Top tips to save costs on your renovation project with design and planning

Engage the Experts Early

You might think engaging a design and planning expert to help with your renovation is too expensive, but the truth is an expert can actually save you money in the long run. They have the experience and knowledge to maximise your budget and achieve the result you want, plus you can avoid costly DIY mistakes. 

A designer will think outside of the box, know which materials will save money, and can give advice on where to splurge and where to save, which is especially important if you’re tackling a full home makeover like this contemporary renovation of a weathered farmhouse.

Engaging a builder in the early design stages is also crucial, as they will help align your renovation budget and your goals. You might think it’s easy to move a wall, but they will know otherwise! They will also have advice about consent issues, the type of materials to use, and potential issues in older home renovations. 

For advice on choosing the right builder in Invercargill for your renovation project, click here!

Decide when to Splurge and when to Save

Custom tile, extending floor plans, amazing light fittings, designer cabinetry – it’s easy to get carried away when you’re renovating. It can be hard to know when to splurge and when to save when everything looks exciting. 

Being clear with your renovation goals will help you prioritise your budget. If extra space is your goal, then spending money to rejig floor plans or extend the build should take priority over top-of-the-line light fixtures. If you want to create seamless indoor-outdoor flow, then invest in bi-fold or stacking doors but save money on your flooring choice. If you want to save money on a kitchen renovation, carefully consider a redesign that doesn’t involve too much shifting of services, such as power and water.

Your design consultant can help you get the most ‘bang for your buck’ and ensure you don’t blow the renovation budget.  

Good Things Take Time

When renovating a house on a budget, one of the best pieces of advice is to allow yourself plenty of time in the planning and design stage. Rushing often leads to mistakes which will cost money to remedy, or you’ll regret unnecessary spending. Go through your plans carefully, mark out changed spaces in your home, and get advice from the experts. 

This stunning open plan kitchen and lounge revamp in Invercargill had a well thought out design that prioritised loads of light and an open feel, and is a great example of a superbly planned renovation that the homeowners absolutely loved. 

Keep Plumbing in its Place

Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the top renovation priorities for many homeowners – and can be two of the most expensive! One of the easiest ways to reduce renovation costs is to keep the existing plumbing in place. Fantastic results can still be achieved (like this beautiful budget-friendly bathroom refresh in Winton) but you avoid unnecessary costs associated with moving waste pipes or ripping into floors and walls. Keep the plumbing where it is and spend the savings on upgraded fittings and fixtures that will make a major impact.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Not everything has to be brand new when renovating. Think of the old adage ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ and your wallet – and the environment – will thank you. Restore existing cabinetry instead of replacing, sand and stain timber flooring, and look for bargains on Trade Me or at demolition yards. You can also sell some of your own features that you are removing to help offset costs. Even renovations done on a budget can increase your home value.

For more advice about how you can save money during your home renovation, get in touch with one of our friendly Invercargill Consultants for a free consultation.