There are many ways in which homeownership is better than renting, including the fact that you can make permanent design changes. However, the reality is that simply maintaining your home can be a costly endeavor. Experts recommend spending 1% of the value of your home on maintenance every single year. In this context, how many people can actually afford a home makeover?
The good news is that many homeowners have shown that you can get a lot done with some home renovation ideas on a budget. You don’t even need to be a DIY expert or design genius in order to make the most out of your spare change. All you need is a good eye, an even better second opinion, and a willingness to be a little bit thrifty in your day-to-day life.
If you’re not sure you can find the cash to spare, here are some smart budgeting tips for giving your home an affordable makeover.
Install timers on electricity drains
A lot of your home budget goes on utilities every month. Now, there is no way to get by without utility use. But that does not mean you’re not spending too much. There are a number of things which drain your electricity but don’t need to be on all of the time. Installing timers can ensure they only use electricity when absolutely necessary.
Geysers are one of the most common examples of energy drains. They use a lot of electricity to keep your water heated every day. There are some who claim that putting a timer on your geyser does not actually improve electricity usage. However, expert advice suggests otherwise. There are also many individuals who have experienced a significant difference to their utility bill. Anecdotal while this may be, there is no harm in installing a cheap timer.
Pools are an even bigger drain on electricity. In this instance there is no doubt that adding a timer will lower your electricity bill substantially. Your pool does not need to be on more than a few hours a day in summer. In winter, it can be off entirely, as long as you have a cover on.
It is also worthwhile to service your AC every so often. This can reduce its energy usage significantly.
If you do want to avoid paying for timers, you can do the job manually without too much trouble. However, it can be an inconvenience, especially if you lead a busy life.
Spend wisely on groceries
Almost every homeowner has one thing in common: an inability to spend the right amount on groceries. The simple reality is that no one knows the amount of vegetables they need for the week, unless they have spent a fair amount of time meal planning. While an easy answer would be to start meal planning, this is easier said than done. I know I’m not the only one who has resolved to do it and given up after only a week.
There are, however, ways to avoid this issue entirely without resorting to expensive meal kits. One of the simplest methods is to only buy the perishables you need for the meal you are making. This will require you to run to the store more often, but unless you need to go far out of your way it is worth it.
If you want to minimize your time at the grocery store, try changing where you keep your perishables. Instead of storing them out of sight at the bottom of your fridge, pack them at eye level so that you remember to use them before they go off. Use the veg section to keep your sauces which can stay there for time immemorial (or just about).
Cancel your cable
Finally, if you are still paying for cable TV, you are using precious funds that would otherwise be spent on home improvement. Cable TV was once all you needed for entertainment purposes. Nowadays, you get far more with a subscription to even a single streaming service. Chances are that if you’ve still got cable, you’re paying for streaming as well anyway.
Cord-cutting is no longer a revolutionary choice. It is the standard, and networks that are forcing you to pay premium prices to watch a handful of shows just aren’t worth it. However, if you still prefer Cable Tv because of your contract it’s better to remove some of the channels you aren’t using and create a bundle that is well suited to your needs. to learn more visit Infinity Dish guide.
With the above tips, you can save money to spend on economical renovation ideas. Get started and you’ll soon have a nice home improvement fund.
