32 ways to save during a home renovation

You don’t have to get rid of those ugly, old cabinets. You can always just throw a coat of paint on them to save some big bucks.

This seems obvious, but having a detailed plan of your renovation before you get started is one of the best ways to save money. Ask your contractor lots of questions during the planning stages. This will help you stay on budget and ensure your timeline is realistic.

If your remodel involves the kitchen, set up a temporary kitchen before you get started on the project to save money on eating out. Move the old cabinets to the garage or basement, put plywood on top of the cabinets to act as a work surface and move the stove to a temporary space, if possible. If the weather is warm, consider grilling outside or use a camp stove, or appliances such as a slow cooker or electric frypan.

Here are 5 more tips for living without a kitchen.

Remodelling your only bathroom? Set up a temporary bathroom in the basement or laundry. Ask your contractor to help put in a temporary shower unit in the basement that can drain into the utility tub floor drain. You can also rent a portable toilet like the ones used at concerts and other events. This will cost you some money, but it will be worth it.

Learn which home upgrade projects are actually a huge waste of money.

Doing your own demo will save you some money, but be sure to only take on projects you’re comfortable doing and always follow all safety precautions. Consider doing demolition on a deck or removing kitchen cabinets and countertops.

If you have hardwood floors, consider refinishing them instead of installing all new flooring.

One of the best ways to save money during a remodel is to hit up resale shops. Try looking for lightly used light fixtures you can install yourself. You may also find a box of tiles that may work for an entryway or kitchen splashback! You never know what you’ll find!

Scratch-and-dent items may work for your project and be one of the best ways to save money. A refrigerator with a small dent may work if you’re adding a basement bar. A high-end oven with a small scratch on the side won’t even show when you’re done with your kitchen remodel.

Try repurposing old furniture for the island or hit up a resale shop to see if they have something that might work in your dream kitchen.

If you have a truck, you can save money on delivery fees by picking up your materials yourself and transporting them home safely. You can also rent a truck for a day, which may pay for itself if you use it to make a few trips.