So, you’re going through a remodel. Our condolences. We kid, we kid. While no one knows more than us that going through a remodel in your home can be an inconvenience, envisioning what it will look like when crossing the finish line will get you through. Being well-informed and prepared is another way to make the process easier, and that includes knowing what materials to use. In an ideal world, all our homes would be overflowing with mahogany accents, stainless steel appliances, and authentic hardwood floors. Unfortunately, this isn’t realistic for all of us or probably even most us. If you’re looking for sturdy supplies that won’t break the bank, read on. We’re offering suggestions on the most inexpensive but resilient materials to use when remodeling.
Vive Le Vintage
Not only are vintage fixtures and other items a hot trend right now, but they’ll also cost you less than buying something that’s brand new. If you’ve got the time, monitor online sites, hit up flea markets, and frequent architectural salvage shops. You never know when you’ll find a vintage farmhouse sink or a claw-foot bathtub that will allow you to be frugal while making your house look fabulous.
Choose Less Expensive Options to Cover Walls Than Tile
If you’ve ever watched a home improvement show, you’re likely familiar with beadboard. A row of narrow wood planks that line up vertically, beadboards have indentations or “beads” in between each one. You might get it confused with wainscot, however, which is similar but the wainscot is generally put together in boxes below the chair rail. Beadboard is often used for the entire wall, and is a bit less formal than wainscot. When it comes down to it, both are lovely and less expensive options than adding tile backsplashes and more. Another alternative to tile is—all you HGTV junkies say it with us now—“shiplap”. Home improvement shows love their shiplap. And once you see its ability to elevate the look of an otherwise plain bathroom, you’ll know why. It’s not just Chip and Joanna Gaines who have been shocked by shiplap time and time again. The folks at webuyhousesdenver.co use shiplap as their go-to any time they’re remodeling a laundry room or bathroom. It’s an expensive way to give a room a sleek and polished look.
Of course, nothing renews the look of a room for less money like a fresh coat of paint. Sometimes it’s all you need for a minor home renovation, as it’ll make things look brighter and cleaner. Bonus—you can get the whole family in on this project. Just make sure that, if you are doing this to sell your home, you’ll want to choose neutral colors that allow prospects to envision themselves there.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
What some people might not realize is that entire repositories for used items exist in the form of not-for-profit house-part recycling centers. And while this is mostly about reusing items, some of these places sell new bathroom sinks and kitchen cabinets. As ThisOldHouse.com notes, “Here’s how it works: Builders and designers donate job-site surplus in exchange for a tax deduction. Some showrooms even donate display models. The centers then sell to the general public at a cut rate.” Talk about a win/win. Inventory tends to pile up when people aren’t renovating (November and December). Turnover is higher from May to October, which makes this the optimal time to hit one of these up to find materials you need.
Faux Hardwood Flooring
Gone are the days when one could point out faux hardwood flooring right away. Not only are many the “fake” options these days stunningly gorgeous, but they are also often easier to maintain. Repairs to hardwood flooring can be extremely expensive. When the faux options are nearly as gorgeous as the real thing, it’s sort of a no-brainer. Laminate flooring is what many people choose, as it’s water resistant, clean-looking, and durable. With plenty of stylish faux options like laminate and bamboo, it’s hard to envision spending the money on the real thing.
You don’t have to choose top-of-the-line materials to have a home remodel turn out amazing. Consider these tips when renovating your home on a budget and your house could be fodder for an HGTV show.