Frugality has never been more valuable, and there are plenty of smart tactics for stretching every dollar. Planning a home remodel? Careful spending, strategic shopping, and well-timed deals can shave thousands off the final bill. Even with only basic DIY skills, you can trim costs further by tackling simpler tasks yourself and avoiding expensive labor. So grab a hard hat and safety goggles—we’ve rounded up 15 practical, money-saving tips to help you refresh your space without blowing the budget.
Take Stock
Before you rush out to buy new things, take stock of what you’ve already got. For instance, you might have old mirrors in the garage that, with a bit of paint, can be transformed into a great way to accessorize your kitchen or living room. An old dresser that you no longer use can be turned into cabinets. Consider whether you truly need to throw things away; it can save you hundreds of dollars.
Thrift
Thrifting gets mentioned a lot when you want to save money, and there’s a good reason for it. It saves you a lot of money when you’re looking for what you need. For remodeling, you can find vintage doorknobs at thrift stores or antique shops, as well as furniture, curtains, and a host of other items that can transform your room from drab to fab.
DIY
Every home should have a toolbox, but if you don’t have one, get one and see if you can complete any of the projects you’re considering on your own. You’ll need safety gear like goggles too (trust us, you’re going to need the goggles because they’re cheaper than a trip to the emergency room or the risk of losing your sight), but you’ll end up saving quite a bit this way, and you’ll feel accomplished.
Cabinets
Cabinets don’t have to be expensive, and, as mentioned above, you can transform old furniture into some great-looking cabinets. If you opt for open shelving, you’ll save money in the process. Additionally, if you’re renovating your kitchen, choosing to forgo upper cabinets will also save you money. One trick is to visit your local shops and see if they have practice runs or samples that they’ll let you have. They’re cheaper, and most of the time, you can’t tell where they have tiny imperfections (if you can, most of the time, they’re easily fixable if you have the skill).
Amazon
If you watch Amazon Warehouse carefully, you can buy kitchen and bathroom fixtures for far less than they would cost elsewhere. You’ll still be able to get high-end items; you just won’t have to pay high-end prices. Some people have saved up to $400 on a faucet, and others have saved $200 on various items.
Price Match
Companies don’t want to lose your business, and in many cases, they will price match to keep you. Lighting, as an example, is a good way to save. If you find fixtures that cost more, consider negotiating with a shop for a lower price. Most have no problem doing this, and there are local shops that offer that service as well.
Timing
Timing is everything, and when you’re a frugality queen, it pays off. No one wants to pay full price for everything when you can get it for hundreds of dollars less. When it comes to appliances, if you don’t want to buy one used, wait for them to go on sale. If that’s not possible, try to wait until the store you choose offers additional discounts. You’ll save up to 20% or more.
Custom
Sometimes you want the best, and that’s fine. Other times, you may not want to go custom because the price is outrageous. For instance, window quotes can be astronomical, but when you look around, someone may be able to offer you a price that’s half of what you’d normally pay, and the look may still be custom even if it’s not tailor-made.
Shop Around
If you want to save money, don’t settle for the first store you visit. Costs vary tremendously from one business to another, and you’ll always be able to find someone willing to negotiate. That doesn’t mean you should be unfair and demand a low price; it just means you should keep looking until you find a price that suits your needs.
More Impact
It doesn’t take a $5,000 price tag to create an impact. All it takes is a little ingenuity. For instance, tiles can provide a great look at a relatively low price. In smaller spaces, you might be able to splurge a little, but in the kitchen, you might want to prioritize other areas. Because tiles are so versatile, they can give you the pop you need at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, local shops can use reclaimed materials, work with your budget, and create something exceptional.
Popular Stores
Be cautious about relying too heavily on big-box stores if you want a more unique, customized look. When you can’t find anything else, you might consider popular stores like Menards, Kirkland, Walmart, etc., but you’ll end up with items that look like everyone else’s. However, using these ‘cheaper’ big-box stores will still save you a lot of money, so be sure to look here first instead of the high-end options.
Discounts
Always ask for a discount wherever you go, and don’t feel ashamed about it. You’re saving money, and that’s what matters. Many vendors offer lower pricing and deals. Some also provide trade programs and additional discounts. Use this to your advantage and build connections while you remodel. You could potentially save hundreds, if not thousands, overall.
New Tactics
Sometimes, you have to try new tactics to make a remodel work. For instance, you might plan to use a custom-designed tile in your kitchen and then discover that you have gorgeous flooring underneath that tile, which you no longer want or need, as you can refinish your current floor. Changing tactics doesn’t have to be a bad thing; sometimes it can save you $2,000 or more.
Plumbing
Plumbing is one of those areas where you’re not always able to make changes. For example, you might consider relocating plumbing to the kitchen or another room, only to find out that it’s not feasible due to the cost. In this case, try to find a consultant who can help you tweak what you already have without making expensive changes that might not work out.
Floor Models
Floor models allow you to see items in a setting that makes them irresistible, much like a car showroom but for home decor. One tip you won’t often hear is that you can get a floor model of something you want for about half of what you’d normally pay. Check the internet for floor models at outlet retailers, and sometimes, even with shipping, you can save around $3,000.
Ready To Remodel?
With our list of tips, we hope you’re ready to remodel and find the bargains you need to make your home spectacular. Remember, to be a frugal queen, you need to ask for discounts wherever you go, shop around, do your research, and don’t overlook thrift stores or antique shops. And don’t forget your safety goggles!
