8 Easy & Low Cost Renovation Tips

Now that it’s a fresh year, you might be looking for a change-up in the style of your place. While renovating may seem like a great idea initially, it’s a big job, and many people feel overwhelmed by the number of things that need to get done.

While not breaking the bank, it is necessary that you are working in the most efficient way possible and taking care of the important things systematically so as not to stress yourself out. Here are some tips to help you do just that!

1. Update Window Furnishings

One tip that can make a big difference while minimizing work is to update your window furnishings. Jo Powell, Director of 3 Pea’s Property Styling, who has a background in property development and renovation, explains this tip:

“My number 1 tip for an easy and low-cost renovation is to update window furnishings – I recommend standard ‘off the shelf’, white timber looks Venetians, which will instantly update any space. They look great in almost all styles of property and can be utilised in various areas of the house. They can generally be sourced in a suitable size as they can be fitted across the face of a window, are easy to install yourself, allow plenty of natural light into a space and can be adjusted to screen out an unattractive external view whilst still letting in light.”

Jo Powell can be found online on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.

2. DIY Chandeliers

To save costs, it may be worth considering DIY chandelier options, as this is one piece of furniture that can completely change the atmosphere of a room. There are several ways you choose to do this. One option is to string together several work lights to create your own makeshift ceiling chandelier. Work lights are colourful and tend to be bright, making them the perfect choice for this project.

Another choice to consider is the use of unconventional materials, which can give your chandelier a unique, edgy look. For example, you could cut up recycled old water bottles of different colours and use them for decoration. You could achieve a similar effect by using paint swatches you no longer need for decorating your chandelier. Despite the fact that you might need to follow along with a tutorial, a little effort goes a long way in terms of transforming your home.

3. Make Use Of Technology!

Gone are the days of having to walk down to the store to buy samples or buy fancy measuring equipment. With modern-day apps such as Paint My Place and DIY Handyman Toolbox, you can do many aspects of your renovation with just a touch of your finger.

This ranges from being able to photograph a wall and test what colour would look like to providing tons of inspirational design images or even more technical aspects such as calculations and measurements. Therefore, you can be fully aware of what you need and how much you need when you purchase tools and equipment for the renovation.

4. Target Affordable And Easily Modified Items First

One room that people often want re-done is their bathroom, and Jacob from Service.com.au, a platform that connects Australians to local verified trade providers, offers some tips and tricks on easily replaceable bathroom items below:

“Mirrors are great for making small and dark bathrooms appear bigger and brighter. If you’re not sure you’re allowed to drill a nail into the wall, opt for heavy-duty stick hooks or mirrors on a stand. You could also offer a more natural look to your bathroom by adding small flowerpots. Place them on the bathroom window, the corner of the bathtub or on the countertop. This will transform your bathroom while offering a natural floral scent.”

You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

5. DIY Marble Countertops!

Another easily modified aspect of your bathroom is the countertop! Marble presents an excellent choice of material for bathroom countertops, as it is easy to install and care for and is also extremely durable. Remember that darker shades make stains and other deterioration less visible!

If you don’t actually want to purchase marble, there is the option of faux marble countertops. This results in the effect of a marble top, but with only the use of certain grey and white paints. This effect is certainly worth the effort, especially as you will only spend a fraction of the price you would pay for actual marble.

6. Paint, don’t replace!

The resident home renovation expert at ServiceSeeking.com.au provided this tip regarding saving money by not throwing away your items unnecessarily:

“Forgo the temptation of completely replacing perfectly good items that may appear dated with a few chips, scratches or an old-fashioned colour. For example, white and light colours create the illusion of space and light in your kitchen, for a fraction of the price of replacing large items such as cabinets entirely.”

7. Turn An Ugly Couch Into A Nice One

Just because you weren’t able to make the best purchase when it came to choosing your sofa doesn’t mean you can’t save the day through decorating. Experiment with throw blankets until you find a colour and style that suits the couch the best (neutral colours tend to work well, plus they leave room for more decorations without the design getting overcomplicated.)

Depending on the size of your sofa, you can probably have up to five throw pillows! These should have a running theme or colour, but not be identical, so that you can jazz up the look of your sofa. Remember, if you want to disguise your ugly sofa as a chic addition to your household, it’s all in the accessories you use to dress it up!