Renovating on a budget: how do you do it?

Whether you're renovating the whole house or just tackling the kitchen, a renovation costs money. To help you keep costs under control, we're happy to share our 9 tips for a budget renovation.

Before you start renovating, it's a good idea to clear out the room or the whole house completely. You'll often come across things you'd forgotten you had, and it gives you a chance to take a fresh, critical look at the space.

We can't say it often enough: start with a plan! Good preparation means you'll know exactly what needs to be done. That way you know in advance what it will cost and where you can save, and you avoid unexpected costs.

Spending money is simply part of any renovation. There's no getting around it. But you can spend it wisely. Choose changes that will have the biggest impact on the room or the home. Be clear about what you want the renovation to achieve and try to get there with as little work as possible.

In most cases, DIY is the cheapest option. There are videos, guides and tutorials for almost every renovation job. Do be realistic about your own abilities, though. Even if you're not a very experienced DIYer, you can certainly have a go at laying a floor or sanding walls, but be careful with jobs such as installing electrics. If you're not handy at this and do it anyway, it could end up costing you a lot more!

Do you need to buy new tools for your DIY project? Ask around among neighbours or family. You'll often only need these tools once, so it's a shame to buy them new. No DIYers in the family? Several DIY stores let you borrow tools for a small fee.

Sometimes it's wiser to leave certain jobs to the professionals. Before you contact a company, look into the typical prices for the job in question. Compare different providers and request quotes from several companies. Don't just look at the price, but choose the company that gives you the most confidence that the job will be done quickly and well.

The fittings and furnishings are often where most of the money goes, without you even realising it. New furniture and appliances can take a big bite out of your budget. So take a look at second-hand items. You can often pick up good-quality pieces for a small price. On top of that, it often gives you a unique style you won't easily find in anyone else's home.

Many people think sustainable means expensive, but sustainable choices can actually save you money in the long run. So whenever you get the chance, opt for sustainable, energy-efficient investments. It may cost a bit more during the renovation, but you'll earn it back in the years that follow.

Every renovation produces waste. Try to estimate in advance how much there will be. For large amounts of waste, or heavy waste, it's smart to hire a waste skip. After all, you can only take a limited amount of waste to the recycling centre free of charge. To avoid paying too much for a mixed-waste skip when you only have one waste type, or getting an additional charge because the waste was put in the wrong skip, it's wise to make a good estimate of your waste. Check here which skip is best suited to your job, or contact us for free, no-obligation advice.