One of the biggest struggles renovators face is aligning their big dreams with their tight budgets. What elements of your home can be simply updated and what elements have to be replaced altogether? Should you DIY or do you need to hire trades?
There will always be setbacks when you’re working with a tight budget but I’m here to help make these decisions easier for you to ensure you get the best bang for your buck! This will of course depend on your budget but I tend to look at what will be the most expensive to replace and if there is a better and cheaper way to transform it.
Transform Bathroom Cabinets
These don’t come cheap, which is why you should consider refacing them instead. Sanding, degreasing, and painting the cabinet faces makes your dated kitchen look sleek and new again, for a fraction of the price of a complete cabinet replacement!
Power Wash Outdoor Surfaces
Purchase or rent a power washer to clean paved surfaces. In a short amount of time, you can turn those grungy walkways and decorative bricks into brand new. Power washers are also an excellent tool to clean fences and vinyl siding.
Smart Style
Instead of knocking down walls or making structural changes to your home, make some smart styling choices to optimise the space. For example in smaller rooms, hang or stand a mirror to make the space look bigger. Think about the scale of your room and how that ties in with your furniture layout before heading straight for the tools.
Update Hardware
Adding to your cabinets’ fresh appeal by replacing old handles and pulls with new hardware can go a long way towards updating your kitchen. For just a few dollars per cabinet, you can completely change the look.
Counter Upgrade
Sick of the dated formica, the chips and the stains on your counters? A countertop upgrade adds instant value and appeal to your kitchen. Choosing a laminate in a neutral color is a budget-friendly option, while granite or quartz adds that luxurious feel. Other eco-friendly options that take it easy on the earth (and on the eyes) include bamboo and counters made from recycled glass, paper, and even a resin made from cashew nuts.
Light It Up
Adding lighting is one of the best ways to brighten up the entire room. Consider under-cabinet LED strips to add ambience and showcase those lovely new countertops in your kitchen. Alternately, replace dated pendants with fresh, new hanging lights.
Well there you have it! If you make style-savvy and cost effective decisions, it is totally possible to create your dream home on a budget.
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Naomi Findlay is Australia's renovation royalty and works with people around the country helping them create beautiful spaces with her online courses. 
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