
says:
This is an excellent explanation for people that are planning redesigning their living space or whatever it may be. A lot of people are too lazy or too scared to a DIY job. They rather pay more money and have someone else do it. My opinion is that doing something yourself actually makes you grow as a person because “you” are actually doing the work and experiencing it. So to all that are afraid to do something yourself “just do it” like Nike.
ha ha I second that ‘just do it!’
It’s an awesome feeling to stand back and look at what you’ve achieved when you DIY. It makes all the hard work worth while, especially if you happen to make some money as a result
Angel recently posted..Living room reveal
Hi Angel, this is post is very good and informative. Now I know what’s wrong with our house. I guess it’s the improper lighting and dark window covering. Thanks for the post, this helps a lot.
Thanks Daniel, I’m glad I could be or some help.
Angel recently posted..Living room reveal
Useful tips I have found here.By following these tips we can make our house more beautiful and good looking .Thanks for sharing
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No worries Ali
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Some people just have that vision to see an old beat up house and see tye finished product. I personally cant handle anything that cant be done in one day. It becomes overwhelming and i end up regretting it. I know there are great contractors out there who help you along the process but it is still too stressfull.
Love it Angel. I am in the process of beginning a renovation of my kitchen. Some of the stuff I can handle myself and other things I will have to outsource.
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Hi Justin, just remember to take your time and plan it out properly, don’t feel like you have to rush if you are not sure. Kitchens are usually one of the most expensive parts of the reno but if done right it can make your home. Good luck.
Angel recently posted..No tech to so tech with biometric finger print access controlled doors
Good tips there! Me and my SO just successfully came out of a big living-room renovation project (it was a nightmare!), and I agree that shopping online and looking for things that we needed on the internet helped a lot. Not only was I able to find some great deals, the reviews were pretty helpful as well.
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You have certainly shared a nice article with us! We should have next level innovative ideas!
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Twitter: blogrida
says:
Hi,your all 7 tips to get the biggest bang is really awesome. These ideas helpful for us to for effective blogging.
I am very thankful to you that you have shared such a informative content. I’ll suggest to all my friends to visit your blog again and again.
thanks again!!!
Twitter: fred_henning
says:
Angel-
I am in the business of residential repairs and construction. Your checkpoint list is a terrific strategy for homeowners, or even rental property owners, to follow. So many folks either don’t know where to start or get distracted by other projects. Their ‘to-do’ lists are a disorganized and frustrating, so they become overwhelmed and do nothing. But, if they would follow your list and knock off one header at a time, it would all get done and they would feel accomplishment…and that’s a good feeling.
Great article!
These are great practical tips to renovate and make the best of your time and money investment into your house. Another tip I would share is to shop around and get quotes for the work (if you are not doing it yourself that is). You can save a lot if you find trusted, good quality handymen who can do the job at a fraction of the price and a fraction of the time you could do it yourself!
Andrew recently posted..Finding a Cheap Plumber in Brisbane
Angel, deciding which upgrades can have the most bang for your buck (or DIY) effort can put your renovation into high gear. The second big decision is what your time is worth, and whether a pro makes more sense that DIY.
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What a great and timely article! I’m currently renovating my office and these tips are all great that I can put to good use. Thanks so much!
tips to renovate and make the best of your time and money investment into your house. Another tip I would share is to shop around and get quotes for the work (if you are not doing it yourself that is). You can save a lot if you find trusted, good quality handymen who can do the job at a fraction of the price and a fraction of the time you could do it yourself!
Love the list Angel!
As a realtor in DC Metro I’ve seen plenty of homes that ended up with top dollar, much more money than had they not done some minor renovating, like the ones on your list.
Kudos!
Jonathan Lahey recently posted..NOT IN MLS: DC Rowhome 1.5 blocks to DC Armory Metro w $250K of “Spread” (NOT a Short Sale or Foreclosure)
I just renovated my office and I think that replacing the floors made the biggest difference. I went this grey industrial carpet to hardwood floors. It made a huge difference. Great advice!
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