How to Do a Repair for Reasonable Money: 10 Effective Tips

1. Reason and Emotions

Dreams and reality must find a point of contact. The result of such a compromise will be a renovation that meets your expectations but doesn't plunge you into debt. First of all, you need to make a plan and thoroughly write down the budget. You must control renovation work at every stage, compare with the budget, and rein in ambitious impulses on time. Modern trends are in your favor, as minimalism is currently trendy.

2. Quality at Height

High-quality finishing materials cost more, but in the end, they will save you time and money. Remember that a penny wise is a pound foolish. It's better to do it right the first time than to redo and pay double the price later. Carefully choose every detail, from plaster to mounting foam. If you want to save money, you'll have to learn to distinguish grout from primer and understand the nuances of paint color matching.

3. Simple Solutions

Set yourself the task of minimum, but do it well. If your house has uneven walls, under a limited budget, it might be more sensible not to level them but instead rely on wallpapers with large patterns that visually neutralize surface imperfections. Expensive parquet can be replaced with a more economical cork flooring or quality laminate. Think budget-friendly!

4. Precise Calculation

If you took the budget planning seriously, you should have a list of everything needed for the renovation. Buying everything at once is not a problem if you know exactly what you need and make purchases at a large construction superstore.

However, the number of visits to the building supply store should be minimized. Divide your purchases into three parts: rough, finish, and furniture and decor items. Also, inquire about the availability of home delivery service and the possibility to return an item if it doesn't suit you: some stores offer indefinite exchange and return of goods eligible for exchange or return!

5. Do It Yourself

If you know how to paint, cut wood, and use a screwdriver, make a list of tasks you'll handle yourself. If you have the opportunity and energy to participate actively in renovating your apartment, go for it. Installing skirting boards, kitchen backsplashes, and painting walls are not difficult tasks that can be done as a family. Use DIY hacks to creatively decorate the entrance hall, build a coffee table, or decorate a child's room.

6. Simple and Tasty

Let the variety of colors, textures, and patterns in finishing materials not distract you from your intended path. The most common white tiles are unremarkable and cheaper. But essentially, they're just decorations for the future picture. A clean canvas that you're about to turn into a dream. The same applies to walls. Complex painting, ombre, stripes, expensive wallpapers - you can and should save here. White walls are the perfect backdrop for any interior. Don't fear simplicity in finishing. With furniture, accessories, and textiles, you'll fill rooms with warmth, comfort, and family history.

7. Eye for an Eye

During the renovation, the main people in your life are not your husband, wife, and children. These are your builders, whose results depend on the money and time you've spent. You must monitor them tirelessly, starting from the moment of contract signing. Make sure to write down the time and cost of work. Discuss additional job rates and penalty amounts for delays. If friends recommended workers to you, that's great. However, this shouldn't affect your loyalty and trust level. Trust, but verify. Never pay all money at once. Pay a deposit, then pay strictly for completed work. And, of course, be friendly. Help solve daily problems, be polite, and don't delay payment from your side.

8. The Right Decision

Be simpler and don't complicate the renovation with complex design solutions. Any radical changes can increase the budget for the renovation. For example, instead of connecting a balcony to the kitchen or room, it's better to insulate it well and turn it into an isolated space - a home office, compact wardrobe, or lounge area.

9. Renovation Season

Don't wait for next summer to start renovating your apartment - improving living conditions can be done all year round! Layers of plaster, primer, and paint dry quickly not only in hot weather but also during heating. The common belief that you can finish renovation work only in summer is a myth. However, if you focus on quality construction materials, involve professionals or close ones in the process, updating your interior will definitely be faster. And agree - working in a team is always more interesting and easier.

10. Those Who Got Less Lucky

During the renovation, consider the specific features of your house. If there's a risk of flooding, plan waterproofing. If gas is in the apartment, take appropriate fire safety measures. Inform neighbors about the start of the renovation. Consider the needs of young mothers and account for children's sleep schedules in your home. Approach people who find your renovation a constant source of noise with understanding.