{"id":268,"date":"2018-11-19T19:23:41","date_gmt":"2018-11-19T19:23:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bricksandmortarmagazine.co.uk\/?p=268"},"modified":"2025-03-05T17:02:14","modified_gmt":"2025-03-05T17:02:14","slug":"10-ways-to-renovate-on-a-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bricksandmortarmagazine.com\/?p=268","title":{"rendered":"10 Ways to Renovate on a Budget"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Old homes have a reputation for draining wallets, but a high-quality renovation doesn\u2019t have to come with a hefty price tag. With smart planning and the right approach, you can transform your home while keeping costs under control.<\/p>\n

1. Do You Need an Architect?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

For large-scale renovations, hiring an architect or architectural technologist can be invaluable. But for smaller projects\u2014like internal remodels or simple extensions\u2014you have more budget-friendly options:<\/p>\n

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  • Draw the plans yourself<\/strong>: Many planning departments accept self-drawn plans as long as they meet requirements. However, you\u2019ll need proper drawings for Building Regulations and for your builder to work from.<\/li>\n
  • Hire a draughtsperson<\/strong>: A more affordable alternative to an architect, they create precise technical drawings. Make sure they have adequate professional indemnity insurance.<\/li>\n
  • Work with your contractor<\/strong>: Some builders offer in-house design services or can recommend a professional to create plans.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Udi Regev, co-founder of BetterSpace, says: \u201cHomeowners are often surprised to learn they don\u2019t always need a full-service architect. Online design services can offer high-quality, customised plans at a fraction of the cost, making professional design accessible to more people.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
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    2. Choose Suppliers Wisely<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Big-name suppliers may have impressive marketing, but that doesn\u2019t always translate to better service or quality. Independent contractors and smaller companies can often provide equal (if not better) craftsmanship at a lower price.<\/p>\n

    3. Manage the Project Yourself<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    One of the most effective ways to save money is to act as your own project manager. Hiring and scheduling trades yourself gives you greater control over costs. However, it requires time, organisation, and decision-making.<\/p>\n

    Udi Regev advises: \u201cManaging your own renovation isn\u2019t for everyone, but if you\u2019re willing to coordinate trades and timelines, you can save significantly on contractor markups.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

    \"Project<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    4. Shop Around<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Buying all your materials from one supplier is convenient, but not cost-effective. Whether it\u2019s kitchen units, bathroom fittings, or tiles, sourcing items from different vendors can lead to big savings.<\/p>\n

    5. Get Multiple Quotes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Never settle for the first quote you receive. Prices for the same job can vary significantly between tradespeople.<\/p>\n

    \u2714\ufe0f Get at least three quotes<\/strong>
    \u2714\ufe0f Ask for recommendations<\/strong> from trusted sources
    \u2714\ufe0f Remember: cheapest isn\u2019t always best<\/strong><\/p>\n

    6. Consider an Unfinished Look<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Raw, industrial-style finishes like exposed brick, concrete floors, or plywood cabinetry can cut down on costly plastering and decorating. Plus, they create a stylish, modern aesthetic.<\/p>\n

    7. Reuse Old Materials<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Reclaimed materials can save money while adding character. Consider:
    \ud83d\udd39 Reusing bricks from old outbuildings
    \ud83d\udd39 Salvaging roof tiles instead of buying new
    \ud83d\udd39 Repairing timber windows rather than replacing them<\/p>\n

    8. Mix High-End with Budget Finds<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Not everything needs to be top-of-the-line. Pair affordable cabinetry with high-end worktops, or upgrade standard fixtures with stylish handles and lighting.<\/p>\n

    \u201cA clever mix of premium and budget-friendly elements can make your renovation look high-end without the high-end price tag,\u201d<\/em> says Udi Regev.<\/p>\n

    9. Plan for Bargains<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    If you have storage space, buy discounted ex-display kitchens, sanitaryware, or end-of-line materials when you find a deal\u2014rather than waiting until the last minute.<\/p>\n

    10. DIY Where You Can<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Painting, tiling, and simple landscaping are all great ways to save on labour costs. Just be realistic about your skills\u2014some jobs (like electrics and structural work) are best left to the professionals.<\/p>\n

    Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    A well-designed renovation doesn\u2019t have to break the bank. By making smart choices and being proactive, you can achieve a high-quality result on a budget. As Udi Regev puts it: \u201cGood design should be accessible to everyone. With the right approach, you can create a beautiful home without overspending.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Think renovating means draining your savings? Think again! With smart planning, savvy shopping, and the right approach, you can transform your home without blowing your budget. From cutting design costs to finding hidden bargains, here\u2019s how to renovate wisely\u2014without the financial headache.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":1202,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-268","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-editors-pick"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bricksandmortarmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bricksandmortarmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bricksandmortarmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bricksandmortarmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bricksandmortarmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=268"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/bricksandmortarmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1206,"href":"https:\/\/bricksandmortarmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268\/revisions\/1206"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bricksandmortarmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1202"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bricksandmortarmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=268"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bricksandmortarmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=268"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bricksandmortarmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=268"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}