Renovating a property is never an easy task and can be stressful at the best of times. However, it can be even more difficult if you’ve got a budget that you must stick to. With that in mind, we’ve produced a little guide packed with hints and tips on how to renovate a property on a budget.

Find a perfect property

You may already have a property you own and want to renovate, or you could be on the lookout for an existing property to purchase. If you’re after a new property, an auction site is a great place to look and find a bargain. Make sure you give yourself enough time to look around the property and make multiple visits if possible. The last thing you want to do is not fully realise what you’re getting into and bite off more than you can chew. If it is structurally sound, you’re on to a winner. Having a budget in mind will help, give or take 10% and don’t go over it, especially if the short-term plan is to sell for a profit.

Keep any original features

Make sure you keep any original features; this is especially true in a period property as this will help when selling the property on further down the line. Always think resale value when deciding what to do with original features even if they show some signs of wear and tear. Original windows, doors and floors (wood or tile) can be renovated beautifully with a little TLC. Tiles can be cleaned and/or replaced if needed and floorboards can be sanded and made to look like new. If cost is a concern, then you could resort to a sympathetic replacement but avoid plastic doors and windows in an older property if possible.

Have a new boiler fitted

Fitting a new boiler or new central heating system to an older property will go a long way to modernising it. New combi boilers work very efficiently and whilst there’s an initial investment, you get most of your money back through energy savings and added value to the end price if you decided to sell. It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare prices. Remember, a bigger house will mean higher installation costs because there will be more radiators and pipework needed. Make sure your quotes are fixed, detailing what’s covered so you can compare like for like. A combi boiler for a 3 bedroom house starts at around £1,500. To save some money you could hang radiators and lift floorboards yourself but only attempt to do this if you think you possess the requisite skills.

Convert the loft space

One way of adding extra floor space to your property without huge building costs is to convert a loft. Loft conversions typically cost anything between £15,000 to £40,000 but can add considerable resale value to your property if done in the proper way, as well as adding much-needed space. The advantage of going this route is that planning permission is not usually required to converting a loft which means you can save a lot of time and hassle.

Repair or replace windows

If you’re renovating a period property, try to keep the original windows as this will keep the authentic look of an older property and will help retain the resale value. Windows can sometimes be treated, and you can sometimes replace latches and locks or even parts of the windowpane. However, if you have no option but to replace your windows then think about the material and style of the window. Modern homes usually have uPVC windows as they are relatively cheap and durable, and they also help with heat insulation. Older properties have wooden windows which look stunning, but the drawback is they aren’t very good at keeping the cold out. Once you’ve decided on the material and style of the windows try to find someone local who specialises in replacing windows as they need to be fitted properly by someone who is qualified and skilled.

Modernise the kitchen

Modernising a kitchen is quite an easy task. If the kitchen units are in good condition, then you can simply paint the door and replace the handles if they need replacing. If you can’t paint the doors, then see if they can be replaced; it saves the time and cost involved in stripping out the old kitchen and fitting a new one in. New light fittings are cheap and can enhance the look of the kitchen greatly, especially if you fit spotlights to add extra lighting in certain areas.

Don’t forget the roof

Roof repairs are notoriously costly and can blow your budget if you’re not careful. It’s always more cost-effective to have any damaged areas repaired as opposed to replaced. Roof repairs are not considered a DIY job if you do not have any expert training. As well as the safety side of the repair job, you don’t want water getting into your property which could end in disaster. This is one area where you need a very good specialist and a recommendation would be a good place to start, so ask around in your local area.

Do the garden last

An important aspect of getting a property ready for sale is to ensure it has good kerb appeal. The easy stuff can be done quite quickly. Get rid of dead plants and weeds, cut the grass and get rid of all the rubbish and it will look tidier instantly. If you want to completely re-do the garden, you can leave it till the end and then you’ll be in a better position to see if your budget allows you to spend the money. Simple garden work can be done by yourself to keep costs down or you can enlist the help of a family member. More complicated tasks should be left to professional gardeners or green waste removalists like 1300 Rubbish to ensure your garden is looking ideal for sale.

So, that’s 8 tips on how to renovate a property on a budget. Do you have any tips to share?

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