{"id":12611,"date":"2017-11-30T03:11:11","date_gmt":"2017-11-29T19:11:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/blog\/singapore\/?p=12611"},"modified":"2022-07-01T04:10:23","modified_gmt":"2022-06-30T20:10:23","slug":"budget-renovation-hacks-save-thousands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/budget-renovation-hacks-save-thousands\/","title":{"rendered":"9 budget renovation hacks that’ll save you thousands!"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

Did you know that the average renovation rings up to a tune of $51,000, according to data extracted from projects and contracts on Qanvast? But don\u2019t let that faze you \u2013 just as we\u2019ve seen amazing makeovers with five-digit budgets, we\u2019ve seen gorgeous spaces put together on super tight budgets!<\/p>\n

\"renovation<\/p>\n

To help you do just that, interior designers William from Authors Interior & Styling and Eric from Space Factor dish in on 9 money-saving renovation hacks that can potentially save you thousands of dollars.<\/p>\n

Hack 1: Split Your Renovation Works<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Think about which works are most important, and split your house\u2019s renovation into different phases. Not all renovation hacks help you cut costs, but will instead help plan and pace your finances!<\/p>\n

\"interior
Interior Designer: Authors Interior & Styling<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But how do you consider what\u2019s important and what\u2019s not? \u201cBuilt-in works for areas like your kitchens and wardrobes, painting and electrical works should be done up first, as they can be very troublesome (and messy) to work on once you move in,\u201d suggests William.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Eric advises: \u201cYou can start with doing up the essentials first. Then take the time to save up \u2013 once you\u2019re ready to take on a second renovation, that’s where you can zoom in on the finer, more aesthetic details.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hack 2: Allocate an Allowance, Especially for Resales<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"renovation<\/p>\n

Unlike BTOS, unforeseen costs abound when you renovate an older, resale unit \u2013 such as dismantling existing built-ins, maintenance works for wear and tear, and incompatible components (e.g. tearing out and installing new air-con piping).<\/p>\n

\"interior
Interior Designer: Space Factor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cMany homeowners forget to take these \u2018hidden\u2019 costs into consideration when budgeting for their resales, and are shocked when those bills accumulate to the thousands,\u201d says Eric. What\u2019s the take home? It\u2019s prudent to set aside an allowance just for any surprise issues. And if there\u2019re none (lucky you!), at least you\u2019ll have spare cash for furnishing and appliances.<\/p>\n

Hack 3: Avoid Half-Hacked Walls<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"interior
Interior Designer: D5 Studio Image<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Half-hacked walls are even more expensive than hacking down the entire wall! They are more labour and material intensive as the wall will be fully hacked, and then built up to half size.<\/p>\n

\"renovation<\/p>\n

All that can really pile on costs – but of course, hacking in general is costly work, so if you\u2019re tight on budget, try keeping your walls intact. This is one of the renovation hacks we recommend – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!<\/p>\n

Hack 4: Go for Vinyl Flooring<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Taking a significant portion of your renovation budget, the right flooring material and finish can define your home\u2019s overall look. With so many choices to choose from, we wonder, what\u2019s the most cost-effective? Vinyl flooring, say both William and Eric. While it does have a plastic feel, vinyl is hardy and waterproof \u2013 perfect for wet areas.<\/p>\n

\"renovation<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t plan to spend much on flooring at all, William suggests grinding or polishing existing flooring for a sparkly new look.<\/p>\n

Hack 5: Don\u2019t Hack, Just Overlay<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"interior
Interior Designer: Space Factor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And while we\u2019re at it, the best part about vinyl flooring is that they can be overlaid on top of existing tiles! As you\u2019ll know by now, hacking is expensive, and that\u2019s even more so for wet areas like the bathroom where waterproofing works are needed.<\/p>\n

Hack 6: Avoid Circular, Angular or Odd-Shaped Carpentry<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"interior
Interior Designer: In2Space Interior<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Opting for built-ins with a unique design and silhouette are sure to make a statement at home \u2013 and on your bank account as well. \u201cOdd shaped, circular or highly detailed carpentry designs require a lot of workmanship and are understandably more expensive,\u201d explains Eric.<\/p>\n

\"interior
Interior Designer: Apex Design<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For a more pocket-friendly choice, opt for built-ins that have a clean, linear design. Otherwise, cut down on your built-ins in general and install loose furnishings instead. \u201cAlso, try to avoid doing carpentry on your ceiling, like making a faux exposed beam\u201d, advises William.<\/p>\n

Hack 7: Go Scandinavian<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"renovation<\/p>\n

Not too particular on what your interior theme should be? Then pick the ever-affordable \u2013 and popular – Scandinavian style.<\/p>\n

\"interior
Interior Designer: Charlotte’s Carpentry<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Here are three reasons why it tends to come at a lower price point: 1. Clean, simple lines and carpentry are key (point 6!), 2. Emphasis on loose d\u00e9cor and furnishings, 3. Lots of affordable Scandinavian furniture available (think Taobao and Castlery).<\/p>\n

Hack 8: Paint Your Feature Wall<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"interior
Interior Designer: KDOT Associates<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No fuss, easy to maintain and doesn\u2019t burn a hole in your pocket; paint\u2019s the ultimate choice for anyone on an ultra-tight budget. \u201cInstead of spending thousands on troublesome wallpapers or fancy craftstone, homeowners can simply top up another a couple of hundreds on their painting package for a unique painted graphic wall.\u201d recommends Eric.<\/p>\n

Hack 9: Don\u2019t Go Overboard with Lighting Points<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"interior
Interior Designer: Authors Interior & Styling<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cWe are all for the bright and airy look, but lighting (and electrical works in general) can add up to a princely sum during renovation and after in terms of electricity bills,\u201d says William. Recessed and cove lights can really break the bank, with all the workmanship required and lighting components used. Try cutting down on the number of lighting points and swapping them for these tricks to bring in some natural light.<\/p>\n

\"interior
Interior Designer: Authors Interior & Styling<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n