More Room for Baby: How to Budget for Home Renovations

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If you’ve had a baby or are planning to expand your family, one thing is for certain that you’ll need more space for the family to grow together. If you already own your home, then it may be better to add onto the house rather than pack up and relocate. After all, this is your family home, so why not make it as personal as possible? It is beautiful to watch your house change as your own life does, accommodating your children and all their milestones. But home renovation is expensive, and it can be an even bigger financial burden with children in the mix. As you anticipate the arrival of your little bundle of joy, here are some strategies for saving up to make your house truly feel like home.

home renovation

Lower Your Monthly Costs

Paying less for bills each month will allow you to save up for renovations. Paying for them out-of-pocket eliminates further debt and stress. Take a look at your outstanding balances, and pay off any small debts you can right away. After that, you may look at big-term changes, such as refinancing your student loans through a private lender to cut down on interest payments. Additional ways to lower monthly costs include carpooling with your partner, buying in bulk, cancelling subscriptions and limiting your credit card use.

Start with Work You Can Do on Your Own

When you are trying to remodel at a low cost you might be surprised to learn there are a lot of ways to get started on your own. Many projects can be cut in half if you are able to do the basics by yourself. If you plan on having the kitchen redone, then have family or friends help you dismantle and haul out the old cabinetry. This saves you the cost of having to pay for labor and waste removal when the new ones arrive. If you’re replacing the floors, then remove as much as you can by yourself to eliminate the final bill. For those who are skilled at DIY, you can even lay new tiles or carpet yourself to save on installation costs.

Work with What You Have

If you’re adding a room onto the house, think of some affordable ways to work around a brand-new construction. For example, you may decide to convert the garage, transform the attic, or finish the basement. Expanding is expensive, but it can be more affordable if you find a way to breathe new life into an underused part of the house. This logic can also be applied to renovating interior spaces. Rather than replacing everything by default, think of ways you could make small but impactful cosmetic changes. Replacing the sink, or even just the faucets, can make a kitchen and bathroom feel brand new.

Get Estimates from Professionals

Shop around to make sure you get the best deal on flooring, walls, appliances and more. You will often get different rates when you inquire, so keep a list of what you’ve been offered. Bring these up during consultations, and you’ll be more likely to score a better deal thanks to some light negotiation. Comparison shopping is equally important when it comes to new home furnishings. Stores often run deals at different times throughout the year. Timing your purchases can save up hundreds of dollars just for being patient.

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