Financial

How can I stay on budget? Tracking home improvement budgets

DIY home renovations are a great way to save money and add value to your home, but they can also be expensive if you’re not careful. One of the most important aspects of a successful home renovation project is budgeting. Here are some tips to help you budget your DIY home renovation project:

  1. Create a budgeting spreadsheet: The first step in budgeting for your home renovation project is to create a budgeting spreadsheet. This will help you keep track of all the costs associated with your project, including materials, labor, and any unexpected expenses. Your budgeting spreadsheet should include a column for each expense, as well as a total column to keep track of your overall budget.
  2. Prioritize your expenses: Once you’ve created your budgeting spreadsheet, you should prioritize your expenses. This will help you determine which items are most important and which ones can be cut back or eliminated altogether. For example, you may want to prioritize expenses related to safety and functionality, such as electrical work and plumbing, over cosmetic upgrades like painting and decor.
  3. Shop around for the best deals: Another important aspect of budgeting for your DIY home renovation project is shopping around for the best deals. You may be able to save money by buying materials in bulk, shopping during sales or discounts, or purchasing gently used items from thrift stores or online marketplaces.
  4. Use DIY skills: One of the best ways to save money on your home renovation project is by using your DIY skills. You may be able to complete some tasks yourself, such as painting or installing light fixtures, instead of hiring a professional. This can save you a significant amount of money in labor costs.
  5. Compare budgeted vs actual costs: Finally, it’s important to compare your budgeted expenses to your actual expenses once the project is complete. This will help you improve your budgeting skills for future projects and identify areas where you may have overspent or underestimated costs.

By following these tips, you can successfully budget your DIY home renovation project and save money in the process. Remember to prioritize your expenses, shop around for the best deals, and use your DIY skills whenever possible. And don’t forget to keep track of your expenses and compare your budgeted costs to your actual costs to improve your budgeting skills for future projects. Remember – we recommend to add at least 10% on top of your expected costs – there’s always things that come out of the woodwork (hopefully not literally!). Any savings can be put towards a celebratory drink or takeaway in your newly renovated home!

Sign up to the DIYonaBudget.com newsletter below for a free downloadable budget tracker for your next DIY project, compatible with Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets or Apple Numbers.