Renovating your home on a budget

Home improvements can be costly, but there are ways to spruce up your home without breaking the bank.

Doing the work yourself could end up saving a fortune and the best news of all is that you don't have to be an experienced handyman or DIY expert to get the job done. We put together a couple of tips on how to renovate your home on a shoestring budget.

In the bathroom

One of the easiest ways to improve the look of a bathroom is by replacing old taps and shower heads, fitting a new toilet seat and, if the budget will stretch that far, installing a new sink. If you love your old steel bath, but don't like the stains that have built up over the years, think about re-enamelling. Existing wooden cabinets can be repainted or varnished to give them a totally new look.

In the kitchen

You don't have to spend thousands doing up your kitchen. Those working with a shoestring budget could consider replacing the taps and the handles on the cupboards. A coat of paint on older wooden units also does wonders for the overall appearance. New light fittings also have a way of lifting a tired-looking kitchen.

In the bedrooms

Again, new light fittings can do wonders for the overall look of these rooms. Items such as bedside lamps can either be replaced entirely or get a makeover with a new shade. Cushions and rugs also have a way of improving the look of a room, mainly because they add colour and vibrancy to the space. New bedding can completely change the look of the bedroom. Again, if money is an issue, these items can be bought over a period of time and stored until the start of the makeover. Storage space is often an issue and this can lead to items being left lying around making the place look untidy. It's a good idea to have a major clean out before you start the revamp. Clear the cupboards of old, unworn clothing and shoes and clean the space thoroughly. Either give the ceiling fans a good clean (it's surprising how much dust accumulates on them) or consider replacing them entirely.

Examine the floors

If you can't afford to replace old worn carpets, consider buying mats to hide the worst-affected areas. Tiles are generally expensive to replace and it may be an idea to simply give them a good scrub in order to remove any built-up grime.

Repaint the walls

It can be expensive to repaint an entire home at once so splitting the job up and concentrating on one room at a time won't only preserve your sanity, it will be far easier on the pocket. Remember to try and stick to neutral tones. This not only makes things easier when it comes to accessorising, it gives the home a uniform look and this, according to various experts helps to sell a property. Buying cheap paint is false economy because, as a rule, it doesn't wear well. Rather invest in some good washable paint (particularly if you have young children). It will keep its good looks for longer, saving you money in the long run.