RENOVATIONS ON A BUDGET

Everyone wants a more comfortable, cozy home.

But not many of us have an abundance of spare funds – especially in the current dip in the local economy.

Have no fear. According to renovation experts, getting a little extra comfort at home may be much cheaper than you realize.

Interior decorators with ThisOldHouse.com shared some decorative ideas for homeowners with dreams of making big changes, but who are also on a budget. The tips can save money on each project, while also saving money over the long haul, through energy preservation and other cost-effective measures, according to the designers.

According to the experts, the following can lower the cost on a project, while also serving as resourceful ways to create a nice living space:

1. Use natural light Through creating windows, an entire room can be transformed by natural light. Natural light is also energy friendly, too, and can lower on electricity bills.

2. Donate what you don’t use We can all agree with this one. The best way to make space is to elimate the space we have, but are wasting. Clear out closets and shelves of things we don’t need. Sometimes, we can reinvent a whole new room – just by getting rid of the items we no longer have use for.

3. Move sinks, faucets and toilets last Plumbing is awfully expensive and it often needs expert work to complete. If changing plumbing is unavoidable, then do it all right the first time and change out old pipes and other things which can make a new project a nightmare.

4. Make decisions early By deciding early what you want, it gives plenty of time to find sales at stores around your area. It also allows for easier work in finding a carpenter at an affordable price if you can find someone early who can ease the work into the schedule.