Home Improvements on a Budget

It doesn?t matter how big your budget is for home improvement work, it?s still important that you stick to it. There are plenty of programmes and magazines to give you the ideas, but these aren?t always achievable with your finances. Here?s how to choose which work to do and make sure you come in on budget.

Set the Budget

Before you start dreaming about extravagant designs and costly construction work, you should decide exactly how much you have to spend. Consider the current value of the property and how much you?re likely to increase this by when the work is finished. There?s no point spending money that you won?t get back when or if you come to sell the property. Look at how you?re going to finance the work. Is the money coming from equity, a loan or savings?

Have a Wish List

Once you know what your budget is, write a list of the jobs you?d really like to do. Then list these in order of priority and see exactly what you can achieve on your budget. It might be that once you start researching the costs and work involved, you change your mind and opt for something a bit smaller.

Start Outside

Even if you?re not thinking of selling your home just yet, it?s still good to look at the exterior of a property first. Completing work on the outside will make your property look more appealing. Cracks in the paintwork on the exterior walls can detract from the true value of a property. Repainting these won?t take too long and if you?re doing the work yourself it can be cost-effective.

Gardens and outdoor space are among the most important features of a house. Work on these areas can range from a quick tidy-up to a complete transformation. If you have a garden, then maybe a decking area should be on your list. Or if this isn?t practical, iron balconies can help you achieve the desired outdoor space.

Get Discounts

Buying materials and tools can soon increase the cost of a job, so it?s a good idea to make savings wherever possible. If you?re purchasing in a store ask for discounts, especially if you?re buying in bulk. Online shopping can be a good way of saving money, as it gives you the time to research where the best deals are.

Whatever type of property improvements you?re contemplating, making a budget and researching all the details is the best way of keeping a check on your finances.