Whether you are in the market to sell or just sick of the same old, same old, a home remodel might be just what you need to freshen up that aging house – and you don’t even have to have a huge budget to make it happen.
While it might seem like fixing an old house with a low income is out of the question, it may be closer to reality than you think. Do-It-Yourselfers abound in this new age of YouTube, and whereas home renovations used to be pricey endeavors, they can now be accomplished within much more affordable means.
Go Google It
Before launching any house project, it is a good idea to take a peek around the internet first. This should be your one-stop-shop prior to embarking down any particular path. These days, homeowners can find step-by-step instructions on just about any DIY home project. Jobs ranging from minor to major can be easily stripped down to size with digestible videos created by professionals. Homeowners intent on flipping houses or buying broken properties in the hopes of rebuilding can find loads of support through online forums. Be careful, though, and know what you are getting yourself into as there are lots of things to consider before buying that fixer upper.
Bring Back Bartering
Bartering is no longer a thing of the past. More and more people are reaping the benefits of this form of buying power, and if you are in the market for a remodel, you might discover that this past way of doing business isn’t so antiquated after all. People with various levels of expertise list their skills in exchange for other items or services they might need. You probably know a thing or two yourself, so first consider what you have to offer, then jump online to locate a good match. And with plenty of websites to help you find fellow barterers in your area, the likelihood of coming up with a mutually beneficial exchange is pretty high.
Phone A Friend
Chances are you have a handy friend or family member in your circle who might be able to help you get your house in shape. Does your uncle happen to be an electrician or does your cousin know their way around a sledgehammer? Maybe your best friend used to install windows. There has to be somebody you know with more know-how than you. Just remember not to take advantage of a good thing, so even if your willing participant doesn’t require monetary payment, be sure to offer up your own hours or special expertise to help them with their own project down the road.
Shop Clearance Shelves
Nearly every hardware or big box store has a clearance section. These areas are where savvy shoppers can find steal-of-a-deal items ranging from discontinued products to returned items to custom pieces that other buyers purchased and then decided they didn’t want. These items are often marked way down to move them out of the store, so people needing to remodel on a tight budget should always peruse this area before buying full-price products. Appliances, cabinetry, flooring, bathroom and lighting fixtures – all of these items make their way to the clearance shelves, and they usually don’t last long. When preparing for an upcoming project, it is a good idea to check these sale areas daily, if not weekly, as these highly discounted items tend to move quickly.
Rummage the ReStore
Finally, if you want your dollars to stretch a little further (and make a big impact in the process), consider checking out Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore. This secondhand shop is filled with all the things needed to make your remodeling project a reality. From nails and screws to sheets of drywall to countertops, the ReStore contains new and used items necessary for any renovation. Visit the Habitat for Humanity website to find your local ReStore location and get ready to save big.
A renovation doesn’t have to bury you in debt. With some know-how and a can-do attitude, even a large-scale remodel is feasible providing you have a plan and ample support. Fixer-uppers aren’t just for professionals or wealthy investors. Your Average Jane or Joe can navigate the renovation world, too. They just need a good map and maybe a DIYer friend willing to go along for the ride.