When you hear the word “remodel,” your eyes instantly flash dollar signs, right? Remodeling your home can be expensive — if you let it be. There are plenty of cost-effective ways to remodel your home without demolishing your bank account. Here are the top three affordable ways to remodel your home.
- Don’t install windows (install light tubes instead). We all want our homes to burst with gorgeous, natural light. Unfortunately, putting in windows is ridiculously expensive. That’s where light tubes come in. Install light tubes in your roof (between the rafters) and funnel outside sunshine into darker parts of your house (a windowless bathroom, for example). They’re a great way to go green without going broke. A typical window installation can set you back about $1,500 while a light tube costs around $500.
- Set a budget and stick to it. Before the start of your project, give yourself a budget. Save 20 percent more than what you intend to spend in case of unexpected mishaps or mistakes (trust us, they happen to everyone). Then consider loading a prepaid card with your allotted remodeling funds every month to ensure you don’t go over budget. There are no overdraft charges and no hefty bank fees.
- Salvage furniture instead of buying new pieces. It’s time to get crafty with your remodeling. Shop local thrift stores or consignment furniture stores — you may end up with a vintage gem. There’s no better way to make something match your taste than by making it yourself!
