New flooring can uplift the look and utility of your home. However, with a tight budget, new flooring may seem a far-fetched investment. But you can install new flooring without going bankrupt, provided you plan, choose wisely between cheaper options, and shop smartly. Here are a few pointers.
1. Shop Smart for Flooring Materials
Changes in some flooring materials due to clearance sales on existing flooring can make a difference to your flooring budget. Usually, these sales happen in home improvement stores at an enticing discount on outdated floor styles. Buying in bulk is one of the most successful ways to lower the price per square foot and less costly for large areas.
Checking out online platforms such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay often brings some sweet deals, with home and commercial lots floating in surplus unfinished materials. Reuse and recycle centers like often offload nice, cheap flooring materials. Also, a talking colleague may add to the discount if you buy in bulk.
2. Consider DIY Installation
Costs for installing materials can be some of the biggest ones within the flooring installation category. While doing your floor would usually help you save money, there is a lot of it. Some of these manufacturers have online tutorials and video guides to assist people who would like to DIY.
Other easy-to-install types of flooring, like Click and Lock laminate or stick vinyl, are the easiest to install for the novice. Whenever you find tools that you have to buy, it would be cheaper to rent from home improvement stores for an installation.
3. Prioritize High-Traffic Areas
If a full flooring overhaul is beyond your reach financially, it might be wise to focus your effort and dollars on the heaviest traffic areas. Commence from the floor up, say, living room, kitchen, and hallways, these areas bear the maximum strain.
All other rarely used areas, such as guest rooms and storage spaces, can be taken up later when funds permit. That way, substantial change becomes visible without people overshooting their budgets in one go.
4. Mix and Match Flooring Styles
Choosing to have uniform flooring throughout a house could be expensive. Therefore, mixing and matching depending on the room function gives a bit more leeway for this cost reduction. For example, laminate flooring in common areas, vinyl in water-prone areas, such as the kitchen and bathrooms, and carpet in bedrooms give a happy medium at an economical cost. Choosing what flooring type to install in various parts of the house becomes reasonable and equitably priced.
5. Seek Out Financing or Assistance Programs
If you cannot pay for new flooring right now, there are financial programs to assist you. Some banks and credit unions offer home-improvement loans with low interest rates, enabling homeowners to pay off their projects over an extended time.
Many home-improvement stores have in-house financing options, including interest-free payment plans over a specified period. Certain government grants and assistance programs also fund home upgrades to low-income households and, consequently, make flooring upgrades easier.
6. Use Leftover or Reclaimed Materials
Reclaimed materials present a great opportunity to use quality flooring at more affordable prices. Construction sites and warehouses often sell surplus flooring materials at discounted rates. Many demolition sales from older homes can yield some reusable, great-looking flooring options being the reclaimed hardwood.
One might even find free or low-cost flooring by checking community giveaway platforms for others who want to get rid of leftover supplies. Many possibilities allow you to save money while still giving quality flooring finishes.
7. Find a Company Offering Flexible Payment Terms
If an upfront payment for flooring is not feasible, getting a company that offers flexible payment terms can make things bearable. Some will have installment payment plans for flooring over a few weeks or months.
For instance, pay weekly flooring is of tremendous benefit for people with a very tight budget as it reduces the pressure of an expensive one-time payment. You must take time to look around for other retailers that have such giving conditions on payment arrangements as they may allow you to purchase new flooring without breaking your back.
Conclusion
Fashionable flooring can be achieved on a slim budget by careful planning and resourceful decision-making. Set a realistic budget, invest in less expensive materials, and shop wisely. If possible, install flooring yourself or refinish existing flooring; flooring will only worsen care and wear over time.
Don’t forget that high-traffic areas might need different flooring types; mix and match. Finally, perhaps financing options and reclaimed materials will help keep it all affordable when creating beautiful spaces. With careful preparation and a sense of fun, you can put in your new flooring without going overboard.
