If your home is looking tired and a bit drab, you may feel it’s time for an update. However, not everyone has the money to produce their own Grand Design. If you’re strapped for cash but still want to do up your home, follow these steps to get a high-quality look on a low budget.

Be a Strict Project Manager

Most homeowners who decide to take on a renovation find that managing the project themselves is a really cost-effective early step. It gives you free rein to pick and choose your suppliers and the materials used, while also holding tight to those purse strings wherever possible.

Any enthusiastic first-timers planning on a big build should beware, as project management is super time-intensive and can be very stressful when every decision falls to you. If you naturally love to be in control, this will suit your personality to a tee, but if you panic when it comes to decision-making, the benefit of having someone else take hold of the reins might outweigh the savings you’ll make here.

Do the Work Yourself

One huge money-saving benefit of being your own project manager neatly ties into this next tip: doing most of the work yourself. Again, the amount you can save here depends on your level of expertise, competency and confidence.

Of course, certain jobs are always best left to the professionals, such as electrical work or structural work such as taking out an internal wall. But if you like getting your hands dirty and aren’t afraid of a bit of hard work, you can save big on labour – just be careful you don’t overestimate your abilities and end up paying twice over to correct your mistakes!

Upcycle What You Have

A brilliant way of saving money is to refresh what you already have. Upcycling by sanding, painting and repurposing is a guaranteed way of stretching your budget further, and you’ll also be making a more eco-friendly impact.

A quick search online will find you unlimited inspiration for turning old, unloved furniture into one-of-a-kind pieces you’ll treasure for years to come. Ripping up carpets and sanding back original floorboards will give a stylish, Scandi feel to your home and will save you huge amounts in new flooring.

Before you price up a whole new kitchen, think about whether cupboard doors can be painted or sprayed and the countertops replaced for an effective update that will look brand new for a fraction of the cost.

Also, never underestimate the difference it can make to a room just trying out a new furniture layout. Most people leave their furniture in the same layout they’ve had since they moved in. Reassessing how the room is used and moving the furniture to accommodate can improve the flow and feel of a room and make it feel like a whole new space. And you won’t have spent a penny!

There are countless ways in which you can repurpose, reuse and recycle materials in your home. Upcycling is a brilliant way of saving money while getting creative and it can also be a lot of fun!

Buy Second-Hand

The trend for buying second-hand is on the up and up right now and shows no sign of slowing. From cars to fashion, being thrifty is cool. And now, savvy shoppers are using this trend to get more bang for their buck in the renovation game.

Buying second-hand kitchens and bathroom suites can literally save you thousands – you’ll find dedicated used kitchen suppliers online, and you will save upwards of 70% off a brand new design. You can even find some that come complete with the built-in appliance and countertops!

Refresh Soft Furnishings

If you’re not wanting to make structural changes to your home but still want to give your rooms a facelift, recovering or changing your soft furnishings is a quick and easy way of creating a whole new feel without it costing the earth. Replacing cushions with those of a new accent colour and buying new curtains to match will update a room in an afternoon.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, turning your hand to some reupholstery can give tired looking furniture a new lease of life and will save you huge amounts compared to buying new pieces. Not only will you save a packet, you’ll end up with unique, bespoke furniture tailored exactly to your tastes. A stylish and thrifty result!

When renovating your home, creating a fresh new look that will wow your friends doesn’t have to cost the earth. Start small, budget wisely, then roll up your sleeves to achieve amazing results at a surprisingly small cost.