How To House Hack With No Money

Home Renovations With No Money

With Do-It-Yourself (DIY) tutorials on home improvement and home and condo design tips abounding on the internet, you will eventually realize that renovating can be a fun and emotionally therapeutic experience. It can also save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in the long run.

Your home is your comfort zone, where you can relax and feel free to do what you enjoy. But, if it does not give you that homey feeling or you get stressed out every time you see how it looks, maybe it is time to give your home a makeover.

In some instances, even if you feel that your home needs some renovating, hesitations can come from constraints such as budget and time—add to these concerns the rising cost of materials and skilled labor.

While these are valid concerns, they should not prevent you from exploring and challenging your creativity to develop ways to spruce up your home. You may want to invest in quality essential construction tools used in remodeling.

This expense may cost you initially, but it will be a wise investment because you can save on labor costs for things you can do on your own. With do-it-yourself (DIY) tutorials on home improvement and houses and abounding on the internet, you will eventually realize that renovating can be a fun and emotionally therapeutic experience.

Indeed, home renovation is an exciting project, but it can get very pricey depending on your budget. To be cost-efficient with home renovation, we recommend four simple tricks to help you save cash in your remodeling projects.

These home renovation hacks will not just save you some money but also work effectively in upgrading your home. We're sure you'll find this guide as helpful as we found creating it, so read it carefully and make the most of your home.

Prioritize projects

Make a list of the renovations you want to complete and rank them in order of importance. This will help you focus on the most important projects first and allocate your budget accordingly.

Do it yourself

Tackle projects that you are capable of completing on your own. This can save you money on labor costs.

Shop around

Get multiple quotes from contractors and suppliers to ensure you are getting the best deal. Don't be afraid to negotiate or ask for discounts.

Consider used materials

Purchasing used or salvaged materials can be a cost-effective way to add character to your home.

Get creative

There are many ways to add value to your home without breaking the bank. Repainting, refacing cabinets, and updating fixtures are all relatively inexpensive projects that can have a big impact.

Add Panels to Plain Walls

Bare concrete walls, especially if painted with a single color, can be monotonous to the eyes and can look dull. Add a coat of paint to your renovation project to bring in a style of your own choice.

To break this up, try adding wood panels in a particular area, such as in the middle wall of the living room or bedroom. You could use this wall as a focal point by hanging a piece of artwork or installing your flatscreen TV. Aside from being a feature wall, the paneling can also hide imperfections such as unsightly cracks and chipped paint.

A less costly way to achieve a paneled wall is to use wood planks. While some planks and panels are prefinished and ready to install, these are more costly and may not precisely fit the size of the wall in your home.

Instead, you can use underlayment plywood, which you can cut according to the size you need.

• Underlayment Plywood
• Construction tools (nail gun, saw, nails)
• Grit sandpaper
• Construction adhesive
• Particle board spacers
• Finishing paint or varnish

Plan the design of your feature wall. The shiplap design, which uses interlocking boards, is the most straightforward, especially for a DIY project. Cut the plywood according to the size of the board you want and the measurement of the wall. Apply an adhesive at the back of the wood panel to easily fit the boards to the wall before putting in the nails. Use the spacer to ensure that gaps between boards are equal.

Once you have nailed the wood planks, apply a filler to nail holes so they will not show when painted over. Choose a varnish stain for a natural wood effect, or paint it with a color that will make your feature wall stand out. Finally, decorate your wall panel with an item that can be a focal point of interest in your living room.

Repaint Your Ceiling with Lively Colors

Repainting is one of the easiest ways to give your home a new look. But, a total paint overhaul for an entire house can be costly and tedious. Choose a particular spot that could create a dimension and enhance the space—the ceiling.

Most home ceilings are painted white or the same color as the walls. If you want your home to stand out, try using new interior design ideas, such as painting your ceiling with a different hue than your walls.

Interior designers offer some exciting ideas on the use of the color scheme for your home ceiling:

• A dark gray paint set against lighter shades of walls creates the illusion of having a high ceiling—perfect for small rooms.
• Lemon-yellow ceilings and white walls give an ambiance of cheerfulness and warmth and can be used in areas like the kitchen or patio.
• If your existing walls are painted with a dark shade, using plain white color for your ceiling gives the illusion of a bigger room space.
• If you have a coffered ceiling, try combining pale blue and white, which evokes the effect of warm blue skies. White and soft gray is another contemporary combination used for coffered ceilings.

Make Over Those Countertops

Because countertops are used often, they are prone to wear and tear. There are a lot of products in home depots that you can use to make your countertops sparklingly clean and fresh again. You can use laminates available in several designs like faux marble or faux wood.

But, for a lesser cost, contact paper can also deliver the same results. If you intend to use contact paper, use it only for areas like the bathroom sink and kitchen counters where you do not put hot things or do some cutting.

• Contact paper (measure your countertop ahead of buying to avoid waste)
• Cutter
• Squeegee or something with a smooth edge that you can use to press down the paper)
• Polyurethane gloss finish (water-based)
• Roller foam or brush

Ensure that the counter surface is all clean to ensure that the contact paper will cling well. Lay the piece to the countertop's shape, pressing as you go to avoid bubbles. A credit card can be an excellent substitute for a squeegee. Use a cutter to fit the paper on curved edges, such as sinks. Be patient in working with the paper—you must lay it down and press carefully and slowly for a perfect fit.

The final task involved is to apply your gloss finish with a brush to make your cover last longer. Make sure you use the water-based type to avoid damaging the contact paper. The gloss finish will protect the surface and seal the edges so water cannot easily penetrate.

The good thing about this project is it takes only a few hours to finish but gives your counter a classy look once completed. Just look for good patterns that will complement your home.

Apply a Classic Look to Shower Fixtures and Faucets

Watermarks, rust, and mold on faucets and showers are unsightly and are telltale signs of usage. They may even be perceived as unsanitary by guests visiting your home.

But you do not need to change the entire plumbing fixtures to achieve that clean and fresh look. Spray paint can do the trick, and while you are at it, you can include other items such as your shower curtain rod for a consistent look.

• Coarse sandpaper
• Spray primer for automobile
• Bronze spray paint (universal oil rubbed)
• Lacquer spray (glossy)
• Painter's tape
• Plastic cover

Start by thoroughly cleaning faucets and fixtures with sandpaper. Make sure that you cover and tape surrounding areas like tiles and sink. Apply the spray primer, giving your tap at least two coats.

Once the primer is dry, follow this up with three coatings of the bronze spray paint. Allow each layer to dry first before applying the next one. The final coat is your glossy lacquer spray.

You can do the same procedure for bathroom shower curtain rods and metal or aluminum shelves. Once the paint has dried, you can take off all the tape and plastic cover and clean any spatter of color around the faucet. Take extra care by not using abrasive cleaning materials for the paint to last longer.

Take a Good Look At Your Flooring

Flooring is a huge investment. Whether you're building a brand new house or renovating an existing space, there are many decisions to be made regarding flooring. This includes whether you should install wood floors, laminate floors, tile floors, carpet, or some combination thereof.

Wood Floors

Wood floors are beautiful, durable, and come in a variety of styles. They're also very expensive. However, they last forever (as long as you maintain them), require little maintenance, and are available in a wide range of styles and finishes.

Laminate Floors

Laminate floors are inexpensive, easy to clean, and stain resistant. They're also not as durable as real wood floors. But they're still a great option for those who prefer a non-traditional flooring style.

Tile Floors

Tile floors are affordable, easy to clean, durable, and versatile. They're also available in a wide array of styles and colors.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is cheap, easy to clean, flexible, and comes in a wide variety of styles. It's also highly resilient to scratches and stains.

Adhesive Flooring

Adhesive flooring is inexpensive, easy to install, and comes in a variety of styles and patterns. It's also extremely resilient to scratches and stains, making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is beautiful, durable, and comes in a large selection of styles and finishes. It's also very expensive. But it lasts forever, requires little maintenance, and is available in a wide range styles and finishes.

Other Things To Take Into Consideration

There are many factors to consider when replacing the flooring in your home. Some of the other things you might want to think about include:

Cost

Is this a budget project? Will you need to replace the entire floor? Or just add a new surface?

With cost, there are a few things to consider when replacing the flooring in your home. First, you'll want to consider the cost of the material itself. Some flooring materials are more expensive than others. For example, natural stone or hardwood is typically more expensive than ceramic tile or vinyl.

You'll also want to think about the cost of installation. Some flooring materials are easier to install than others, which can affect the labor costs. For example, tile and hardwood tend to be more labor-intensive to install, while carpet and vinyl are generally easier and quicker to install.

Finally, you'll want to consider the long-term cost of the flooring. While a more expensive material might have a higher upfront cost, it could also be more durable and last longer, which could save you money in the long run.

Durability

Are you installing a permanent floor? Or is it temporary? How long do you want the new flooring to last? Some materials, such as ceramic tile or luxury vinyl plank, are very durable and can last for decades with proper care.

With durability, you'll want to consider the overall strength and resilience of the flooring material. Some materials, such as ceramic tile and luxury vinyl plank, are very durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear, making them a good choice for high-traffic areas.

Other materials, such as hardwood and carpet, can be more prone to damage from moisture, spills, and heavy foot traffic. It's important to consider the level of durability you need for the specific room in which the flooring will be installed.

You should also consider the long-term durability of the flooring. Some materials, such as ceramic tile and luxury vinyl plank, can last for decades with proper care and maintenance, while others, such as carpet, may need to be replaced more frequently.

Overall, choosing a durable flooring material can help you save money in the long run by reducing the need for repairs or replacements.

Maintenance

Do you plan to keep the flooring yourself? Or would you rather hire professionals to handle the job? How much maintenance are you willing to do to keep your new flooring looking its best? Some materials, such as hardwood, require more maintenance than others, such as vinyl or tile.

For home maintenance, you'll want to consider how easy or difficult it is to keep the flooring looking its best. Some flooring materials, such as vinyl or ceramic tile, are very low maintenance and only require a regular sweeping and mopping to keep them clean.

Other materials, such as hardwood or carpet, may require more frequent cleaning and maintenance. Hardwood, for example, may need to be refinished every few years to keep it looking its best, while carpet may need to be professionally cleaned every year or so.

You should also consider whether the flooring is prone to staining or fading over time. Materials like ceramic tile and luxury vinyl plank are less likely to stain or fade than others, such as carpet or hardwood.

Overall, it's important to choose a flooring material that fits your lifestyle and maintenance preferences. If you don't want to spend a lot of time cleaning and maintaining your flooring, you might want to choose a low-maintenance option like vinyl or tile.

Style

Does the room feature traditional or contemporary design elements?

With any type of style, you'll want to choose a flooring material that fits the overall aesthetic you are trying to achieve in your home. Some materials, such as hardwood or natural stone, have a more timeless, classic look, while others, such as vinyl or carpet, come in a wide range of colors and patterns that can add a more modern or playful touch to a space.

You should also consider the color and finish of the flooring. Different shades and finishes can create very different looks and feels in a room. For example, a dark, matte finish on a hardwood floor can create a warm, cozy atmosphere, while a light, glossy finish can make a space feel brighter and more open.

It's important to choose a flooring material that you love and that will complement the other design elements in your home.

Functionality

Will the new flooring be suitable for the room in which it will be installed? For example, you might want a softer, more cushioned floor for a bedroom, but a harder, more durable floor for a kitchen or entryway. Some things to consider include:

People or Traffic

If the flooring will be installed in a high-traffic area, such as an entryway or kitchen, you'll want to choose a material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Harder materials, such as ceramic tile or luxury vinyl plank, are generally more durable and able to withstand heavy foot traffic.

Room Moisture

If the flooring will be installed in a room with a lot of moisture, such as a bathroom or laundry room, you'll want to choose a material that is resistant to water damage. Materials like ceramic tile and luxury vinyl plank are good options for moist environments.

Home Comfort

If the flooring will be installed in a room where you'll be spending a lot of time, such as a bedroom or living room, you might want to choose a material that is softer and more comfortable to walk on. Materials like carpet and cork can be softer and more comfortable underfoot than hard materials like tile or wood.

Children Safety

If the flooring will be installed in a room with young children or elderly residents, you might want to choose a material that is slip-resistant to prevent accidents. Materials like ceramic tile and vinyl are good options because they have a rougher surface that is less likely to be slippery.

Environmental impact

Are you looking for a flooring material that has a lower environmental impact? There are many sustainable flooring options available, such as bamboo, cork, and recycled rubber.

With environmental impact of flooring, there are a few things to consider. Some flooring materials are more sustainable and have a lower environmental impact than others.

For example, materials like bamboo and cork are renewable resources that can be harvested without damaging the environment. Bamboo, in particular, grows very quickly and can be replenished in just a few years, making it a highly sustainable flooring option.

Recycled materials, such as recycled rubber or recycled glass tile, can also be a good choice for environmentally-conscious consumers. These materials are made from post-consumer waste and help to reduce the amount of waste in landfills.

You should also consider the production process of the flooring material. Some materials, such as ceramic tile and vinyl, have a high environmental impact due to the energy-intensive production process and the use of harmful chemicals.

Overall, if you are concerned about the environmental impact of your flooring, it's a good idea to research the materials you are considering and choose one that has a lower environmental impact.

I am currently in the middle of rebuilding my flat. I bought it in August and due to the state it was left in decided in needed a total refit. I received 3 flooring quotes in the UK all for over £1700 for 34 sq metres of flooring to be fitted. This price was astronomical when you consider what work is actually needed to be done. They would all complete the job in a day.

The professional costs of two of the flooring companies quoted £350-£400 a room just for the fitting. So almost a half of the cost was for fitting alone, and the remainder for material costs.

Finishing Touches That Matter

It is always fulfilling to overhaul your home, especially as you make a “before” and “after” comparison. And, there are many possibilities for improving your home, even on a budget. A little bit of creativity, determination, and elbow grease can go a long way.

For instance, small finishing touches can create astounding effects and make every home cozy. You can change the lighting to create the mood you want for your home. Adding the right plants on corners or near windows not only improves indoor air quality but also makes homes look refreshing. You can use easy-to-assemble storage spaces in your kitchen to avoid unsightly stacked piles of cooking utensils and condiments.

After going over your options and determining what cheap home renovation ideas you would like to do, it's time to head out to Home Depot or your local hardware store. While prices of construction materials usually go up over time, they don't have to be exceptionally expensive. Plus, you can often find discounts if you shop at the right time of the year.

Ultimately, your renovation efforts should keep your home tidy. Rid your home of unnecessary clutter and things you do not use anymore. Simple renovation hacks can make your home look more spacious and cozier and go a long way in improving your home.