Tiny Home Renovation – 7 Ways to Save Money
A tiny home can be a very cosy haven for its dwellers. However, from time to time, a homeowner may want to give it a little oomph by doing some renovations. And don’t get me wrong, home renovations can be a lot of fun especially if you’re the avid DIYer and if you have an unlimited budget. But if you’re planning on home renovation and is also in a pickle at the same time about renovating the entire house due to a limited budget, then I suggest you try these 7 tiny home renovation ways to save money.
1. Create a Budget and Stick to It
Before you roll up your sleeves and start renovating your tiny home, hold your horses, sit down, and plan everything first. It’s very important that you know your financial limits. Create a budget and always stick to it. If you find a piece of appliance that’s way out of your budget, then try to find another alternative. Next is to list all the materials and appliances you need and compare installation quotes and prices to get the best value.
2. Renovate One at a Time
Renovation doesn’t mean you have to set a deadline to finish renovating the entire tiny house unless you have a very important occasion that you need to show off your newly-renovated house for. Just take your time in renovating, pick the most important and frequently-used room in the house and start there. Then move on to the next. This way, you’ll have time to work hard and save up on the next renovation project.
3. Ditch the Credit Cards
Credit cards will only accumulate interests over time. It does seem to be more convenient when you swipe here and there when buying those materials and appliances. Nonetheless, you know damn well that you’re going to have to pay for it for a few months or years WITH INTEREST. And when you’re trying to skimp on home renovating, that’s not a good idea. Pay cash instead.
4. Reuse Materials
Let say, for example, you’re renovating the kitchen cabinets. If the cabinets are still in tiptop condition, why waste good materials when you can just reuse them instead? Rather than throwing them away and replacing them with new ones (which will cost you, FYI), reface them instead. People do it all the time. Try to keep this mindset in all areas you’re renovating, if a material is still good enough, meaning sturdy and usable, then keep it. Also, another tip on saving money is to sell stuff that you don’t like anymore.
5. Buy from Salvage Yards or Wait for Big Sales
I know it’s nice to make a beeline for the hardware section in your favourite store and just buy everything on impulse. But before you do that – be smart. Remember, we’re trying to save you money on home renovation here. Because you don’t have the luxury of a hefty renovation budget, then treat salvage yards as your friends. Try to visit as many as you can. I’m sure someone else’s trash could be the treasure you’re looking for. In addition, try to buy materials and appliances during a big sale. Trust me, when you buy everything in bulk, you’ll be surprised at how much money you can save during a sale!
6. Do-It-Yourself Projects Can Be Fun
If your tiny home needs a simple repainting job, why not do it yourself instead of hiring painters which will, once again, cost you heaps of money for labor. If you think you can do the painting yourself, then go for it! You can even let your friends help you – if they’re keen. With a few bottles of beer afterward (your treat, of course), it might be well worth it. Of course, when it comes to the difficult, technical jobs, don’t risk it and just hire an expert to get the job done right.
7. Energy-Saving Technology is a Thing Nowadays
When I say energy-saving technologies, I don’t only mean those energy-efficient appliances but I’m talking about the real deal – solar power. True enough, installing solar panels at home can come with a hefty price, but over time, you’re actually saving money on utility bills. Plus, you’re also doing the environment a favour by not supporting electric power plants that damage the environment.
These 7 awesome ways can definitely give you every bang for your buck when renovating your tiny home. The most important rule of all is to always stick to your budget so you know you’re not wasting away money for something you might regret buying in the end.
Author Bio: Kerry Brooks is a passionate blogger who loves to write about home designs, renewable energy innovations and more. She spends her free time hiking, swimming, camping and spending time with her family. She also blogs at GeneratorLab which is a site filled with home energy tips and guides.
