In the same way you look after your health, there comes a time when you have to look after your home. If you find that your kitchen cabinets are looking a bit outdated or the windows in your basement are letting in a draft, it might be time to look at your budget and see what home improvements you can afford. Take the steps to turning your home into your own little paradise with these money saving renovation tips.

1. Figure out what you’re able to spend. The first step in any home improvement project is looking at your budget and figuring out what you can and are willing to spend. Take your monthly income and estimate what your regular bills will be. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of food, as well as any emergency funds you’ll need to keep aside. From there, you can better figure out what you’ll be comfortable spending. If you find that you don’t have enough to foot the bill, create a savings fund for your specific project and save monthly until the project becomes a feasible option for you.
2. Decide what to keep and what needs to go. Clutter is a home’s worst enemy. The appearance of clutter can be enough to send you into a stressful spiral and work against your home becoming a relaxing space. To start, take a mental inventory of everything you own. Do you have somewhere you can stow the bills cluttering the kitchen counter? Are your shelving units filled with mismatched decor? Getting rid of the things that no longer hold meaning or sentimental value can quickly refresh your home and make room for more subtle accents.
3. Make small changes that create a big effect. Sometimes you can bring a fresh new appeal to areas by doing something as simple as changing all the door knob. Small changes like throwing a colorful rug on the floor or installing an eye-catching piece of artwork on a wall can update your home with ease. Colours and little changes can often work wonders. Potted plants can lift a space and create instant atmosphere.
4. Look for the best deals. If you are looking to renovate or replace goods or fixtures in your home, shop around. Auctions are an excellent way to save exponentially on just about any household renovation. Places like Renovation Auctions offer an incredibly wide range of things you could save on. In addition to being affordable, up-cycling items has become something of a major trend in home design, so you’re killing two birds with one stone.

As a homeowner, your financial situation dictates most of your decisions. If you find that your list of home upgrades is through the roof, it’s best to tackle little projects as you can afford to. Take a cue from Oz’s Dorothy, who knew there was No Place Like Home, and remember to always let your heart lead you. The process of upgrading and making changes to your home can give YOU an inspiring lift.

This post brought to you by the experts at Fox Valley Painters.