Here’s a clear, practical step-by-step guide to renovating a house on a low budget, focusing on high impact, low cost changes you can actually do
1. Make a Simple Renovation Plan
Before spending anything:
Walk through the house and write down what is broken and what looks old
Separate into:
Important things to fix (leaks, wiring, doors, safety)
Nice to have (paint color, decor, style)
Set a strict and realistic budget and add extra money for emergencies
Planning can help save you a lot of money.
2. Fix Structural & Safety Issues First
Do these first so you don’t redo work later:
Repair roof leaks
Fix plumbing leaks
Secure loose electrical sockets and old wires
Repair broken windows or doors
Tip: Small repairs now prevent expensive damage later.
3. Repaint or use wallpaper Instead of Rebuilding
Paint and wallpaper gives the biggest transformation for the lowest cost.
Use light colors (white, cream, light grey or 3D wallpaper) to make rooms look bigger and more attractive
Paint or spray old cabinets, doors, and wardrobes instead of replacing them
Refresh exterior walls if possible
Much cheaper than new installations.
4. Upgrade Floors the Cheap Way
Instead of replacing floors:
Clean and polish existing tiles with chemicals like oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide
Use vinyl tiles, laminate, or carpet rugs
Repair cracked tiles instead of retiling everything
Area rugs can hide floor imperfections.
5. Improve Lighting (Big Impact, Low Cost)
Replace old bulbs with LED bulbs
Add brighter bulbs to dark rooms
Clean light fixtures or spray paint them for a fresh look
Good lighting makes old spaces feel new.
6. Renovate Kitchen Without Full Replacement
Paint or spray kitchen cabinets instead of buying new ones
Change cabinet handles (very cheap, huge difference)
Spray boric acid or fipronil to kill termites or insects
Organize shelves to reduce clutter
Kitchen upgrades don’t have to be expensive.
7. Bathroom Refresh on a Budget
Replace shower curtain, mirror, and taps
Re-grout tiles instead of replacing them
Paint tiles using tile paint
Fix leaks immediately
Small bathroom changes feel luxurious.
8. Reuse, Repair & DIY Where Possible
Repair old furniture instead of buying new
Use second-hand items or local markets
DIY simple tasks like painting, installing shelves, or curtain rods
Labor costs often cost more than materials.
9. Decorate Smartly
Use mirrors to make rooms look larger
Add curtains, throw pillows, and wall art
Indoor plants add life and beauty cheaply
Simple decor upgrades go a long way.
10. Renovate in Stages
Don’t rush everything at once
Finish one room before starting another
Spread costs over time
This keeps your budget under control.
Budget-Saving Golden Rules
Repair before replacing
Paint changes everything
✔ DIY whenever safe
✔ Avoid unnecessary demolitions
✔ Buy only what you need