If you want to fix up your house, you can. It might not be quick or easy, but it CAN be done. You can find inexpensive finishes that look just as good as the expensive ones. And with some time and planning, you can get your house to where you want it to be.
I’ve been slowly working on my home for over five years and am only halfway through all the projects on my list. I promise that if you’re willing to practice some patience and resourcefulness, you can fix up your house, even if you’re on a tight budget.
Here’s how to afford fixing up your house.
Plan Your Projects (But Do it in the RIGHT Order)
House projects come in two types: has to be done, and I’d like it to be done.
The “has to be done” projects need to be at the top of your list. This means tackling projects that affect the structure or integrity of your house. Think mold, damaged siding, a bad roof, water-damaged areas, etc.
When we first moved into this house, our first three big projects were in the “has to be done” category.
- Getting our house stained and logs repaired
- Having a new roof put on
- Getting a new fireplace insert and chimney liner
Fun? No, not really. But by checking these off the list, we no longer had to worry about the outside of our house rotting, the roof leaking, or the chimney catching on fire.
If things are affecting the integrity or safety of your home, they need to be on the very top of your list!!
Do It Yourself When You Can
DIYing can save you money, but you can’t always do it yourself. Roofing, electrical, plumbing, etc., will probably all need to be hired out.
But for the stuff you can do yourself, you need to actually do it yourself. Painting, tiling, installing faucets, refinishing furniture, and hanging wallpaper is not hard. There are tons of tutorials on YouTube. Doing these things only seems scary until you give them a try. (I know this because I was intimidated by each until I gave them a try!)
If you need some inspiration, here’s a look at some easy projects I tackled:
- DIY concrete over laminate countertop
- Painted linoleum floors
- Geometric tween closet
- Chalk painted countertops
- Tic Tac Tiles Backsplash (Fail)
- Realistic decluttering pictures
Use “Phase 1” Makeovers to Keep You Satisfied
Some renovations require a few years of savings before they can be done. That doesn’t mean you have to live in a space you hate. Instead, you can do phase 1 renovations. These typically include setting a small budget to spruce up your space a bit.
You can see an example of Chris Love Julia’s $1,000 kitchen makeover here or Young House Love’s bathroom and kitchen phase one projects here.
Sell What You Want to Replace
When it comes time to replace a piece of furniture or redo a room, sell what you’re no longer using. This will help fund your projects. Try selling on Craigslist or Facebook groups. If you can’t sell, donate.
Know the Most Cost-Effective Places to Shop
Just because you saw someone buy accessories from Anthropologie or a dresser from Pottery Barn doesn’t mean you have to. You can find dupes of nearly everything for much less money.
Splurge on the items that are really worth it to you and save money on other things.
Here are some places you can get the most bang for your buck:
- Rugs USA
- Ikea
- H&M Home
- Target
- Walmart
- Amazon
- Wayfair
- Favorite places for cheap wallpaper
There are obviously many more places than these to find good deals. But these can give you a good starting point.
Do Projects in Stages
Not everything has to be done all at once. Sometimes, projects need to be completed as money and time allow. For instance, my master bathroom has been without flooring for a couple of months. We installed a new shower, drywall, and subfloor and bought the tile, but it hasn’t been installed.
If you don’t pressure yourself to finish projects quickly, you’ll have more time to save up for the items you really want in that space.
