Over the next few weeks, it might be good to take some time to start planning out those spring home renovation projects you’ve been putting off for a few months…or a few years. Below, we’ve shared some tips from Dawn Jamison for Quicken Loans to help you save money on those improvements which should make mapping them out that much easier.
Upgrade Your Kitchen
Whether you want to swap out appliances or cabinets or install a new countertop, backsplash, or lighting, kitchen upgrades can be pricey, but there are some smart ways to cut costs, Jamison says. Buying ready-to-assemble cabinets rather than custom ones will save you $1,500 per cabinet. Additionally, a recyclable material for the countertop – think stone, concrete, or laminate – typically costs less than half the price of granite. If you’re going to fork over big bucks for new appliances (and you will), Jamison says to go with Energy Star Efficient appliances which can save you $200-$1,100 over their lifetime.
Replace Front Door and Foyer Improvements
Budget $400-$1,200 for a replacement front door just to be safe. Fiberglass doors are the most popular because they are durable and come with a lifetime guarantee, but steel doors are also a great option and a cheaper than wood or fiberglass. Regardless of the type of door you choose, Jamison says it’s important to make sure its weatherstripping seals tightly and the threshold interlocks with the door’s bottom edge to save energy.
Landscape Your Home
Planning ahead is the best way to save money when landscaping. Think about the number of plants, flowers and more you want based on the size of your space and put together a budget estimate. Then, Jamison says to tackle the landscaping in phases in order of importance. Paying as you go can help you save on loan or credit costs and enable you to evaluate your progress along the way, she says. Consider shopping online for plants and be sure to check arboretums and botanical centers as well, says Jamison. Also, look into free mulch or compost programs in your city.
Tool Rentals for DIY Home Improvement Projects
To save time and money on your next DIY project, check out all of Rent It Today’s tool rentals. We even offer heavy equipment rentals for larger projects.
