The costs of lumber and plywood are the highest they’ve been in years, largely due to a low supply of materials and a high demand for housing. While some experts are predicting that lumber prices will drop back down to normal levels by 2023, many homeowners are left wondering:
Should I hold off on remodeling my home?
Due to the sky-high prices of lumber, it’s true that many homeowners and commercial builders alike are pausing new construction projects. But when it comes to small-scale home remodeling, there are still affordable options!
W.E. Davies + Sons Remodeling, Inc. is here to dive into small-scale remodeling projects that won’t break the bank. If you’d like to schedule a consultation with a remodeling contractor, contact us today!
Cost-Effective Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
Contrary to popular belief, kitchen remodeling doesn’t have to leave homeowners broke. By keeping the layout largely the same, you can transform the look and feel of your kitchen and still have money left in your budget.
As a general rule of thumb for small-scale remodeling projects: The less you tear down and rebuild, the more money you’ll save.
That means you’ll want to avoid knocking down walls and adding a kitchen bubble-out if you’re on a tight budget. So, with that said, what are some cost-effective and easy kitchen remodeling ideas?
- Add new countertops, backsplash, & a fresh coat of paint.
- Paint an old wooden kitchen floor or subfloor.
- Stencil & paint a new design on your existing backsplash tiling.
Kitchen cabinets will make up a large portion of a kitchen remodel. Rather than replacing your kitchen cabinets altogether, consider refacing, painting, or staining them and upgrading the hardware for a polished, good-as-new finish. Repaint the surrounding walls, install new trim or molding, or add a tiled back splash that accentuates the new color of your cabinets.
If you want a completely new look but don’t want to install new ones, you can save money by replacing the doors or removing them and creating open shelving. Take a look at some of our past kitchen remodeling projects for ideas and inspiration!
Budget-Friendly Bathroom Remodeling Ideas
Like a kitchen remodel, keeping the layout of a bathroom mostly the same will help homeowners save more money in the long run. If you’re on a budget, focus more on refreshing and redecorating your bathroom instead of knocking down walls, expanding, and redesigning.
Start by repainting your bathroom. Chances are, your bathroom is one of the smallest rooms of your home and will require more cutting around the windows, sink, mirror, and plumbing fixtures. Lighter and paler colors with white accents can make your bathroom appear larger, which will help its resale value.
If you need storage space in your bathroom, consider open shelving. Not only are they inexpensive, but they’re easy to install!
What are some other small-scale remodeling projects for your bathroom? Rather than replacing the tiling in your bathroom, only replace it in high-impact areas, like the floor, the shower walls, or the back splash behind the sink. Revamping the tiling in one or two of these areas will be enough to add a noticeably fresh aesthetic to your bathroom.
Updating the lighting and plumbing fixtures, as well as the towel racks and drawer/cabinet hardware, can also add to the look and feel of your bathroom.
While you’re at it, freshen up the caulk and grout in your tub and sink. Doing so will add much-needed sparkle to your bathroom. Our handyman services here at W.E. Davies + Sons Remodeling, Inc. are the perfect option for a new grout and caulk job!
Affordable Remodeling Solutions
There’s no way around it: Home remodeling is an investment ‒ but luckily, there are inexpensive solutions to traditionally high-cost remodeling projects, especially now, given the high costs of building materials.
Replacing a front door is still an inexpensive upgrade, and you don’t have to necessarily go with wood, either. Consider installing a steel, fiberglass, or aluminum door for premium durability and a sleek and modern aesthetic. You could also add new mulch to your landscape and power wash the siding, deck, or front walkway to give the outside of your home a much-needed face lift.
Are you looking to redo your bedroom or living area? Here are some tips to help you save money and add space without having to knock down or rebuild any walls:
- Paint with light, pale, or off-white colors with a bold accent wall or trim.
- Add a mirror to the wall.
- Remove bulky cabinets or tabletops & replace them with open shelving.
You can also take this time to improve the energy efficiency of your home and save more money in the long run. Though window replacement can be expensive, sealing cracks and holes around your existing windows is not and can help you save more money on your energy bills by the time winter rolls around. If your budget allows it, you could also install storm windows and doors.
Take Advantage of Small-Scale Remodeling Projects
The astronomical costs of lumber and building materials may mean that new construction projects across the nation are going on the back burner. But when it comes to small-scale remodeling projects, you can give your home a well-deserved transformation without breaking the bank!
If you’re interested in kicking off a small-scale remodeling project and are located in the Madison, WI, area, contact W.E. Davies + Sons Remodeling, Inc. to schedule a consultation!
