8 ways you can save money during your home renovation

I get it, home renos are pricey. Especially with the ever-increasing costs of both trade and materials. Hardly anyone has a never-ending budget, unless you’re Kim K, so it’s likely that you’re thinking about the ways you can claw back some of the cost on your home renovation.

But the most effective way isn’t about finding discounts at your local bathroom store (though it will help), or buying cheaper materials. Instead, you should consider your plan for the renovation, and whether a) it’s completely necessary and b) you can maintain some aspects that could maybe be updated or improved without being ripped out.

By assessing what can be salvaged (specifically fixtures like flooring that might just need a professional touch-up), you can fix chips, scratches, and dents for a fraction of the cost of a full installation.

Using this approach, you can find my top 8 ways to save money during your home renovation (particularly if you’re remortgaging to fund it) so you don’t blow the budget.

 

1. Assess before you demolish

Put. the. sledgehammer. down.

I know it’s tempting to get stuck in and start demolishing, but think about whether it needs to be demolished.

When you’re planning your renovation project, you should consider exactly what you’re going to change and what you’re going to keep. If you’re worried about budget, think about where you might have to make compromises (such as keeping the bathroom the size it is, instead of taking some of the bedroom next to it).

Before you commit to brand new materials, you have to take a look at what is actually wrong. Is the structural integrity gone? Or is it just ugly? There is a massive difference. If it’s just ugly, it’s kind of similar to buying a new car because you have a flat tyre. It doesn’t make any sense.

Start with the assumption that you can save whatever you’re considering demolishing, particularly if it has period features (like a fireplace) or is built from sturdy materials that can be redesigned in someway.

Essentially, don’t take on more work than you have to as it costs more.

 

2. Think about the real costs

In 2026, the cost of materials isn’t going down, and labour is definitely creeping up.

You’ll need to be honest with yourself about how much things cost, particularly when budgeting for the whole project. If each aspect is underestimated by £100, your total spend could be way off what you’ll actually spend. So cost appropriately.

You may also want to think about reducing costs by fixing instead of replacing.

Let’s use an example. To fix some broken floorboards or do some laminate floor repair, you’re looking at a cost of about £400. Compare this to a full replacement (floorboards and joists), the spend would be around £1,250. Clearly, it’s better to replace what you already have and fix it up than it would be to replace the whole lot.

When you’re planning your home renovation, take the same approach. How much would it cost me to fix X instead of replacing it completely?

 

3. DIY where you can

Tackling a few bits yourself can make a surprisingly big dent in your renovation budget, without turning your home into a construction zone. Think of tasks like painting walls, stripping wallpaper, or installing simple shelving. These are all jobs that don’t require a pro but still make a noticeable difference.

Even small DIY wins, like laying a peel-and-stick backsplash or sanding and repainting old furniture, can save you hundreds of pounds. The key is knowing your limits (I’d suggest you leave gas, electrics, and structural work to the experts).

Start with the easy stuff, build confidence, and you’ll quickly see that taking on some of the work yourself makes sense financially. Plus, you get the bonus of adding your own personal touch to the space.

 

4. Make cosmetic fixes if you can

Sometimes, a full-on renovation isn’t necessary to make a space feel fresh. Cosmetic fixes, like a lick of paint, new handles on cabinets, or swapping tired light fixtures, can completely transform a room without breaking the bank.

Even small touches like re-grouting tiles, updating taps, or refreshing skirting boards give the impression of a major upgrade at a fraction of the cost. It’s all about spotting the areas that make the biggest visual impact.

By focusing on these surface-level updates first, you can save money, avoid unnecessary work, and still get that “wow” factor that makes your home feel new again.

 

5. Shop around for quotes

When it comes to bigger jobs or hiring tradespeople, getting a few quotes can save you a surprising amount.

And don’t just go with the first builder or supplier you find. I’d suggest that you compare at least two or three options to see who offers the best value for your budget.

Remember, cheapest isn’t always best. I’ll say it again. Cheapest isn’t always best. Look for quality, reliability, and reviews as well as price. You don’t want to pick the most budget-friendly option only for them to do a terrible job or take your money without turning up. You’ll only end up spending more to fix their mistakes.

Even negotiating small things, like materials included in the quote or timing of the job, can make a noticeable difference.

6. Think about the timing of your project

When you schedule your renovation can actually affect the cost more than you might think. Tradespeople tend to be busier (and more expensive) during peak seasons, like spring and summer. If you can shift your project to quieter months, you might snag better rates or more flexible scheduling.

Timing also matters when it comes to materials. Many suppliers offer discounts off-season, or clearance deals when they’re making way for new stock. Even a few weeks’ planning can mean the difference between paying full price and grabbing a bargain.

By thinking strategically about when to start and buy, you can stretch your renovation budget further without compromising on quality.

 

7. Spend money on the most-used areas

When it comes to renovations, it’s tempting to splash out everywhere and transform the entire house. But some rooms deserve more attention (and budget) than others.

I’d recommend that you focus the big spends on the rooms that are most used or seen, including the kitchen, bathroom and hallway, maybe even the living room. These spaces get the most foot traffic, and therefore they need to be hard wearing enough for every day use.

You can save money on other rooms that could instead benefit from a quick touch up or some cosmetic fixes, without altering their structure or knocking walls down. You could also save by using more affordable materials.

 

8. Don’t replace everything (the green perspective)

We live in a throwaway culture, a place where people think it’s okay to remove period interior doors because someone doesn’t like them (I saw this on Instagram recently; someone had sawn some Victorian doors in half and put them in a skip *cry emoji*).

Every time you try to repair something instead of replacing it, you’re aligning with the green perspective. This is where things are repurposed or fixed up instead of chucked, and it can actually save you a lot of money.

Sand, paint, polish, or reupholster instead of replacing.

 

Please don’t let renovating your home become all about money. It’s not worth chucking everything you have at it, to only realise later you’re spending beyond your means and all your money is tied up in the house.

By being strategic, taking a step back, and thinking carefully about what really needs replacing (and what can be fixed, refreshed, or repurposed), you can still have a beautiful home (maybe just with a few compromises).

At the end of the day, it’s about making your space work for you and your budget. Spend wisely, fix creatively, and enjoy the process. You’ll end up with a home you love and a renovation bill that won’t make you wince.