Moving to a new house is one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. Without the right assistance, the entire process can be painstaking. It’s also where most of your savings go to when you purchase big-ticket items like your house. On top of that, the renovation isn’t any small sum either.
Contrary to all the news you’ve seen out there, you don’t need to splash out on extreme makeovers worth almost half your HDB. You can achieve tasteful and modern spaces, even with tight purse strings.
Here are some budget-friendly tips to help you save renovation costs and make the renovation process an enjoyable experience.
Split Up Your Renovation Works into Stages
Budgeting and planning are equally important apart from the aesthetics of your new home. It’s the ideal scenario to go for the grand makeover however your wallet may not be able to take the blow. We propose to split your renovation into different phases and work on your renovation across a longer period.
There’ll be works like built-in fixtures for your kitchens and wardrobes, painting and electrical works set up. These are the ones that should be done up first and troublesome to renovate after you’ve moved in.
Functionality before aesthetic. It may be plain and simple but at least it gives you a comfortable home to live in. You’ll also have more time to brainstorm for ideas to achieve your desired aesthetic look.
Set Aside More for Resale Flat Renovations
While resales give you a larger space to work with than newly minted BTOs, they’re more costly to renovate.
There are more costs to factor in:
dismantling existing fixtures
maintenance for wear and tear
tearing out and installing new compatible piping
Always good to set aside a rainy-day allowance for these issues. Better to over-prepare than under prepare.
Scandinavian Minimalism
The Scandinavian style is the savant of minimalism and low-cost.
Simply because:
1. A focus on clean, simple lines and carpentry, less complexity and effort spent on decorating. Also, it exudes a less cluttered vibe to your home.
2. Emphasis on convenience and adaptability with loose furnishings and décor. Suitable to accommodate intimate parties or larger crowds.
3. A diverse range of affordable Scandinavian furniture available at online major retailers.
Less Lighting Points, More Natural Light
Many homeowners like to pursue the bright and airy vibes for their homes. However, lighting and electrical works can chalk up a hefty bill during the renovation process. Even more so in terms of your electricity bills to maintain the entire look.
To upkeep this exquisite look, you require many recessed/cove lights. It’s a lavish expenditure due to the exquisite workmanship and lighting components used. This is an expense you can afford to do away with.
Instead, consider incorporating more natural light elements. You can achieve a similar style while cutting down on lighting points. You can make use of low-priced materials such as mirrors and glass panels to bounce off the natural light. Lighter wall colours like cream, off-white also helps to create the visual illusion of bright spaces.
Vinyl Flooring
Flooring material is another big-ticketed item on your renovation list. Determining the material used can define the aesthetic style of your entire home.
Out of all the materials like luxe marble, ceramic, homogenous and parquet, vinyl flooring is the most cost-effective and popular choice amongst new homeowners. Vinyl is hardy and waterproof; easy to maintain and not as easily damaged.
An alternative you can consider is to grind or polish the existing flooring for a radiant look.
Hacking Vs Overlay
Hacking’s intensive work. With hacking comes the corresponding costs for equipment and manpower required. Opt for materials like vinyl flooring that can be overlaid on top of existing tiles!
You can enjoy significant savings just from overlaying; especially for wet areas like the bathroom where waterproofing works are often needed. By overlaying with waterproof materials, you save on the hacking and waterproofing works.
Half-Hacked Vs Full Hacked Walls
Half-hacked walls do not mean your hacking costs are cheaper. On the contrary, it’s more expensive than a fully hacked wall. Half walls are more labour and material intensive with fully hacking down a wall; then build it up to half size.
If you’re looking to be cost-savvy, avoid hacking altogether.
Painting vs Installing Additional Materials for Feature Walls
Everyone may obsess over having a centrepiece to stand out. Some want to display their ‘atas’ paintings or pottery, while others prefer to have a feature wall.
Instead of spending thousands on troublesome wallpapers or premium grade craft stone, you can simply top up an additional couple of hundreds on your painting package for a unique painted graphic wall.
It’s a cost-effective alternative with minimal fuss and easy to maintain.
Opt for Linear Built-ins
Unique built-ins while visually pleasing, they give you a run for your money. Due to their odd-shaped, circular or highly detailed carpentry, these built-ins require skilled workmanship and time. Even ceiling fixtures like faux exposed beam are encouraged to be avoided. Hence, it’s understandably more costly.
For a more pocket-friendly experience, linear and simple built-ins are your best companion. You can also consider less-built ins and installing loose furnishings instead.
Are you looking for professional renovation help?
Request for a free quote here to receive a personal consultation. We will match you with our experienced interior designers who’s best fitted for your renovation needs.