Renovating your home can be both exciting and daunting, especially when you’re working with a tight budget. But with some careful planning and a dash of creativity, you can transform your space without breaking the bank. Here are some practical tips and inspiring ideas to help you get started on your budget-friendly renovation journey.
The first step in any renovation project is setting a clear budget. It’s easy to get carried away with the excitement of revamping your space, but overspending can lead to unnecessary stress down the line. Decide on a budget and make it your mission to stick to it. This will help you stay focused on what’s essential and avoid any financial surprises.
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Prioritize Your Renovation Needs
Once you’ve set your budget, it’s important to prioritize your renovation projects. Focus on the areas that need the most attention, such as fixing any structural or safety issues first. By tackling the most critical areas, you ensure that your home remains safe and functional while staying within your budget.
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DIY to Save on Labor Costs
If you have the skills and knowledge, consider doing some of the work yourself. DIY projects can save you a significant amount on labor costs, allowing you to allocate more of your budget towards materials and finishes. Simple tasks like painting, tiling, or even assembling furniture can be done with a bit of time and effort.
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Refresh with Paint and Lighting
One of the most cost-effective ways to transform a room is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. A new color can completely change the mood and style of a space. Similarly, updating your lighting can have a big impact. Replacing old fixtures with more energy-efficient options or adding a few stylish lamps can brighten up a room without costing a fortune.
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Declutter and Repurpose
Sometimes, less is more. Decluttering your space can make a huge difference in how it looks and feels. Get rid of unnecessary items and organize what’s left to create a more open and inviting atmosphere. You can also repurpose old furniture and décor. For example, an old dresser can be repainted and turned into a chic bathroom vanity, or outdated furniture can be refreshed with new upholstery.
Image Credit: @arayofsunlight
Shop Smart for Materials
When it comes to buying materials and supplies, shopping around is key. Prices can vary greatly between different stores, so take the time to compare before making any purchases. Look out for sales, discounts, and clearance items to stretch your budget further. We offers amazing specials on flooring and sanitaryware products throughout the year, so be sure to check out our social media pages to stay updated on the latest deals.
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Flooring on a Budget
Flooring is another area where you can make a big impact without spending a lot. Laminate flooring is a cost-effective alternative to hardwood, offering a similar look and feel at a fraction of the price. It’s also easy to install yourself. Vinyl flooring is another affordable option, especially for high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens. It’s durable, waterproof, and available in a variety of styles to suit any taste.
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Get Creative with Tiles
Tiles are a great way to add character to your home, and you don’t need to stick to a single pattern or color. Mixing and matching tiles can create a unique, eye-catching design that’s completely your own. You can even use leftover tiles from other projects to save money. Whether you’re redoing a backsplash, bathroom, or even a floor, tiles offer endless possibilities for creativity. For inspiration on ways to use your leftover tiles check out our blog on Great ways to use your leftover tiles.
DIY Décor and Greenery
Adding personal touches to your home doesn’t have to be expensive. DIY projects like creating your own headboard from old doors or shutters, or making artwork using stencils and paint, can add a unique flair to your space. You can also bring life into your home with plants. Indoor greenery can make a room feel more vibrant, and you can create a simple herb garden or a statement piece with a large plant.
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Embrace Imperfections
Finally, remember that your renovation doesn’t need to be perfect. A little bit of imperfection can add character and charm to your home. Embrace the quirks and personal touches that make your space unique. After all, it’s the love and effort you put into your home that truly makes it special.
Image Credit: Adore Home Magazine
Renovating on a tight budget is all about being resourceful, creative, and enjoying the process. If you’re looking for more practical advice, don’t forget to check out our previous blog on the Top 10 Essential Tips for Renovating Your Home. With these tips, you’re well on your way to transforming your home into a space you’ll love without overspending. Happy renovating!
Prefer to watch?
Ryan and Deon discuss renovating on a tight budget in the 2 part videos below:
Dreaming of a new space for you and your family to create new memories? Renovations are exciting however, the reality is that renovations can be stressful and dangerous without the right precautions! Let’s dive into our top 10 tips to keep in mind before you start your home makeover.
Before you pick up that hammer, consider whether your project is better suited for DIY or if you should bring in a professional. This will depend on the complexity of the renovation project. Keep in mind that if you install equipment or appliances yourself and something goes wrong, many manufacturers won’t honour the warranty unless a licensed pro did the job. This could end up costing you more than you anticipated. A professional contractor can also catch issues you might not notice, like past water damage to your foundation. Save DIY for tasks you’re confident in, and let the pros handle the more complex parts of your renovation.
Tip #2: Have a plan
Knowing exactly what needs to be done will help you set a realistic budget and timeline. It’s easy to underestimate costs, so speak with a contractor to get accurate estimates for labour, materials, and any necessary permits.
Pro tip: Always budget extra for unexpected expenses and add some cushion to your timeline for unforeseen delays, like waiting on materials or dealing with unexpected issues like uneven flooring.
Tip #3: Plan Where to Live During Renovation
Renovations can turn your home upside down, so consider where you and your family will stay. If your project affects essential areas like bedrooms or the kitchen, you might need to arrange alternative living arrangements. Whether that’s staying with friends or family, or finding a short-term rental, make sure you’ve got a plan that keeps everyone safe and comfortable.
Tip #4: Understand Building Regulations
If your renovation involves structural changes, you’ll need to get your plans approved before you start. For homes older than 60 years, there might be extra restrictions if your home is considered historic. If you’re just updating things like cupboards, flooring, or bathroom fixtures, you can usually skip the approval process.
Tip #5: Use Proper Protective Gear
Safety first! Ensure everyone on-site has the right protective gear and that the area is clean and easy to navigate. A safe work environment is key to preventing accidents.
Tip #6: Keep Safety Equipment Ready
Check that all household safety items, like fire extinguishers and blankets, are in working order. You want to be prepared in case of an emergency during your renovation.
Tip #7: Wear a Mask
Wearing a mask might stir up some COVID-era flashbacks, but trust us, it’s important! Renovations kick up a lot of dust and allergens, so keeping your mask on is key to protecting your lungs. It might not be the most comfortable, but it’s crucial for keeping your respiratory system safe. If you notice any worsening symptoms, seek medical advice.
Tip #8: Treat Mold
If you spot black mold, treat it immediately with strong bleach or mold-specific paint. For serious cases, it’s best to call in a specialist. Mold can pose significant health risks, so it’s important to deal with it properly.
Tip #9: Turn Off the Electricity
Before working on anything electrical, make sure to turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker. Place a tag on the circuit board to prevent anyone from accidentally turning it back on while you’re working — safety first!
Tip #10: Maintain Your Routine
Renovations can be overwhelming, so it’s important to keep up with your regular routine. Exercise, eat well, and take breaks to maintain your mental health. Also, have a designated spot for everyday items so they don’t get lost in the chaos.
Pro Tip: Be ready to adapt. Unexpected obstacles are part of the renovation process, so stay flexible and consider lower-cost alternatives if needed.
Remember, renovations rarely go exactly as planned, so stay calm and enjoy the journey. For more expert advice, visit your nearest Tiletoria showroom and let the professionals guide you through your next project!
Prefer to watch?
Ryan and Deon discuss renovation tips in the 2 part videos below:
As we step into the new year, there’s no better time to give your home a new look and feel. Thinking about upgrading your kitchen, giving your bathroom a fresh look, or transforming your outdoor space? We’ve got you covered with easy and stylish home renovation ideas. From trendy tiles to chic taps, let’s explore ways to elevate your space and stay on top of the latest interior design trends.
A well-designed kitchen not only makes cooking a joy but also turns into a central hub for family and friends to gather.
Floor and Wall Tiles:
Start updating your kitchen by using large formatporcelain or ceramic tiles on both the floor and walls. This will make the space feel bigger and ensure it stays durable over time.
For an extra touch of style, consider adding a kitchen backsplash. Mosaic, decor or subway tiles are an excellent choice to enhance the visual appeal of your space. Play around with patterns and colours to make your backsplash a focal point in your revamped kitchen.
For more kitchen backsplash ideas, read our blog here.
Upgrade your bathroom with modern or classic taps. Consider matching taps throughout the bathroom in brushed copper, matte black, or silver to create a cohesive and stylish look.
For more tips on how to create the perfect bathroom, read our blog here.
Outdoor Haven
Transforming your outdoor space into a haven is easier than you think. By carefully selecting outdoor and pool tiles, you can create an atmosphere that seamlessly blends style and functionality.
If you have a pool, choose high quality tiles that will stand the test of time!
Create a relaxing and entertaining oasis in your outdoor space by combining natural materials and comfortable furnishings. With the right mix, your outdoor area will be the perfect spot to unwind and have fun.
Living Room
Your living room stands as a testament to your personal style and comfort.
Flooring:
Opt for tiles to not just enhance the flooring but elevate the entire space. Choose from options like porcelain, ceramic, wood-look, or large-format tiles, or consider vinyl or laminate flooring.
Quick Makeovers
Wallpaper:
Give any room a quick facelift with trendy wallpaper, from bold patterns to subtle textures.
Tile Stickers:
Take it a step further by adding tile stickers for an additional touch of style. These stickers are a quick and easy way to enhance the look of your space.
Lighting
Ambient Lighting:
Illuminate your living spaces with strategic lighting. Area lighting can bring your space together and create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Make a bold statement in your space with unique and eye-catching lighting fixtures. A chandelier or an artistic pendant light can add a touch of personality and drama.
Try out some DIY projects to add a unique touch to your home. Use any leftover tiles for fun and creative projects, like mosaic wall art, revamping furniture, or creating garden planters. For more DIY inspiration on what to do with your leftover tiles, click here.
This year, make your home renovations a breeze with easy and trendy ideas. Discover Tiletoria, your go-to for home improvements. We provide a wide range of tile choices and accessories, perfect for any design style. Here’s to a refreshed and revitalized living space!
The sun is shining and the weather is warming up – Spring is officially here! There is no better time to start your home improvement projects,
Here are 4 reasons why:
1. The weather
Winter and Summer times are known for hot and wet weather, which is guaranteed to cause delays with any building projects. Spring is the ideal season to avoid these unpredictable weather conditions. Delays occur when building materials get wet or damaged due to rain and harsh weather conditions. Good weather and increasing daylight hours mean builders can work longer and get the job done quicker. This means your completion time will come a lot sooner. For landscaping projects, there is no better time to begin planting than in the season of growth. Outdoor projects such as pools and decks, are also ideal for spring to get your outdoor spaces ready to enjoy in the summertime.
2. Great deals on supplies
With the winter season ending, the opportunity to land some great deals and save some money on supplies for your home renovation is now! A lot of stores offer huge discounts to get rid of their last season’s stock.
3. The buying boom
Spring and summer are the peak seasons for buying and selling homes. If you are planning on renovating or doing some repairs and maintenance on your home before selling, this is the perfect time to start. When your house is ready to enter the market, there will be buyers ready and waiting.
4. Summertime festivities
With summertime, the holiday season, and end-of-year festivities around the corner, there is no better time to get your home renovations on the go, for completion the perfect time. If you’re planning on using your time off to enjoy hot days by the pool, braais, and get-togethers, completing renovations during spring means you’ll be able to show off and fully enjoy your newly renovated home with your friends and family.
For more advice on your home renovation projects, speak to the experts at one of our Tiletoria showrooms.
Deon Bing knew from an early age that the outdoors were going to form a major part of his life. Surfing, trail running, lake swimming, skating and travelling – squeezing everything out of the day. Fast forward a few years and nothing has changed – his love for the environment has continued to grow. He’s been able to share these passions through his Radio Surf Report for nearly 3 decades. In addition, he brews and distributes his own craft beer and runs a video production company, Bing Digital. He has been an ambassador for Tiletoria for many years, and recently renovated his bathroom. Read about his experience, get some advice and inside tips before starting your own renovations.
What have you got available to spend on completingthe bathroom renovation?
PLANNING AND BUDGET
The sanware and the tiles and all the pretty bits to make your bathroom look amazing are just a portion of the final costs.
Additional costs to consider are the adhesive and grout, new power points and light fittings, possibly plumbing upgrades, removal of the old bathroom tiles, basins and baths and delivery and storage of your new materials, ready for installation.
You’ll need to chat to the plumber and electrician before you start, as they’ll need to be there at the beginning during demolition as well as at particular stages along the way – i.e. making sure the power to your backlit mirror or heated towel rail is there before the wall tiles go on, or that the shower will have correct drainage, before you lay the floor mosaic.
Discuss the scope of work required and get a quote from them – and their availability to be on site! They need to schedule their diaries around progress on your bathroom renovation. They’ve done it before and can offer good advice on the pitfalls to avoid.
Anticipate lots of chopping, cutting, mixing and dust – you’ll need to cover and tape the rest of your home to keep it clean.
An experienced project manager takes away a lot of the guesswork and hassle and can also assist with fine tuning a realistic budget, offering alternative solutions – choose wisely.
Budget sorted, layout and design ideas and a plan of action ready – it’s time to visit the Tiletoria showroom!
VISIT THE TILETORIA SHOWROOM
The staff have been involved with numerous creative clients over the years and are able to discuss your ideas and give you detailed advice on each and every aspect of your planned renovation. They can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Their catchphrase is “Luxe for Less” – finding those bespoke, luxurious pieces that will enhance the look of the space, at a great price.
Take a walk with them through the showroom displays to get a better idea of how things will look and work together.
There are options for all budgets, with ranges of baths, basins, taps and toilets to meet all pockets.
Also note how the tiles have been laid, possibly a herringbone layout?
Large format tiles help to visually increase the size of a space – with the added bonus of being easier to clean.
Lighting is just as important, and the showroom displays have been lit to create the perfect mood.
And talking about mood, there are mood boards everywhere. They can even help you create your own, helping you visualise what goes together and how the end product will look. Ask for a sample to take home with you.
The staff will guide you through the process, confirm the stock availability and get everything ready for you to get going on your renovation.
Renovating your bathroom is a process, both a creative one and a practical one.
I was incredibly lucky with the team on site, competent and professional, as well as the selection of tiles and sanware we purchased from Tiletoria. The results were amazing and worth the effort and investment.
Take your time in the planning, chat to the right people, be aware of what your budget is and be realistic about the time it will take to complete.
The sales team at Tiletoria will advise and assist along the way, ensuring you are able to create the bathroom of your dreams, adding value to your home and to your life.
Deon Bing knew from an early age that the outdoors were going to form a major part of his life. Surfing, trail running, lake swimming, skating and travelling – squeezing everything out of the day. Fast forward a few years and nothing has changed – his love for the environment has continued to grow. He’s been able to share these passions through his Radio Surf Report for nearly 3 decades. In addition, he brews and distributes his own craft beer and runs a video production company, Bing Digital. He has been an ambassador for Tiletoria for many years, and recently renovated his bathroom. Read about his experience, get some advice and inside tips before starting your own renovations.
In the first part of our two part series on renovating a bathroom, we discuss the project overview, questions to ask your self and practical considerations before going ahead with your dream bathroom renovation. Once you’ve gone through that process and have an idea of the direction you want to take, it’s time for the costing and detail.
Our bathroom in an old Woodstock flat needed help – lots of it.
It’s weird how one gets used to peeling, lumo green walls, black mosaic and a faded yellow bath and toilet. Then, one final morning, after more than a year of lockdown and working from home, it smacks you between the eyes and you scream – ENOUGH!! This has to go…everything! You might be in a similar situation?
Maybe you walked into the bathroom of a new boutique hotel and were blown away with what’s possible and where the latest looks are headed? But take a breath and maybe some tips from my experience before diving in. There are so many little things to be taken care of and to plan for, before you start buying taps and tiles. You don’t want to be making costly changes down the line. I’d taken the decision to renovate, but wasn’t a builder, tiler or designer, plus didn’t have an unlimited budget. I’d have to focus and plan, understand the process to get what I wanted and keep costs realistic. It’s not just a tiler you need, it’s a plumber too. And an electrician that can install approved power and lights for bathroom use – which have different requirements to the rest of the house. And someone to jackhammer the old tiles off and a project manager to oversee that all the elements come together in sequence. But let’s go back to you in your bathroom.
FIRST THINGS FIRST – Some questions
Take a shower or bath and practically look at what you’d like to change. Is it only you who uses the bathroom, or is there more input needed?
Whats not working for you, what is? Is the layout correct, is the basin or shower big enough?
Is there enough water pressure? Is the ventilation sufficient or is the fan too noisy?
What would be the ideal scenario in your new bathroom?
Do you still need both a bath and shower – I removed the bath completely and put in a nice sized walk-in shower.
Is there enough storage – look at the variety of shampoos and face scrubs and medicines and the rest – do you need extra space for those? Or kiddies bath toys?
A big mirrored cabinet could help, with subtle, understated lighting.
There are often times, like the middle of the night, when you don’t need all the lights to be turned on.
Heated towel rails or underfloor heating?
Before even thinking of the aesthetics, understand your basic requirements for the bathroom to be practical and functional and work for you and your family. Ideally, if you can stick with the existing layout, then you won’t have to make any major structural and plumbing changes.
Measure the space you have to work with. It’s important that you don’t get baths or basins that won’t fit the area – i.e. a basin too big that the bathroom door can’t open – nearly happened! Make sure there’s plenty of space between everything.
Now it’s time to get creative and play with some ideas!
GET CREATIVE
Look at the Tiletoria website, Pintrest, Studio McGee, Amber Interiors.
Colours – what goes together?
Floor styles and wall tiles, light fittings and ceiling finishes, baths, shower roses and glass doors and basins, taps and towel rails, mirrors, toilets and all the details that go along with it – so many options!
Narrow it down to the look and feel and then…reality.
The budget.
Part 2- coming soon…
For any practical advice or assistance, call the Tiletoria Sales Team or visit their closest showroom.
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