145 Fleet Street #236
National Harbor, MD 20745

blog

Nov 02

Renovating On A Budget

This is a question that we get asked, a LOT! So much so, that we thought that this would be a great door opener for our next wave of blog posts!

Note: The answer to this specific question, located at the bottom of this post.

Let's get started! What is the first thing that you think about when you think about renovating your home?

If you're thinking "money," then you're thinking what we're thinking! After all, you cannot make any changes without having some! The most important question is: How big is your project, and how much money do you have to complete it?

Here are some tips to creating your dream renovation, while staying in budget:

1. PLAN!

Think about your home renovation project. How large is it? What rooms are important to start with? If you are on a tight budget, which parts of the house need to be done first, and which can wait? Consider absolutely every single detail that you'd like to change, and write it out into a list. In this list, be sure to include the equipment, materials, and people that you will need to help you achieve your goal, along with the cost associated with each resource.

2. Paint, instead of Purchase!

Instead of buying new to replace the old, think of ways to preserve it! Painting is one of the easiest ways to make something old, look new! There are sooooooo many colors and painting techniques, that by the time that new hardware is added, you've created the look that you were initially going to purchase!

3. Create your own natural light!

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Everyone loves a good window to bring in the natural sunlight. Before cutting holes into your beautiful walls, try the less evasive way to bring in great lighting; consider installing "light tubes." This project can save $1,000s of dollars, and is achieved by simply slipping the light tube between roof rafters - way easier & less expensive than new window installation. The best part - as little as they are, light tubes bring in a TON of natural light into the living space.

4. Before buying brand new, check out your local recycling center!

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One man's trash is another man's treasure, once again! At recycling centers, you can find virtually ANYTHING! Disposed doors, windows, lamps … almost anything related to home goods, and some are almost in "good as new," shape! Be sure that this project is a true DIY, many contractors/ home builders do not prefer to use recycled goods, as they do not want to assume any liability.

5. Consult with a contractor!

While you may not be able to afford to bring them in to perform the work, most are in fact willing to give you advice on how to achieve your reno goals. There are contractors who offer consulting and mentoring services to skilled do-it-yourselfers on an hourly basis. If you were to hire them to complete the project, let's say to dry wall an entire room, they may charge $1,000; however, if you pay them to mentor you on how to complete it yourself, you may end up saving a third of that fee!

*** ANSWER TO QUESTION ***

To answer the initial question specifically: adding large pictures or large plated picture frames add an art deco vibe with little major spending. You can also try painting the mantle a completely different color! Check out a few of the below pictures for inspo! (we do not own these images)