Renovating your home on a budget
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Renovating your home doesn't have to break the bank. With strategic planning and creative solutions, you can breathe new life into your spaces while keeping expenses in check. From refreshing your walls with a splash of colour to reimagining your existing décor, there are numerous budget-friendly options to revitalise your home environment.
Interior painting
A fresh coat of paint is a simple yet effective way to transform your space without overspending. To save on costs, consider feature walls or focal points, which require less paint and labour. Hiring a professional ensures a flawless finish, with the average cost of a painter and decorator at £35 per hour, while wallpapering (labour only) costs around £14 per m². Other jobs, such as painting woodwork, average £12.50 per m². Investing in expert services can prevent costly DIY mistakes and ensure long-lasting results.
Refresh your bathroom
Upgrading your bathroom doesn’t have to be a costly project. Simple updates like laminate or vinyl flooring can cost between £20 - £60 per m², while new fixtures such as a toilet or sink range from £150 - £1,000. Electrical work, including lighting updates, varies from £100 - £550, and a full refresh, including decorating, costs around £400. Small changes can make a big impact, giving your bathroom a fresh and modern feel.
Furniture upgrades
Rather than replacing furniture, consider reupholstering, refinishing, or repainting existing pieces. A handyman can help with these tasks at an average rate of £30 per hour. Flat-pack furniture assembly costs between £20 - £30, while putting up basic shelves (8x) averages £150. Upholstery work varies, starting at £50 and reaching into the thousands for luxury items. Upgrading existing furniture is a smart, cost-effective alternative to buying new.
New tiles
Tiling is an excellent way to enhance your home’s style and functionality. Whether it's a kitchen backsplash, bathroom floor, or feature wall, professional tilers can bring your vision to life. The average tiling cost is around £50 per m², with ceramic and porcelain options offering an affordable yet stylish solution. Properly installed tiles are durable, easy to maintain, and add long-term value to your home.
Lighting
Swapping out old lighting fixtures for energy-efficient LED lights is an easy way to modernise your home. Electricians charge an average of £45 per hour, with costs for replacing a light switch ranging from £50 - £150 per switch. Smart lighting systems offer long-term savings, with installation costs between £100 - £1,200, depending on the number of fixtures. Even small changes, such as dimmer switches or feature lighting, can enhance both functionality and ambience. Safety and aesthetics go hand in hand when it comes to electrics. Moreover, indoor lighting installation also adds an instant curb appeal.
Budget-friendly home renovations don’t mean compromising on style or quality. Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint, a bathroom refresh, upgrading furniture, or installing new tiles, these small changes can have a big impact. Thoughtful lighting enhancements can also completely transform a space, making it feel brighter and more inviting—all without overspending.