Renovation Guides
Renovating
Where to Spend and Where to Save in Your Renovation or New Build
Discover where you can save money in your home renovation or build and what it's wise to invest in
With every renovation comes a long series of decisions that affect your budget and the outcome of your project. To help your hard-earned money stretch as far as possible, this guide covers where you can save money in your home redesign or renovation as well as where it’s wise to splurge. For more detailed information, click into the articles throughout this story, which take a deep dive room-by-room into elements you may want to invest in as well as how you can save.
Wondering where to invest in your kitchen renovation? In the story below, an architect cautions homeowners not to compromise on kitchen hardware (hello, soft-closing hinges) or quality workmanship. Benchtops cop quite a beating over their lifetime, so you’ll need to allocate a good proportion of your budget to specifying a hardy material.
Likewise, you’ll thank yourself for years to come if you invest in good appliances with long warranties, but they needn’t cost the earth – to find out how to source quality appliances at deep discounts – plus other insider tips – check out the article below.
Where to Spend vs Where to Save on Your Kitchen Renovation
Likewise, you’ll thank yourself for years to come if you invest in good appliances with long warranties, but they needn’t cost the earth – to find out how to source quality appliances at deep discounts – plus other insider tips – check out the article below.
Where to Spend vs Where to Save on Your Kitchen Renovation
Are kitchen cabinets worth it?
There’s wisdom in splashing out on well-built kitchen cabinets that literally last a lifetime, but there are also tricks of the trade to cut costs – not corners – when it comes to your cabinetry.
Combining sturdy timber carcasses with affordable cabinetry fronts is one tip (again, you can update your cupboard doors and drawer fronts in the future).
There’s wisdom in splashing out on well-built kitchen cabinets that literally last a lifetime, but there are also tricks of the trade to cut costs – not corners – when it comes to your cabinetry.
Combining sturdy timber carcasses with affordable cabinetry fronts is one tip (again, you can update your cupboard doors and drawer fronts in the future).
Another tip is to invest in expertly designed and high quality kitchen joinery, while simultaneously saving by utilising cabinetry in standard sizes instead of bespoke units.
Cupboards are less costly than drawers (but often more convenient, so carefully weigh up their value versus their price).
Using fewer large cabinets in your kitchen design rather than lots of small units will also reduce costs. These are just a few clever ways you can save – for more tricks and tips, please read the article below.
11 Ways to Spend Less on Kitchen Cabinets
Cupboards are less costly than drawers (but often more convenient, so carefully weigh up their value versus their price).
Using fewer large cabinets in your kitchen design rather than lots of small units will also reduce costs. These are just a few clever ways you can save – for more tricks and tips, please read the article below.
11 Ways to Spend Less on Kitchen Cabinets
What should I spend on and what should I save on in my bathroom?
As with kitchens, bathroom renovations are expensive. This is definitely one room you’ll want to leave to your architect, designer or, if you’re not renovating the rest of your home, a professional bathroom designer.
You’ll likely need to splash out on critical steps that are dull but vitally important (think waterproofing and all-important but invisible plumbing components). More exciting ‘splurge’ items include tapware (check out mid-range alternatives if your budget spreadsheet is looking scary).
So how can you save in a bathroom renovation? If your layout already works, try not to move the plumbing too much.
As with kitchens, bathroom renovations are expensive. This is definitely one room you’ll want to leave to your architect, designer or, if you’re not renovating the rest of your home, a professional bathroom designer.
You’ll likely need to splash out on critical steps that are dull but vitally important (think waterproofing and all-important but invisible plumbing components). More exciting ‘splurge’ items include tapware (check out mid-range alternatives if your budget spreadsheet is looking scary).
So how can you save in a bathroom renovation? If your layout already works, try not to move the plumbing too much.
Tiling can be expensive, so consider tiling part-way up a wall instead of up to the ceiling, and save with choosing ceramic or porcelain tiles instead of marble (you can find very convincing stone-look imitation tiles nowadays).
And if you have a crush on stunning feature tiles, try using them in a dominant spot, such as above your basin, but opt for more affordable tiles elsewhere in the rest of your bathroom or ensuite. These tips – and more – are detailed in the article below, so take a look for expert budgeting advice.
Pro Panel: How to Control the Cost of Your Bathroom Renovation
And if you have a crush on stunning feature tiles, try using them in a dominant spot, such as above your basin, but opt for more affordable tiles elsewhere in the rest of your bathroom or ensuite. These tips – and more – are detailed in the article below, so take a look for expert budgeting advice.
Pro Panel: How to Control the Cost of Your Bathroom Renovation
What should I spend on and what should I save on in my bedroom?
Bespoke wardrobes? Check. A quality mattress? Check. Sumptuous bed linen? Check. These will likely be your big-ticket items if you’re redesigning or redecorating your bedroom.
In terms of where you can save, look to your furniture and accessories: bedside tables, lamps and bedheads. Soft furnishings can help cut costs too, so rein in your expenditure on decorative bolsters and pillows. And, as always, try to take advantage of sales to keep your bedroom budget in check. Want more tips and tricks? Check out the story below.
3 Designers Reveal Where to Spend and Save in a Bedroom Redesign
Bespoke wardrobes? Check. A quality mattress? Check. Sumptuous bed linen? Check. These will likely be your big-ticket items if you’re redesigning or redecorating your bedroom.
In terms of where you can save, look to your furniture and accessories: bedside tables, lamps and bedheads. Soft furnishings can help cut costs too, so rein in your expenditure on decorative bolsters and pillows. And, as always, try to take advantage of sales to keep your bedroom budget in check. Want more tips and tricks? Check out the story below.
3 Designers Reveal Where to Spend and Save in a Bedroom Redesign
Is bespoke joinery worth it?
Many homeowners are shocked when cost estimates for their joinery arrive – this is one trade that will probably comprise a large chunk of your building budget. Joinery itself definitely falls into the ‘spend’ category.
Certain design details and added extras can further increase the cost of joinery, such as in-built lighting, rattan inlays and metal-mesh drawer or cupboard fronts.
And although it can be pricey, it’s worth spending on wiring for your cabinetry units so you can use your joinery to house lamps, speakers, a TV or to charge your devices out of sight.
Many homeowners are shocked when cost estimates for their joinery arrive – this is one trade that will probably comprise a large chunk of your building budget. Joinery itself definitely falls into the ‘spend’ category.
Certain design details and added extras can further increase the cost of joinery, such as in-built lighting, rattan inlays and metal-mesh drawer or cupboard fronts.
And although it can be pricey, it’s worth spending on wiring for your cabinetry units so you can use your joinery to house lamps, speakers, a TV or to charge your devices out of sight.
To tap into the ‘save’ category, limit the optional extras and use them in rooms where they will be frequently seen and enjoyed (your living room, for instance, not your laundry).
Many budget-savvy homeowners spend on custom joinery while simultaneously saving on what it’s made from. You can reduce the cost of joinery by swapping out solid timber for MDF, timber veneer or laminate.
In the article below, an expert joiner reveals what else to look out for, so take a look for more clever tips.
So You Want a Joinery Feature Wall? Here’s What You Need to Know
Many budget-savvy homeowners spend on custom joinery while simultaneously saving on what it’s made from. You can reduce the cost of joinery by swapping out solid timber for MDF, timber veneer or laminate.
In the article below, an expert joiner reveals what else to look out for, so take a look for more clever tips.
So You Want a Joinery Feature Wall? Here’s What You Need to Know
What should I spend on and what should I save on in my windows and doors?
Fallen in love with floor-to-ceiling windows or steel-framed doors? So have we. The sad fact is that these beauties fall square and fair into the ‘splurge’ category. Likewise, ribbed or fluted glass comes at a premium, so be prepared to open your wallet if you have your heart set on this type of glazing. Alternatively, you could use them in moderation rather than throughout your entire home – it’s helpful to share your plans with a window or door specialist for a cost estimate.
Double-glazed windows and doors are a little more expensive than single glazing, though they’re worth investing in as you’ll reap the financial benefits long-term with reduced power bills.
Fallen in love with floor-to-ceiling windows or steel-framed doors? So have we. The sad fact is that these beauties fall square and fair into the ‘splurge’ category. Likewise, ribbed or fluted glass comes at a premium, so be prepared to open your wallet if you have your heart set on this type of glazing. Alternatively, you could use them in moderation rather than throughout your entire home – it’s helpful to share your plans with a window or door specialist for a cost estimate.
Double-glazed windows and doors are a little more expensive than single glazing, though they’re worth investing in as you’ll reap the financial benefits long-term with reduced power bills.
Wondering where to save? Off-the-shelf windows, glazing and doors are more affordable than custom designs, but the two can be mixed and matched for a mid-range option. In the article below, an architect explains how you can use ready-made windows to achieve a bespoke look and talks you through which timbers are budget-breakers versus budget-savers.
Renovating on a Budget: How to Get More From Your Windows for Less
Renovating on a Budget: How to Get More From Your Windows for Less
What should I spend on and what should I save on in my flooring, paint and tiles
Quality flooring can be an investment, though it’s one that lasts several lifetimes. If you have your heart set on timber floorboards and your budget allows, this is a splurge that’s worth it. You can also look to readily available local species (farewell, European oak) to achieve the look without breaking the bank, or consider using more affordable carpet in rooms such as bedrooms or living spaces.
Dreaming of a Venetian plaster accent wall? Us too, but fancy finishes such as these carry extra zeros. Paint may be humble, but it’s transformative and cost-effective. Just keep in mind that the more paint colours you incorporate, the more time it will take for your painter to ‘cut in’ where different colours meet, so if your budget spreadsheet is adding up, you may want to reconsider your paint palette.
Quality flooring can be an investment, though it’s one that lasts several lifetimes. If you have your heart set on timber floorboards and your budget allows, this is a splurge that’s worth it. You can also look to readily available local species (farewell, European oak) to achieve the look without breaking the bank, or consider using more affordable carpet in rooms such as bedrooms or living spaces.
Dreaming of a Venetian plaster accent wall? Us too, but fancy finishes such as these carry extra zeros. Paint may be humble, but it’s transformative and cost-effective. Just keep in mind that the more paint colours you incorporate, the more time it will take for your painter to ‘cut in’ where different colours meet, so if your budget spreadsheet is adding up, you may want to reconsider your paint palette.
Lighting is often left until the last minute, but if you’re dreaming of installing the perfect pendant light, try tinkering with your budgeting spreadsheet – splurge on the pendant but save on the quantity of simple LED downlights – to see if you can reconcile costs.
Building to a Budget: 12 Way Tiles, Flooring and Paint Can Add Up
Building to a Budget: 12 Way Tiles, Flooring and Paint Can Add Up
Are standout roofs expensive? How does exterior, excavation and number of storeys have an impact on budget?
The more complex the architectural form of your home, the more costly your building budget will need to be. Your architect or builder should be the first to warn you that curved frontages, angled roofs or elaborately folded facades are beautiful but they cost more to build than simpler forms.
Likewise, it’s often easier to construct a single-storey home than it is a two-storey house, which usually requires scaffolding to be hired on a weekly basis.
Site access is another factor. Trucking in all deliveries is easier, requires less time and fewer trades than if your building access is constrained, with deliveries needing to be carried individually through a narrow front door. In renovations (as with life), time – and trades – is money.
The more complex the architectural form of your home, the more costly your building budget will need to be. Your architect or builder should be the first to warn you that curved frontages, angled roofs or elaborately folded facades are beautiful but they cost more to build than simpler forms.
Likewise, it’s often easier to construct a single-storey home than it is a two-storey house, which usually requires scaffolding to be hired on a weekly basis.
Site access is another factor. Trucking in all deliveries is easier, requires less time and fewer trades than if your building access is constrained, with deliveries needing to be carried individually through a narrow front door. In renovations (as with life), time – and trades – is money.
The article below details important ways to keep your building budget in check, from limiting exterior cladding materials to linking the old and new parts of your home with clever architectural thresholds.
Building to a Budget: 12 Must-Know Design Considerations
Building to a Budget: 12 Must-Know Design Considerations
Garden and outdoor areas
It will help short-, medium- and long-term to splurge upfront and engage a landscape architect or designer to devise a master plan for your garden or outdoor area. Why? Because knowing now where you will later need wiring for alfresco lighting or irrigation for garden beds will save you money spent getting trades in multiple times and digging up work that has already been done. It pays to invest in hardscaping materials and your trades’ expertise too.
When it comes to budgeting for your outdoor areas, buying perennials for year-long greenery and fast-growing or smaller plants instead of mature trees will deliver big savings. For more tips, take a look at the article below.
Spend & Save: Where to Put Your Money When Planning Your Outdoors
It will help short-, medium- and long-term to splurge upfront and engage a landscape architect or designer to devise a master plan for your garden or outdoor area. Why? Because knowing now where you will later need wiring for alfresco lighting or irrigation for garden beds will save you money spent getting trades in multiple times and digging up work that has already been done. It pays to invest in hardscaping materials and your trades’ expertise too.
When it comes to budgeting for your outdoor areas, buying perennials for year-long greenery and fast-growing or smaller plants instead of mature trees will deliver big savings. For more tips, take a look at the article below.
Spend & Save: Where to Put Your Money When Planning Your Outdoors
Budgeting basics
Even if you’re not tech-savvy, spreadsheets will become your new best friends when wrangling a building or renovating budget. Most renovation spreadsheets are broken down room by room and show your room budgets, cost estimates, and the difference between the two for each space. The article below gives a detailed example of how to draw up a spreadsheet to keep track of all your expense, so be sure to take a look.
And remember, the devil is in the detail when it comes to building budgets, so read the fine print before signing a contract and make it a habit to ask your trades and suppliers about exclusions as well as inclusions so you know exactly what to factor in and what constitutes an added extra.
Serial Renovators on How to Set Up and Stick to a Budget
Even if you’re not tech-savvy, spreadsheets will become your new best friends when wrangling a building or renovating budget. Most renovation spreadsheets are broken down room by room and show your room budgets, cost estimates, and the difference between the two for each space. The article below gives a detailed example of how to draw up a spreadsheet to keep track of all your expense, so be sure to take a look.
And remember, the devil is in the detail when it comes to building budgets, so read the fine print before signing a contract and make it a habit to ask your trades and suppliers about exclusions as well as inclusions so you know exactly what to factor in and what constitutes an added extra.
Serial Renovators on How to Set Up and Stick to a Budget
Your turn
Where did you invest your money and where did you save in your renovation? Share your advice in the Comments, like this story, save the images for inspiration and join the conversation.
More
Need more practical renovation advice? Make sure you read this before signing off on your architectural drawings or design plans: What Key Measurements & Room Dimensions Should I Know for a Reno?
Where did you invest your money and where did you save in your renovation? Share your advice in the Comments, like this story, save the images for inspiration and join the conversation.
More
Need more practical renovation advice? Make sure you read this before signing off on your architectural drawings or design plans: What Key Measurements & Room Dimensions Should I Know for a Reno?
At Houzz, we’re the first to fall in love with knurled-brass pulls and leather-wrapped handles, but there’s no denying that zinc-aluminium alloy equivalents will save your precious pennies (and, if your handle crush endures, you might be able to replace them down the track).
You can also forego flashy high-tech light switches and gadgets in favour of standard power points and switches. Opting for beautiful tiles instead of a marble or natural-stone splashback will also help keep a lid on your building budget. Engaging an experienced kitchen designer early on will also save money in the long-run, so make this your first step.